The Rolex SailGP Championship returns this weekend for the second event of the 2026 Season, with the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland set to deliver fierce, fast-paced racing on the picturesque Waitematā Harbour. With rivalries already heating up after the opening event last month in Perth, teams now head to Auckland eager to reset and stake an early claim in what promises to be one of the most competitive SailGP seasons yet.
RACE TO THE START LINE FOLLOWING A GLOBAL REPAIR EFFORT
Pending final testing, all thirteen international teams are expected to join the start line in Auckland following an extraordinary, around-the-clock global repair effort to return multiple boats to racing condition. After a dramatic collision with Switzerland cut New Zealand’s season debut short, SailGP Technologies has led an all-hands-on-deck operation to rebuild the Black Foils’ F50 in time for their home event this weekend.
A damaged section of the team’s port hull – a roughly two-metre structural segment sheared off in the impact – was fabricated from scratch in the UK before being shipped to Auckland for final assembly. Specialist technicians have worked tirelessly to integrate the new hull section, re-plate composite panels, and precisely realign control systems, ensuring the boat meets SailGP’s strict safety and performance standards. Los Gallos – the Spain SailGP Team – will also return to racing in Auckland, following a pre-season training crash that ruled the Season 4 champions out of the Perth opener.
CITY OF SAILS BECOMES THE CITY OF SAILGP
The City of Sails is ready to become the City of SailGP once again. Auckland returns to the Rolex SailGP Championship calendar for the 2026 Season, promising major crowds, high-stakes racing, and action from a full fleet on the tight racecourse. One of SailGP’s most electric venues, Auckland will transform its iconic harbour into a natural Race Stadium framed by the city skyline. Expanded grandstands and enhanced on-water viewing will bring fans closer to the action.
The tight harbour course and notoriously fickle sea breeze are set to deliver fast, tactical racing as Kiwi fans turn out in droves to support home team heroes Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Liv Mackay, and the Black Foils. Leisure (DJ set) is the headline post-racing entertainment for Day One of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, taking place at Heineken House following the high-adrenaline racing.
BRITS: THE TEAM TO WATCH
Defending champions Emirates GBR continue their strong form from Perth, emerging as the clear benchmark of the fleet. Led by double Olympic Gold Medalist Dylan Fletcher, the British crew has mastered local conditions and will be looking to maintain their winning streak against fierce competition. They face added pressure to outperform the Black Foils after the New Zealand team denied them victory in Portsmouth last season.
THE 2026 SEASON LEADERBOARD
Perth’s event showcased a changing order in SailGP, with powerhouses like Emirates GBR (first), BONDS Flying Roos (second), and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France (third) finishing at the top. Newcomers Sweden and a resurgent United States have emerged as genuine contenders, adding excitement to the Auckland race. This will be a true test of whether the established teams can fend off new challengers, as Swedish driver Nathan Outteridge renews his rivalry with Peter Burling on home waters.
SailGP is a global racing championship designed to redefine professional sailing. It operates with identical, one-design F50 foiling catamarans, creating a genuinely level playing field. Racing is held in close-to-shore “stadium” environments, bringing fans closer to the action. Teams compete across multiple races per event, with points contributing to the overall championship standings. Only the top three teams progress to a winner-takes-all Final.
For tickets, latest news, and broadcast information ahead of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix on February 14-15, visit sailgp.com/auckland.
#SailGP #CityOfSails #Auckland #Sailing
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
Follow our coverage of what’s happening in the foiling World Click here
Follow all our SailGP coverage Click here
