Great British Racing Returns. Whether you’re a sports fan or looking for things to do in the South West this summer, the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Portsmouth promises to be an action-packed weekend. Find out everything you need to know to plan your visit, what to expect from the two-day event and how to get there on our network.
What is SailGP?
Back bigger and better – high-tech, high-speed racing returns to UK shores for the highly-anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth on July 25/26. It promises to be an exciting day by the water for all those in attendance.
SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water– the global championship features 13 national teams - including home team and 2025 Season champions, Emirates Great Britain - battling it out at iconic destinations across the globe. The high-tech, high-speed action features the best athletes in the sport racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans and flying at speeds in excess of 100 km/h.
Set in the historic town of Portsmouth, the city will host the eighth event of the Rolex SailGP Championship – offering spectacular views of the action from the close-to-shore elevated Race Stadium situated on Southsea Common.
Fans can expect epic entertainment on the iconic Solent – a stunning backdrop for not only the action-packed racing but SailGP’s signature Après-Sail celebrations and new for 2026, VELA top-tier hospitality with front row views.
Read on to find out more about the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, including how to get there and what to expect.
When is Emirates Great Britain SailGP Portsmouth?
The event takes place across two days: Saturday 25 July and Sunday 26 July 2026. Races will be between 16:00-17:30 each day, although these times are approximate and subject to change.
Where is Where is Emirates Great Britain SailGP?
Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix will be held at Southsea Common, within the city of Portsmouth, Hampshire. Portsmouth is located on England's south coast, in between Chichester, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, and has excellent transport links to London.
How do I get to Emirates Great Britain SailGP Portsmouth?
Portsmouth makes for a great family weekend away and has excellent public transport links. There are a total of three train stations which are all within walking distance: Portsmouth & Southsea, Portsmouth Harbour and Fratton, making it easy to get there by public transport.
Travelling by train
Popular routes to Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix include Woking, Winchester, Havant, Fareham and Cosham. From all three Portsmouth train stations, it’s a 30- 45 minute walk to the race stadium.
London to Portsmouth
If you’re travelling from London to Portsmouth, you can catch a train from London Waterloo, which also stops at Clapham Junction and Surbiton.
Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey. Find cheap train tickets to Victorious Festival by going off-peak, and if you have a Railcard or you’re travelling in a group, you could save even more.
What to expect at the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Portsmouth
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix promises an action-packed schedule, from races to live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Find out more about what’s on here to plan your visit.
Heart-pounding races
Get ready for a series of thrilling, action-packed races each day featuring the world’s best athletes across the 13 national teams. This includes home team and the 2025 Season champions, Emirates GBR, driven by Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher with double Olympic champion Hannah Mills as strategist. They will hope local knowledge and expertise holds the key to success when racing gets underway. But in the most competitive SailGP season yet which other teams will be plotting an upset victory?
Incredible waterfront viewpoints
Portsmouth’s waterfront will transform into a spectacular race stadium over the event weekend, with cliffside views and a bustling on-water presence bringing the action right up close!
Family fun activities
There will be a number of interactive activities found within the SailGP Race Stadium to entertain guests of all ages. This includes the opportunity to have a go on the F50 simulator to experience the thrill of being in the driver’s seat, photo opportunities, roaming entertainment, face painting, and more.
Innovative tech on display
Powered by the Oracle Cloud, fans will be amazed by the technology and innovation behind the vast hydro-foiling F50 catamarans. These incredible vessels “fly” above the waves with the help of advanced hydrofoil technology, including the latest T-Foils which are debuting this season.
Tickets
There are ticket options available for every fan at the event. If you’re looking to be at the heart of the action, check out grandstand tickets. If you’re looking to elevate your experience, then why not explore the brand new VELA packages, offering a premium event experience? Weekend tickets start from £78, while day tickets start from £50 with family packages also available. Book your SailGP tickets for Portsmouth 2026 early to get the best prices.
Food and drink
If you plan on drinking or dining near SailGP Portsmouth, there are plenty of options. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat before the event, or a celebratory meal afterwards, these are the best spots nearby:
Marmion House Bar & Kitchen – head here to enjoy sharing plates, a three-course meal or a few drinks.
Cedar – enjoy lunch or dinner at this Lebanese restaurant – a 20-minute walk from the event.
The Garden – a short walk from Southsea seafront, this all-day eatery serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
The Briny – conveniently located near the event, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Southsea seafront.
Accommodation near SailGP Portsmouth
Whether you’re a solo traveller or heading to SailGP in a group, there are plenty of accommodation options near the event, including:
Premier Inn Southsea (£) – this budget hotel is on the edge of Southsea Common, making it the ideal location for visiting SailGP.
The Queens Hotel Portsmouth (££) – this 3-star hotel is also conveniently located close to the action, at the edge of Southsea Common.
Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth – Gunwharf Quays (££) – if you’d prefer to be in the centre of Portsmouth, this 4-star hotel is a great choice, near the city’s top attractions, restaurants and shops.
For more recommendations on where to stay, eat, drink and shop, check out our guide to spending 48 hours in Portsmouth.
Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth accessibility
SailGP aims to make the event accessible for everyone. Wheelchair accessible tickets are available, and a carer or companion can join free of charge. There will be a quiet room available for all ticket types within the stadium.
All toilets, bars, catering outlets and the Fan Shop are wheelchair accessible, and assistance dogs are permitted throughout the event. For more information, visit the SailGP Portsmouth event overview page.
