Auckland Hosts 13 Teams For SailGP Showdown

13th February 2026

Afloat.ie Team

F50 catamarans race on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour during the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, as 13 international teams compete metres from shore in front of packed grandstands

Auckland is set to host 13 international teams this weekend for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. Up to 26,000 spectators are expected at SailGP’s largest Race Stadium on the Waitematā Harbour, with racing taking place metres from the shoreline.

Host nation, the New Zealand SailGP Team, known as the Black Foils, returned after a dramatic collision with Switzerland in Perth, which ended their season opener. The damaged F50 was rebuilt following the impact, which sheared off a two-metre section of the port hull.

Sir Russell Coutts, CEO and co-founder of SailGP, said: “It has been a monumental effort to get them back on the start line, and I’m sure the New Zealand fans will turn out in full force to support the Black Foils this weekend.” The replacement hull section was fabricated in the UK and shipped to Auckland for final assembly. SailGP technicians worked around the clock to integrate the new structure and align control systems.

Black Foils driver Peter Burling said at Friday’s press conference: “We’re really glad to be at home. It’ll be really special to see all 13 boats in front of the massive grandstands here.” He added: “It definitely was not the ideal way to start the season, having the boat in a condition where you can’t sail after race one, but the SailGP Tech Team has done a really good job getting the boat back on track.”

Spain’s Spain SailGP Team, known as Los Gallos, also return after a pre-season crash ruled them out of Perth. Driver Diego Botin said: “It’s obviously very frustrating not having had the chance to score points in Perth… but we are going to move forward to build our season from here.”

Defending champions Emirates GBR lead the 2026 standings after winning in Perth. Australia’s Australia SailGP Team, winners in Auckland last season, are expected to challenge in strong winds.

The United States SailGP Team impressed in Perth with a fifth-place finish. Driver Taylor Canfield said: “We’ve had a few personnel changes… But we’ve got a great group now… We’re definitely not at our ceiling yet.”

Denmark’s ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team will compete under new ownership after acquisition by American investor Doug DeVos.

Practice racing on Friday was cancelled due to thunderstorms. Official racing begins at 4 pm NZDT on Saturday, 14 February.

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