SailGP officially opened its first long-term training base at the American Magic High Performance Center in Pensacola, Florida on October 19, 2026. This facility marks a significant milestone, as it will serve as a year-round hub for the international fleet and developing athletes.
The Pensacola training base is designed to bolster athlete development, strengthen competitive integrity, and support the growth of the sport. The multi-season agreement, extending through 2031, solidifies a strategic partnership between American Magic and SailGP.
Andrew Thompson, SailGP Managing Director, emphasized its importance: “The SailGP Training Base is more than a facility – it is the infrastructure that enables the next phase of our growth. As a year-round high-performance hub, it allows our teams to invest in athlete development and progression.”
Tyson Lamond, American Magic Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in welcoming the SailGP fleet, noting the supportive local sailing community: “This five-year commitment gives us an opportunity to bring more local people into the excitement of SailGP.”
D.C. Reeves, Mayor of Pensacola, highlighted the city’s role in high-performance sailing: “The opening of this training base is positive proof that our bay is no longer just a well-kept secret — it is the epicenter of high-performance competitive sailing on the world stage.”
Athletes like Dylan Fletcher from the Emirates GBR SailGP Team acknowledged the base’s potential: “Having a dedicated facility like Pensacola will be a game changer for SailGP athletes. It allows us to push the limits and refine our playbooks.”
The training base will operate under consistent standards to ensure fairness, with all teams having equal access to training blocks. This facility aims to support continuous athlete development and performance progression, fostering a new generation of elite racing.
SailGP teams will adopt a flexible, pay-to-train model, allowing them to manage costs effectively. The first ten days of training will be exempt from the annual operating cap, offering teams the opportunity to maximise their training benefits.
With SailGP’s ongoing expansion plans towards 2030, the training base is crucial in providing the infrastructure needed to support the league’s growth and elevate the standard of racing.
#SailGP #Pensacola #BondsFlyingRoos
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
Follow all our SailGP coverage Click here
