Emirates GBR have announced their arrival in Portsmouth with a high-profile stunt on one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
Team touch down and publicity stunt
Stuart Bithell MBE, Emirates GBR wing trimmer, and development sailor Kai Hockley abseiled the 170-metre Spinnaker Tower to mark the team's arrival on the south coast. The descent was filmed on the tower overlooking Portsmouth Harbour as part of the build-up to the home Sail Grand Prix.
"That was wild! It was pretty windy up there, but it was cool, scary, but cool. I’d much rather take being on an F50 at 100km/h than doing that again," said Bithell as he touched down.
What to expect on race weekend
The Portsmouth Sail Grand Prix will take place over the weekend of 25–26 July. The event will host 13 national teams racing identical 50ft foiling catamarans (F50s), which can reach in excess of 100km/h. Organisers expect more than 20,000 spectators across the weekend.
- Event dates: 25–26 July
- Teams: 13 national entries
- Expected attendance: >20,000
- Local team standing: Emirates GBR currently third in the 2026 Season leaderboard
Home pressure and local significance
Emirates GBR arrive at a crucial point in the season. The home squad sit third on the 2026 leaderboard behind Spain and Australia, and team members have acknowledged the added intensity of competing in front of a home crowd. Dylan Fletcher, the British helm, described the build-up as pressure the team embraces, while Sir Ben Ainslie, Emirates GBR CEO, reflected on the unpredictability of this campaign and the importance of momentum.
The event is a high-profile sporting spectacle for Portsmouth, drawing international teams and spectators to the seafront and waterfront spaces. The presence of the grandstand, race village and on-water racing will concentrate activity around the harbour and seafront for the weekend.
Event summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 25–26 July 2026 |
| Teams | 13 national teams |
| Vessel type | F50 foiling catamarans (50ft) |
| Top speed | Over 100 km/h |
| Expected spectators | More than 20,000 |
For residents and visitors, the weekend will bring a mix of sporting spectacle and heavier footfall in seafront areas. Those planning to attend should check official SailGP channels for ticketing, schedule and any local guidance issued by Portsmouth authorities and event organisers.
This weekend's races will serve as both a test of form for the British team and a showcase for Portsmouth as a host city for world-class sailing.
