New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
The Rolex SailGP Championship returns this weekend for the second event of the 2026 Season, with the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland set to deliver fierce, fast-paced racing on the picturesque Waitematā Harbour. With rivalries already heating up after the opening event last month in Perth, teams now head to Auckland eager to reset and stake an early claim in what promises to be one of the most competitive SailGP seasons yet.
RACE TO THE START LINE FOLLOWING A GLOBAL REPAIR EFFORT
Pending final testing – all thirteen international teams are expected to join the startline in Auckland following an extraordinary, around-the-clock global repair effort to return multiple boats to racing condition.
After a dramatic collision with Switzerland cut New Zealand’s season debut short, SailGP Technologies has led an all-hands-on-deck operation to rebuild the Black Foils’ F50 in time for their home event this weekend.
A damaged section of the team’s port hull – a roughly two-meter structural segment sheared off in the impact – was fabricated from scratch in the UK before being shipped to Auckland for final assembly. Specialist technicians have since worked tirelessly to integrate the new hull section, re-plate composite panels and precisely realign control systems, ensuring the boat meets SailGP’s strict safety and performance standards.
Los Gallos – the Spain SailGP Team – will also return to racing in Auckland, following a pre-season training crash that ruled the Season 4 champions out of the Perth opener.
