Major sporting event will be back next year
SailGP issued the following media release.
Following three successful editions of the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, SailGP, the most exciting racing on water, announced today that it will return to Bermuda in May 2026 for the fourth time. Bermuda was one of a number of destinations revealed today as part of SailGP’s developing 2026 Season calendar.
The 2026 Season of the Rolex SailGP Championship will continue a shift toward the consistent, regionalized format the league has built over preceding years. Beginning in January and unfolding over an 11-month period, SailGP will race full circle around the globe. The season will start in Australia in January 2026 before an action-packed tour of North and South America that includes a highly anticipated return to Bermuda. From there, racing fans are in for another unforgettable European summer, before the Rolex SailGP Championship comes to a dramatic close with back-to-back events in the UAE in November, including the winner-takes-all Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “The return of fan-favorite destinations is a pivotal aspect of SailGP’s ongoing global expansion, as we strengthen our connection to new and emerging audiences. Destinations like Bermuda have become cornerstone events of the SailGP calendar with their stunning backdrops, rich sporting histories, and enthusiastic fanbases.”
The last Bermuda Sail Grand Prix in May 2024 garnered an economic impact of $4.9 million, drew more than 4,000 spectators and 13.5 million dedicated broadcast viewers. At that event, Diego Botin drove Spain to victory ahead of season leaders New Zealand and Australia on the iconic waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound.
Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism & Transport, Sports & Culture, Owen K. Darrell said: “SailGP represents the kind of iconic, heart-racing sports tourism that puts Bermuda on the global stage. It’s not just the breathtaking spectacle on the water – it’s the deep community engagement and educational opportunities that make this partnership so impactful. Through a host of community programs that support our local athletes and sailing clubs, SailGP helps to carry Bermuda’s rich sailing heritage into the future, inspiring the next generation and strengthening our identity as a premier sailing destination.”
Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Operations Officer Erin Wright said: “We’re delighted to welcome SailGP back to Bermuda for 2026. This is more than just a world-class sporting event – it’s a platform that delivers global visibility for Bermuda, showcasing our island to millions of viewers and helping drive visitor interest. The local impact matters just as much. From economic activity to the enduring legacy of initiatives like the SailGP Inspire program and valuable engagement with our sailing community, SailGP leaves a positive and measurable footprint. We’re proud to be part of it.”
The Rolex SailGP Championship is redefining the sport of sailing as an annual global championship in iconic cities around the world. The event features 12 national teams battling it out in identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, racing faster than wind speeds at over 60 miles per hour. With its close-to-shore stadium racing at the water’s edge, SailGP puts fans at the heart of the action.
This 2025 season, SailGP has welcomed a record fleet of 12 national teams, including two new additions to the startline: the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team and Red Bull Italy SailGP Team. Growing audiences and consistent sporting action has ensured the championship works with some of the most reputable brands in sport and entertainment, welcoming Emirates and DP World to join Oracle and Mubadala as global partners at the start of the 2025 Season, alongside an expanded title partnership with Rolex.
The 2026 Season calendar will be released in full – dates and locations – in due course. Visit SailGP.com or sign up to SailGP+ for access to first-release tickets, exclusive content, special offers, and top-tier competitions from the most exciting racing on water.
