With the world’s fastest racing boats and tightest teams set to clash once again, all eyes are on Portsmouth for SailGP’s return to British waters this July.
SailGP is in Portsmouth for what promises to be one of the season’s most action-packed race weekends. In 13 days time, on 19 and 20 July, Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team will take on 11 other national squads on home turf, bringing the F50 fleet to The Solent for the first time since 2022. With crowd-pulling speeds over 90km/h and the series now tighter than ever, the coastal city is primed for a serious dose of foiling spectacle.
Whether you’re in the stands, out on the water, or following online, the SailGP Portsmouth race weekend seems to be shaping up as one of the defining events of Season 4.
Race times confirmed for the Solent showdown
Fans can mark their calendars: race times are now locked in for both days of competition. On Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July, racing kicks off from 2.30pm to 4pm local time — (1:30am – 3am NZT on Sunday 21 July and Monday 22 July) perfect for a packed grandstand and high afternoon breeze.
The course layout has also been confirmed, with the start line positioned off the shoreline near Old Portsmouth and the upwind gate set toward Southsea Castle. This configuration offers excellent viewing from land and water — and even better tactical options for teams managing shifty breeze, tidal flow, and fast mark roundings in the narrow Solent corridor.
For home fans, it’s a rare chance to see the Emirates GBR boat perform metres from shore. With veteran helmsman Giles Scott now firmly in control, the British squad will be looking to deliver on home soil after a mixed season to date.
Grandstands, foils and family fun
The event is designed to be more than just racing. SailGP’s Portsmouth Race Stadium will again serve as the onshore hub, centred at Southsea Common. The British allow free entry to the site, giving everyone a chance to get close to the action — from the big screens and commentary zone to live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and athlete appearances.
Ticketed areas include waterfront grandstand seating, premium hospitality lounges, and inner-harbour spectator boat access for those wanting to watch from the water.
For Kiwis familiar with the atmosphere at SailGP Christchurch and Auckland, Portsmouth’s setup will feel familiar: a buzzing race village, local food and drink, a focus on sustainability, and a genuine effort to make foiling racing accessible to all ages.
The teams to watch
With the 2024–25 season in full swing, the F50 league arrives in Portsmouth with momentum building — and pressure mounting. The New Zealand Black Foils will be one of the favourites, especially after recent wins in New York’s tricky, light-air venues.
Decoding New York: Data-driven takeaways from SailGP’s latest clash
No doubt, all eyes will be on the home team. Giles Scott and his crew have had a challenging year, but their deep Olympic experience and growing consistency make them a serious podium threat. Add in the home crowd factor and local knowledge, and Emirates GBR could be a real force at this stop.
Elsewhere in the fleet, expect the Australians — led by Tom Slingsby — to be gunning for a comeback. The US and France have both shown flashes of speed, while new entries like Brazil and Germany are hungry for points and still finding their groove.
Portsmouth’s dynamic racecourse — with its tight boundaries, complex wind shifts and strong tidal flow — often favours bold starts and clean manoeuvres. Mistakes are costly, but risk-takers can climb fast.
Beyond the race course: impact and legacy
SailGP’s Portsmouth event isn’t just about racing. A big part of the weekend revolves around local outreach and legacy programmes.
Working closely with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and SailGP’s Inspire programme, hundreds of local schoolchildren will get involved through sailing experiences, STEM education, and behind-the-scenes tours. The event also includes employment pathways for young people in sports event production, logistics and hospitality.
It’s part of SailGP’s “Better Sport” mission — where each event leaves a positive footprint in its host city. For a port city like Portsmouth, with its naval history and vibrant foiling culture, the alignment couldn’t be stronger.
How to get involved
For Kiwis who are watching from afar, SailGP’s YouTube channel and official app will offer full race coverage while Sky Sport (NZ) will carry broadcast coverage. Highlights and interviews will run across social media before, during, and after racing.
Boating New Zealand will provide full coverage of the racing. Find our articles here at https://www.boatingnz.co.nz/sailgp/
