SailGP returns to Auckland this weekend with a full fleet expected on the start line. The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix takes place on February 14th to 15th on Waitematā Harbour. It is the second event of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship.
Organisers say this will be SailGP’s largest purpose-built Race Stadium to date. All 13 international teams are pending final testing to compete, following a major global repair effort after dramatic incidents in Perth.
New Zealand’s Black Foils suffered a heavy collision with Switzerland in the season opener. A two-metre section of the port hull was rebuilt in the UK and shipped to Auckland for final assembly. Specialist crews have integrated the new structure and realigned control systems to meet class safety standards.
Spain’s Los Gallos also return after a pre-season training crash ruled them out of Perth.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said the fleet’s recovery was a significant effort. “The collisions we saw in Perth really tested our resilience,” he said. “To have the full fleet back on the start line in Auckland is a testament to the skill and commitment of everyone involved.”
More than 25,000 fans attended last year’s inaugural Auckland event. The tight harbour course and shifting sea breeze are expected to produce close racing.
Home driver Peter Burling said racing in Auckland carries extra weight. “Coming home gives us a real opportunity to reset and to show what this team is capable of,” he said. “Racing in front of a home crowd here in Auckland is always our favourite event.”
Defending champions Emirates GBR arrive as early-season leaders after victory in Perth. Led by Dylan Fletcher, the British crew held off Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos and France in the opening final.
Newcomers Sweden and a resurgent United States signalled intent with strong early performances.
Spain driver Diego Botin said his team is ready to rejoin the fight. “Missing Perth was tough, but now the focus is fully on Auckland,” he said. “The level across the fleet is so high this year, so every race matters.”
Racing follows SailGP’s short-format structure. Identical F50 foiling catamarans compete in multiple fleet races, with the top three progressing to a winner-takes-all final.
Broadcast coverage will air across major international networks, including TNT Sports in the UK and Sky Sport NZ in New Zealand.
