SailGP has announced its first long-term training base at the American Magic High Performance Centre in Pensacola, Florida. The state-of-the-art facility opened on 7 January 2026.
The multi-season agreement will see SailGP teams use the centre as a North American hub from September 2026 through to the end of 2031.
The facility offers year-round access to elite training and technical development for all SailGP teams under a centrally managed, shared-use model.
“This marks an exciting next chapter,” said SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts. “With access to world-class facilities, our athletes can develop year-round, boosting competition across the fleet.”
Coutts noted Pensacola’s consistent conditions and strategic location made it an ideal choice. “It reflects its growing role as a high-performance sailing hub,” he added.
Doug DeVos, co-founder of American Magic, described the centre as “the foundation of a long-term vision” to make the U.S. a global destination for elite sailing.
The Pensacola base will operate on a pay-to-train model. Teams will pay only for days used, under a structure designed to ensure fairness and equal access.
SailGP teams will benefit from on-water support, shore resources, safety teams, and technical specialists—all provided by American Magic.
The announcement comes ahead of SailGP’s 2026 season opener in Perth, Australia, on 17–18 January, where a record 13 international teams will compete.
