In a major change to the SailGP race format, SailGP CEO Russell Coutts has changed tack, announcing that all racing in the Qualifying Rounds will be conducted on a “Group Racing” basis for the rest of 2026.
With the increase in race numbers (13 teams now) the two Group format avoids the big pack push-and-shove start and first mark mayhem, with the chance of multiple boat damage and crew injuries . . . something that has plagued the early season events.
Using this split fleet, Group A comprises seven teams and Group B six teams, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the sudden-death Event Final to decide the event winner.
Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth Group Racing Split
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth takes place over the weekend of the 25-26 July 2026.
It’s a crucially important event for the home team, who currently sit third on the 2026 Season leaderboard, behind Spain’s Los Gallos in second and Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos in first.
This system was used at the last Grand Prix in Halifax, Canada, although the expected strong wind conditions that triggered the change, only turned up on the second day.
This last minute decision – even though the weather conditions are expected to be moderate – indicates that the two group system will be the norm for rest of season 6.
With Coutts forecasting a continued growth in competing teams numbers for next season he seems to have bowed to the inevitable, before more serious injuries are sustained and the radical ‘Formula 1 of Sailing’ circuit gets a ‘demolition derby’ reputation.
