5 Things You Need To Know About The Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
SailGP makes its return to the islands for the fifth event of the 2026 Season
Published 05/7/2026
The Americas leg of the 2026 SailGP Season continues this weekend with the fleet headed to Bermuda for the first time in two years.
A highly popular sailing destination, Bermuda returned to the SailGP calendar this year having previously hosted events in 2022, 2023 and 2024. With the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship hotting up nicely - and the U.S. SailGP Team in P3 right now - it promises to be another exciting weekend of high-speed racing.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the weekend’s action on the beautiful Great Sound.
1. Black Foils targeting Halifax return
The big question on everyone’s lips has been when will the New Zealand Black Foils return after their collision with DS Automobiles France in Auckland?There was cause for optimism this week as it was revealed by SailGP that Peter Burling’s crew could return for the visit to Halifax, Canada, on June 21-22.
The damaged Black Foils SailGP Team F50 catamaran following the ITM Auckland Sail Grand Prix
Burling said: “We would like to be back racing as soon as possible but also understand there is an existing boat building programme and logistics timeline the league needs to work with.
“Based on where things are currently at we are hopeful we can make that happen for Halifax.”
That means there will once again be 12 teams on the start line for the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix this weekend.
2. Expect the unexpected in Bermuda
The Great Sound has been the backdrop for some iconic moments in SailGP history – so strap in for more this weekend!
During the 2021 Season, Emirates GBR broke the SailGP speed record, hitting 94.8 km/hr. Their record would stand for just 140 days before France topped it on home waters in Saint-Tropez, however!
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In Season 3, Canada joined the fleet and were finalists in their first-ever event, finishing in third place on the podium under the experienced Phil Robertson – now driver of Red Bull Italy.
For the U.S. SailGP Team, Bermuda has been a venue that has seen highs and lows – not least the crash with Japan in 2021 while the team was under the stewardship of Jimmy Spithill. It was an incident that saw SailGP introduce new penalty measures for collisions.
3. Competition building
U.S. SailGP Team strategist Andrew Campbell believes the strength of the SailGP fleet is only growing.
Artemis, representing Sweden, became the 13th member of the fleet this season and have already made their first Final in Rio.
Speaking ahead of the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, Andrew said: “Every team can win a race, and every team can finish last if they don’t put it together. It really speaks to the relentless nature of the gains you have to make.
READ MORE: ANDREW'S RIO REACTION
“You can’t rely on past performance - you have to constantly adapt to the venue and conditions.
“There are 12 other teams trying to do the same thing, and they’re not going to hand it to you. You have to go out and take it.”
4. Loan rangers assemble once more
The DS Automobiles France Team will be getting by with a little help from their friends again as Liv Mackay and Glenn Ashby join up on loan once more.
Strategist Mackey and wing trimmer Ashby will temporarily take the seats of Manon Audinet and Leigh McMillan again after the duo were injured in that crash in Auckland.
Experienced wing trimmer Glenn Ashby is temporarily with the French team again in Bermuda
Quentin Delapierre’s team is sat nicely in P6 despite missing Sydney and are just four points shy of the top three ahead of event No.5.
5. Not in Bermuda? Make plans for our Fan Zone!
Can’t be in Bermuda this weekend? Join us in Rhode Island, NE, for our first-ever Fan Pop-up event instead!
Join us for exclusive activations, the chance to buy the Tommy Hilfiger x U.S. SailGP Team Fanwear Collection, learn more about SailGP and show your support for your favorite sports team.
Find out more below!
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