The Rolex SailGP Championship returns to Sydney this weekend (28 February – 1 March) with a first for the global series. For the first time, racing will take place at twilight as the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix unfolds on the harbour at golden hour.
Eleven of 13 national teams will line up on a tight stadium-style course wrapped around Shark Island. Identical F50 foiling catamarans, capable of speeds exceeding 100km/h, are expected to deliver close, high-speed racing.
Heavyweight Rivalry Renewed
Championship leaders, the BONDS Flying Roos, and reigning season champions, Emirates Great Britain, arrive level on 19 points.
The British claimed victory in Sydney last year, defeating the Australians on home waters in a breakthrough win that launched their title-winning campaign. Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos return after a victory in Auckland — their first in over a year — and remain the most successful team in SailGP history.
Sydney marks the third stop of the 2026 season and the final event in Australasia.
Harbour Set To Test Crews
Sydney Harbour is known for volatile conditions. Ocean easterlies funnel through the heads. Southerly changes can arrive quickly. Headlands and city buildings distort the breeze, creating sharp gusts and sudden pressure shifts.
Saturday’s forecast predicts gusts of 18–28km/h. Stronger easterlies are possible on Sunday, potentially increasing boat speeds and risk. The compact course around Shark Island produces steep harbour chop and constant tactical decisions.
Final Push – France, helmed by Quentin Delapierre, closes on Brazil’s Martine Grael at the finish on Race Day 2 in Cadiz, 5 October 2025. Photo: Ricardo Pinto/ SailGP.
Shifting Order In 2026
Early-season racing has seen pressure from emerging teams, including Sweden and a resurgent United States. Momentum in Sydney could prove significant in the standings. New Zealand and France will not compete this weekend after sustaining significant damage in Auckland earlier this month. Eleven teams will race.
A New Chapter At Twilight
As racing moves into golden hour, crews must adjust to changing light, breeze and temperature. Organisers say the later race window is designed to enhance broadcast coverage and deliver a primetime spectacle. Fans will watch from Shark Island, which hosts all-inclusive Waterfront Premium and sold-out Waterfront Platinum experiences.
