All you need to know ahead of the return of SailGP to Auckland.
What’s happening?
A fleet of 13 F50 foiling catamarans will tear around the Waitematā Harbour on Saturday and Sunday evening in SailGP’s return to New Zealand on February 14 and 15.
Last year was thefirst time Auckland hosted SailGP, which proved to be a massive boost for the local economy, drawing more than 25,000 spectators. That followed two editions on Lyttelton Harbour.
Auckland is the second stop of 13 across the globe for the 2026 season.
The campaign opened in Perth last month, where Emirates GBR came out on top, while it was a disaster for the Black Foils after a collision with Switzerland in the opening race, which meant they were unable to compete for the rest of the weekend.
Where is the racing going to take place?
Racing will take place on the Waitematā Harbour on the city side of the Harbour Bridge off Wynyard Point.
An indicative map of the race area for SailGP's return to Auckland. Image / SailGP
If you want to see the action and don’t have a ticket/have no plans of getting one, Sulphur Beach, Stokes Point Reserve should provide the best view points on the north side of the bridge, while you should be able to catch a glimpse of the racing from Bayswater Marina, the Cyril Bassett VC lookout at Stanley Point, and atop Mt Victoria.
In the city, Princes Wharf and The Lighthouse should be popular vantage points.
How can I watch it outside of Auckland?
The racing will be broadcast live on Three and ThreeNow from 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The action will also be livestreamed on the SailGP YouTube channel and the Herald will run a liveblog from 3.30pm on both days.
How are the conditions looking?
Bring something waterproof as there is a chance of the odd shower on Saturday and Sunday.
The wind looks like it’ll play ball, with a solid easterly forecast on Saturday which is expected to get a touch stronger for finals day on Sunday. That should lend its hand to some fast, frantic racing on the tight Auckland course.
Getting there
It is recommended fans come to the sailing via public transport – or walking, cycling, scootering ... you get it.
There will be road closures from Madden St down to the waterfront, but Jellicoe Street Carpark will be open and accessible via Madden St.
If you’re getting a taxi or Uber, there is a dropbox location on Packenham St.
Bus routes will be unaffected.
Bus travel is included for SailGP ticket holders; just show your event ticket to the driver as you board. There is no parking available at the SailGP race stadium, you’ll need to find a spot in a carpark building – or on the street – nearby and walk over.
If you are heading to the race stadium, bring a water bottle with you. There will be refill sites available.
The Black Foils lead the charge in terms of Kiwi representation, although Sweden do arrive as a second New Zealand team.
There are a few New Zealand links on the water for other teams.
Black Foils (NZ): Peter Burling - driver, Blair Tuke - wing trimmer, Liv Mackay - strategist, Leo Takahashi - flight controller, Louis Sinclair - grinder, Marcus Hansen - grinder.
Sweden: Andy Maloney – flight controller, Brad Farrand - grinder/jib trimmer, Sam Meech - coach
