The European leg of the Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 Season will begin in the UK this month, following a three-year hiatus from British waters. For the first time, Portsmouth – one of the country’s most storied maritime cities – will host the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix from 19 to 20 July. Set against Portsmouth’s historic harbour and the Spinnaker Tower, the event will see world-class athletes work together to harness cutting-edge technology to navigate the Solent’s complex tidal streams, dual high tides and shifting winds at record-breaking speeds.
Rolex Testimonee and Four-time Olympic champion and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emirates GBR SailGP Team, Sir Ben Ainslie says: “We’ve never had a league with this level of continuity, innovation and global growth. The technology behind the F50 foiling catamarans is unparalleled, and the calibre of sailors make the championship the best in the world.”
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix represents a chance for redemption for Emirates GBR SailGP Team after narrowly missing out on a place in the final of the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth back in 2022. Sir Ben says: “Portsmouth has a rich maritime history, and it’s a privilege to race there. It’s not often we get to compete in front of a home crowd, so the opportunity to race at one of the UK’s top sailing centres is extremely special.”
The event comes at a pivotal moment in the season. Following back-to-back victories, Spain SailGP Team is determined to cement their dominance and secure their third consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Rolex Testimonee and Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team driver Martine Grael is also pushing for victory after making history in New York as the first female driver to win a SailGP fleet race. Reflecting on her winning performance, Grael says: “It’s a huge opportunity for me to pave the way for other female sailors who are looking to take on the role of driver, which is something I’m very proud of.”
Recognized as the world’s most exciting racing on water, the Rolex SailGP Championship demonstrates Rolex’s ongoing commitment to creating a better sport and a better planet. Reflecting on the Swiss watchmaker’s support, Rolex Testimonee and Emirates GBR SailGP Team strategist Hannah Mills says: “The Rolex SailGP Championship has completely changed the narrative around the sport. I think it will only have a positive impact on the growth of sailing, which is exciting.”
As the countdown to the event in Portsmouth begins, the weekend is set to write an exciting new chapter in the city’s maritime history, promising fans a breathtaking display of precision, determination, skill and teamwork. Mills adds: “I am so excited for the racing to head to Portsmouth this summer. Sailing is so popular there and they’re building the biggest grandstand the Rolex SailGP Championship has ever seen. I can’t wait to be a part of this race weekend.”
Just days later, the same iconic waters will host another milestone in sailing as the 100th anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race sets sail from Cowes on 26 July.