SailGP has confirmed a major new partnership ahead of this weekend’s racing on the Waitematā Harbour, with American Magic joining ROCKWOOL Racing in a long term strategic collaboration that strengthens both the Danish team and the league’s global ambitions.
ROCKWOOL Racing driver Nicolai Sehested described the announcement as a major vote of confidence in the team’s performance and trajectory. He said the addition of American Magic provides the resources and expertise needed to compete at the very top of the Rolex SailGP Championship.
American Magic CEO Mike Kaiser revealed discussions between the two organisations have been ongoing for several years. After closely following SailGP’s growth in global reach, fan engagement, and on water spectacle, American Magic made the decision to formally join the league through its backing of ROCKWOOL Racing.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step forward for the championship. He noted ROCKWOOL’s long term extension through to at least 2032 and highlighted American Magic’s deep experience in professional sport and high performance sailing. Coutts also pointed to the newly established Pensacola training base as a strategic asset that aligns with SailGP’s ambitions to develop emerging talent.
Coutts confirmed the league is actively exploring the creation of a smaller development class catamaran to form a structured pathway into SailGP, similar to minor league systems in other professional sports. Planning remains in early stages, but the concept has gathered momentum.
American Magic President of Sailing Operations Terry Hutchinson outlined immediate performance benefits, including the introduction of experienced coach James Lyne and a focus on refining race processes developed over more than a decade of elite competition.
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The announcement comes as SailGP confirms all 13 F50 teams will return to the start line in Auckland following extensive repair efforts after the season opener in Perth. SailGP Technologies, supported by local partners, completed significant rebuilds to ensure full fleet participation.
Black Foils driver Peter Burling acknowledged the team’s challenging start to the season after damage in Perth ruled them out of racing. He praised the technical teams for their rapid reconstruction effort and confirmed the boat has returned to full operational readiness.
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Spain’s Diego Botin also confirmed his team’s return following significant repairs, thanking SailGP’s shared services unit for its support.
Drivers across the fleet expect strong south westerly conditions this weekend, setting the stage for high speed, close quarters racing in front of a capacity Auckland crowd.
With new investment, renewed rivalries and a full fleet assembled, SailGP Auckland is poised to deliver one of the most compelling events of the 2026 season.
