AUCKLAND, 14 February 2026 – The Waitematā Harbour has transformed into a high-speed arena today as the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix officially gets underway. With the 2026 season in full swing, the world’s most advanced foiling catamarans are competing in front of a packed Auckland crowd, marking the second time the city has hosted the prestigious global league.
Auckland Racing Schedule Adjusted
Due to an evolving weather forecast, SailGP officials have proactively adjusted the schedule for the weekend. Racing for Day 2 (Sunday, 15 February) has been brought forward to 11:30 am NZT to ensure the best possible conditions for the F50 fleet. The local favourites, the New Zealand “Black Foils,” are looking to rebound on home waters after facing electrical issues in previous outings, while Denmark and Great Britain enter the weekend with significant momentum following strong performances in the earlier European legs.
Major Team Acquisition: American Magic Enters SailGP
In a landmark move for the league’s commercial landscape, it was confirmed yesterday that the ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team has been acquired by leading sports investor and American Magic principal, Doug DeVos. The takeover marks a new era for the Danish-flagged team, which has been a consistent podium threat. DeVos, a prominent figure in international sailing, stated the acquisition is driven by a “here to win” mentality, further solidifying the bridge between America’s Cup talent and the SailGP circuit.
The F50 Catamaran: Technical Specifications
The SailGP championship is contested in identical F50 catamarans, ensuring that victory is determined by human skill rather than design discrepancies. These boats are engineered to “fly” above the water using sophisticated hydrofoiling technology.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Boat Class | F50 Foiling Catamaran |
| Length | 15 Metres (49.2 Feet) |
| Weight | 2,400 kg |
| Top Speed | Over 100 km/h (Record: 99.98 km/h) |
| Crew Size | 6 Members |
| Data Points | 50+ Sensors per boat |
Crew Roles and Performance
Success on an F50 requires perfect synchronisation among the six crew members. Each role is critical to maintaining flight and speed:
- Driver: Steers the boat and makes tactical decisions.
- Flight Controller: Manages the ride height and pitch using the foils to keep the boat out of the water.
- Wing Trimmer: Controls the massive rigid wing sail to maximise power from the wind.
- Strategist: Observes the racecourse, wind patterns, and opponent positions.
- Grinders (2): Provide the manual power required to operate the hydraulic systems that move the foils and wing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last SailGP Season?
Emirates Great Britain, led by Dylan Fletcher, were crowned the 2025 Season Rolex SailGP Champions following a decisive victory at the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi in November 2025.
How fast can a SailGP boat go?
The F50 catamarans are capable of speeds exceeding 100 km/h. The current speed record is held by the France SailGP Team at 99.98 km/h, though teams frequently push the 100 km/h barrier in high-wind conditions.
Where is the next race after Auckland?
Following the conclusion of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix this weekend, the league continues its 2026 calendar, having recently completed a successful event in Perth, Australia, where Emirates GBR took the top spot on the podium.
What are the “Black Foils”?
The “Black Foils” is the official nickname for the New Zealand SailGP Team. They are currently one of the top-ranked teams in the league, featuring high-profile sailors like Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.