International fleet converges on the Solent for two days of high-speed racing
Portsmouth prepares to host the eighth event of SailGP Season Six on 25–26 July, when a record fleet of 13 teams will contest the tight Solent course. The event opens the league’s European segment and brings top-level foiling catamaran racing to the city’s waterfront, with organisers expecting a large Southsea crowd to line the shore.
Championship picture tightens behind Australia
Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos arrive in Portsmouth clear at the top of the standings, but the chase pack is closely bunched. Emirates Great Britain and Spain’s Los Gallos go into the event level on points as they battle for runner-up places on the road to the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Home advantage and strong local support offer Dylan Fletcher’s GB crew an incentive to rediscover the pace that has eluded them in recent rounds, while Diego Botín’s Spanish outfit aim to continue their seasonal progress.
Crewing changes and milestones
Mubadala Brazil return to Portsmouth with a revised line-up: Martine Grael resumes the driver’s role, with Paul Goodison moving to strategist. The swap restores SailGP’s first female driver to the helm for the European opener; Brazil are still seeking their first race win of 2026. Meanwhile, DS Automobiles SailGP Team France welcome back wing trimmer Leigh McMillan, who rejoins after months of rehabilitation following the Auckland incident. Enzo Balanger will continue in the wing trimmer role for this event as McMillan reintegrates with the team.
Group racing to shape the action
With the league expanded to a dozen-plus fleet, organisers have experimented with group racing — splitting the field into two heats that race separately before combining points — to preserve close, high-quality contests. The format, trialled earlier in Auckland and other Grands Prix this season, is set to be used again on Portsmouth’s narrower Solent course.
- Event dates: 25–26 July
- Season round: Eighth event of Season Six
- Fleet size: Record 13 teams
- Notable crew moves: Martine Grael returns to driving; Paul Goodison to strategist
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| ESP, AUS, NZL, CAN, ITA, DEN, BRA | SWE, SUI, USA, GER, FRA, GBR |
Local impact and what to expect
The event will bring intensified marine activity along the Solent and increased footfall on Southsea seafront across the weekend. Residents and visitors should expect spectators on the foreshore and additional river traffic management measures; local businesses typically see a surge in customers during SailGP weekends. The tight racing lines of the Solent favour tactical calls and place a premium on starts and mark roundings, factors that may influence how teams deploy the group format.
Portsmouth’s role as the European opener highlights the city’s continuing appeal as a host venue for major sailing events; the combination of a compact racecourse and enthusiastic home support makes it a pivotal stop in the SailGP calendar.
