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Sydney Sail Grand Prix will feature a spectacular twilight racing format

Written by Media Release

Sydney Sail Grand Prix will feature a spectacular twilight racing format

 
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA,
Media release originally posted in September 2025 /Modified and Reposted  05 January,2026
For the first time in the history of the Rolex SailGP Championship, the KMPG Sydney Sail Grand Prix will feature a spectacular twilight racing format when the high-speed, close-to-shore racing returns to Sydney Harbour on 28 February-1 March.
SailGP has today confirmed ticket on-sale dates for its record-seventh Sydney showdown, with fans set to witness golden-hour racing against the stunning backdrop of the iconic city skyline. The largest fleet in SailGP history will go head-to-head in identical high-speed foiling catamarans in one of the most unique spectator experiences in global sport today.

(l-r) Giles Scott, driver of Canada NorthStar SailGP Team,, Erik Heil, driver of Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank, Taylor Canfield, driver of USA SailGP Team,, Diego Botin, driver of Spain SailGP Team, Maelle Frascari, strategist of Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, Peter Burling, co-CEO and driver of New Zealand SailGP Team, Tom Slingsby, driver of Australia SailGP Team, Martine Grael, driver of Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, Dylan Fletcher, driver of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, Manon Audinet, strategist of France SailGP Team, Sebastien Schneiter, driver of Switzerland SailGP Team, and Nicolai Sehested, driver of ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team, in front of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge ahead of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. Friday 7 February 2025. Rolex SailGP Championship Event 3 Season 2025. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

As SailGP’s longest-running stop, Sydney offers an immersive fan experience, with multiple vantage points across the harbour and racing at sunset creating a world-class spectacle, both live and broadcast worldwide.
Tickets are expected to be in high demand, and fans are encouraged to register for SailGP+ at sailgp.com/sydney to receive early access and exclusive pricing during the pre-sale from Friday, 12 September. General public tickets will be available from Wednesday, 17 September.

Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby sail past spectators watching from Shark Island on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. Saturday 8 February 2025. Rolex SailGP Championship Event 3 Season 2025. Photo: Brett Phibbs for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

KEY EVENT INFORMATION //
  • SailGP+ Pre-sale: 10am AEST Friday, 12 September – 5pm AEST Monday, 15 September*
  • General Public On-sale: From 10am AEST Wednesday 17 September*
  • Event Date: Saturday, 28 February & Sunday, 1 March 2026
  • Location: Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
* Or until allocations are exhausted.

The SailGP fleet prepares to start racing in front of Shark Island with Canada NorthStar SailGP Team, Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank, New Zealand SailGP Team, Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, Switzerland SailGP Team, Australia SailGP Team, Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team Spain SailGP Team and Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. Saturday 8 February 2025. Rolex SailGP Championship Event 3 Season 2025. Photo: Jon Buckle for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

TICKET EXPERIENCES:
  • Waterfront Platinum (Groups 10+): Elevate your group’s Shark Island experience with premium food and beverage waiter service, reserved seating, priority ferry boarding, live entertainment and access to the prize-giving ceremony.
  • Official Spectator Boats: Choose from Viewing, Premium or Platinum packages aboard vessels positioned inside the exclusion zone, offering prime race views with live commentary, convenient transfers from King Street Wharf, and hospitality ranging from food for purchase to canapés, premium beverage packages and full waiter service.
  • Bring Your Own Boat (BYOB): Secure a front-row position from your own boat inside the exclusion zone with a weekend flag, pre-event briefing, live radio commentary and a souvenir flag.
  • Adrenaline Yachts & Corporate Flags: Experience SailGP from the comfort of your own yacht with exclusive exclusion zone access, prime racecourse positioning and tailored hospitality, plus optional VIP upgrades including Tech Base tours, athlete meet-and-greets and access to SailGP’s premium social calendar.
  • Dockside: Kick off race weekend on Friday night with behind-the-scenes access at the SailGP Tech Site, DJ entertainment, athlete appearances, Tech Talks and great food and drinks.
  • Waterfront Premium: Experience the racing from Shark Island, right in the middle of the course as the largest SailGP fleet in history flies past. Enjoy gourmet dining, premium drinks, DJ sets, live commentary, big-screen viewing and return ferry transfers, plus exclusive access to Sunday’s prize-giving ceremony

Spectators waving flags and waving as they watch the racing from Shark Island with Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby crossing the finish line on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. Saturday 8 February 2025. Rolex SailGP Championship Event 3 Season 2025. Photo: Patrick Hamilton for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP. (Editors note: Image retouched)

SailGP Managing Director Andrew Thompson said: “Twilight racing in Sydney is going to be nothing short of spectacular. Fans can expect the same high-speed, edge-of-your-seat action that SailGP is renowned for, as the sun sets over one of the most iconic backdrops in world sport before experiencing the fantastic nightlife of Sydney straight after racing. Sydney is the birthplace of SailGP and each year we raise the bar – 2026 will be no different.”
BONDS Flying Roos Driver, CEO and Co-owner Tom Slingsby said: “We’re excited to be heading back to Sydney in February for our seventh SailGP appearance. Racing at home in front of thousands of Australian fans on Shark Island gives us goosebumps every time – and with the new twilight format – this event will be bigger than ever. I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure our fans, family and friends have plenty to cheer about.”
As the third event of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship – which visits iconic cities around the world, including New York, Auckland, Rio de Janeiro and Dubai – the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix will deliver world-class race viewing, onshore entertainment and an electric summer atmosphere.
What’s more, Australian fans will be given the rare chance to cheer on Tom Slingsby and his three-time SailGP Champions, the BONDS Flying Roos, on both the east and west coasts when the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG, opens the 2026 Season.
Currently holding the top spot on the overall SailGP 2025 Season leaderboard, it’s the perfect opportunity for Aussies to rally their national pride behind the green and gold.
For full ticketing details and to sign up to SailGP+ for exclusive access and pricing, visit sailgp.com/sydney.
The event is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s lead agency for tourism and major events, Destination NSW.
For further information on the event, visit SailGP.com/Sydney.

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