The German island town of Sassnitz is about to become the latest venue in SailGP’s globe-trotting calendar. For the first time, the 12-team fleet will race in the sheltered waters off Rügen’s north-east coast, with the course pressed right up against the harbour wall. More than 11,000 fans are expected to pack the grandstands and waterfront lounges for a close-quarters spectacle.
The racing window runs from 3.30pm to 5pm CEST on both Saturday and Sunday, with forecast easterlies promising flat water and winds in the mid-teens. That means high speeds, less margin for error, and little time to recover from mistakes.
Teams fine-tune in final practice
This week’s build-up has seen crews logging long hours in varied conditions. France’s Quentin Delapierre called their Thursday session “a smooth practice afternoon”, while Germany’s Erik Heil simply said, “Sassnitz. We are out!” after their first laps.
The Australian Flying Roos, guided by coach Ben “Bull” Durham, have been using training to sharpen manoeuvres with the T-foils and focus on staying in control during tight boat-on-boat situations. “It’s a brand-new venue for SailGP and for the Australian team. No one on our crew has raced here before,” Durham said. “We’ve taken away a lot of lessons from recent events.”
Red Bull Italy logged five hours on the water in a fresh easterly on Thursday, calling it “fast and pumped for the days ahead”. Denmark’s Tom Johnson said it’s “only a matter of time” before ROCKWOOL Racing are back on the podium in this intense European leg.
Season race tightens
The Black Foils of New Zealand arrive in Sassnitz at the top of the 2025 season leaderboard, two points clear of Spain’s Los Gallos. Only four points cover the top four teams, with Emirates GBR and Australia still well in the hunt.
The Great Britain event in July was a turning point. New Zealand took the win, Spain slipped, and Australia’s penalty sparked heated debate. With three European rounds in just five weeks, momentum could shift quickly.
Home team under the spotlight
Germany’s SailGP Team will enjoy the rare advantage of home waters, although their crew – like the rest of the fleet – has never raced here before. Driver Erik Heil will look to lift the team from mid-fleet into contention, powered by the noise and energy of the local crowd.
Winds, water, and watchpoints
Sassnitz’s location offers two prevailing wind patterns: shifty offshore westerlies or steadier onshore easterlies. This weekend’s forecast points to the latter, making for “champagne” sailing conditions. Flat water will allow teams to push their F50s harder, and with little wave action to slow them down, expect top speeds and tight mark roundings.
Stevie Morrison, SailGP commentator, predicts the flat conditions will make handling easier but could amplify the racing intensity. “When the boats are easier to sail, everyone can push them harder – and faster.”
Off-water moves
It’s not just the racing that’s heating up. The Swiss SailGP Team recently announced new investment from the Firmenich family, strengthening their competitive future. In the U.S., strategic investment firm Next 3 – backed by the Tisch family, co-owners of the New York Giants – has joined the American team’s backers, signalling growing confidence in SailGP’s commercial trajectory.
Anticipation builds
As the final practice race wraps and teams prepare for the opening start, the mood in Sassnitz is a mix of focus and excitement. With sell-out crowds, perfect forecast conditions, and a season leaderboard that’s too close to call, the stage is set for two days of high-speed, high-stakes racing on the Baltic.
