SailGP has confirmed that Auckland will return to the global racing circuit in 2026, with the foiling F50 catamarans set to fly once more across the Waitematā Harbour on 14–15 February. The announcement marks a triumphant return for New Zealand’s largest city, reaffirming its status as a world-class sailing venue.
The 2026 Season will kick off in Perth on 17–18 January, making Auckland the second stop in an 11-month, globe-spanning series. Following the Auckland event, the fleet will head to Sydney (28 February–1 March), delivering three back-to-back South Pacific events that promise fast-paced, stadium-style sailing in spectacular coastal settings. The scheduling of these events in quick succession allows teams to maintain peak performance while reducing logistical complexity — a key goal of the league’s sustainability-driven strategy.
The New Zealand event — officially titled the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland — will again receive strong regional backing. KPMG, already the title partner for the Sydney leg, has expanded its involvement and will serve as an official event partner for Auckland, strengthening corporate support for the series across the South Pacific.
Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, noted the significance of this regional grouping in his announcement. “We’re looking forward to our most expansive calendar to date,” he said. “The return to Auckland highlights the city’s importance to our series — both for its passionate fanbase and its world-class sailing conditions. The 2026 schedule will deliver high-intensity racing to more fans than ever before.”
For Auckland’s waterfront and the wider New Zealand marine industry, the February 2026 regatta represents not just a spectacle of foiling catamarans hitting speeds over 90 km/h, but a valuable opportunity for engagement, exposure and economic benefit. Local marine businesses, hospitality providers and tourism operators will be gearing up for what’s expected to be a major mid-summer drawcard.
Black Foils Co-CEO and Driver Peter Burling said, “Auckland set a new standard for SailGP events in 2025 and we are delighted to be returning next year and to be able to race in front of our home fans. It was special to finally see F50s racing in the inner harbour this year and showcase the spectacle of SailGP to our biggest city. The setting in Auckland is a great advertisement for what SailGP is all about. I can’t wait to be part of the energy that it brought to the city again next year. It really is special to race at home.”
The 2026 SailGP calendar also features some of the series’ cornerstone events, with return visits to New York (30–31 May), Bermuda (9–10 May), and Saint-Tropez (12–13 September). New for 2026 is the debut of SailGP in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 11–12 April — part of a broadened South American push. Canada also returns with Halifax scheduled for 20–21 June.
In Europe, fans can expect the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth to make a July comeback, though final dates are still to be confirmed. The season will conclude with a Middle East double-header: Dubai (21–22 November) and the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Grand Final on 28–29 November.
Across the 2026 Season, teams will once again contest the Rolex SailGP Championship, with the cumulative series crowning the ultimate victors at the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi. The format remains focused on consistency and competitive intensity — every event, every leg, and every point will count.
Auckland’s confirmed inclusion signals a major boost for New Zealand’s involvement in top-tier professional sailing. After stellar performances from the New Zealand SailGP Team — including fleet wins and match race appearances — the home regatta is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Expect big crowds on Auckland’s headlands, a buzz through the Viaduct, and world-class sailing played out just metres from the shoreline. With the foiling fleet set to return, Auckland’s harbour is ready to deliver the drama, speed and spray that have become SailGP’s calling card.
