5 Things you need to know about the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix
All the big talking points as SailGP returns to Portsmouth this weekend
Published 07/22/2026
Thirty-four days after the most-recent event of the 2026 SailGP Season, the fleet returns to action in Portsmouth for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix.
Last season was the first visit to the South Coast city, with more than 20,000 ticketed fans in attendance across two days, making it the best-attended Northern Hemisphere event in league history.
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Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s racing on the Solent…
1. Back in the driving seat
Martine Grael will return to the Brazilian wheel after serving as strategist in Halifax
After a one-event trial at the back of the boat in Halifax, Mubadala Brazil driver Martine Grael will return to the driver’s seat for this weekend’s event in Great Britain.
Grael, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, had previously led the Brazilian team since its inception and delivered the only race-winning drives by a female athlete in SailGP history.
After going 4-7-7-7 in Nova Scotia, Brazil have flipped the arrangement with Paul Goodison returning to the strategist’s seat.
2. Can Brits bring it home?
Emirates GBR head to Portsmouth looking for their second event win of 2026
Soccer’s FIFA World Cup won’t be coming home for England – but can Emirates GBR give home fans something to cheer this weekend?
Finalists at least season’s event in Southsea, Portsmouth, Dylan Fletcher’s crew have not won since the 2026 Season opener in Perth back in January.
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Great Britain has been to three event Finals since - Auckland, Sydney, New York - without picking up the hardware. Could that be about to change?
3. Flying Roos looking to bounce back
The BONDS Flying Roos pose after winning the 2026 Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
It’s been an unforgettable season for the BONDS Flying Roos.
After seven events, they have been to six Finals and won four to top the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship standings.
Last time out in Halifax, though, Tom Slingsby’s crew recorded their lowest finish (P4) since the home event in Sydney where they took P5.
Not since the final two events of the 2025 Season (P7 and P11) have the Australians missed back-to-back Finals, such has been their imperious form. They’ll be looking to get one over their great sporting rivals on their home waters.
4. Roster changes for Round 8
ROCKWOOL Racing are among those to freshen up their roster ahead of Portsmouth
While Martine Grael’s return to the driver’s seat headlines the crew changes for Portsmouth, several other teams have tweaked their rosters ahead of the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix.
None more so than Red Bull Italy. Matteo Celon comes into one of the grinding spots in place of Enrico Voltolini, while Maelle Frascari signs on as a reserve. ROCKWOOL Racing have also made a change to their power unit with Luke Payne in for Marcus Hansen.
DS Automobiles Team France has named Margaux Billy as their reserve strategist in place of Amelie Riou, while Explora Journeys Swiss has added Nils Theuninck as a reserve athlete.
WHAT TIME IS THE GREAT BRITAIN SAIL GRAND PRIX FOR ME?
5. Fleet racing returns for the 2026 Season
As communicated by SailGP earlier this week/today, split fleet racing will now be the priority racing format for the 2026 Season.
First seen in Auckland earlier this year before returning in Halifax last time out, the fleet will be split into two groups to ease congestion on the race track and ensure athlete safety.
What will it mean for the rest of the season? We’re about to find out.
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