5 Things you need to know about the Germany Sail Grand Prix

All the key storylines ahead of the U.S. SailGP Team’s return to Sassnitz

Published 08/19/2026

The European leg of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship picks up pace with the first of two events in just three weekends taking place in Sassnitz across August 22-23.

The ROCKWOOL Germany Sail Grand Prix sees the 13-strong fleet descend on the tiny town of Sassnitz on Insel Rügen for the ninth round of the 2026 Season.

Here’s everything you need to know

1. PK’s back with the Crew

U.S. SailGP Team grinder Peter Kinney returns in Sassnitz having sat out the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

First up, the good news.

The U.S. SailGP Team was without one of its grind squad for the recent visit to Portsmouth but Peter ‘PK’ Kinney has healed up from an upper-body injury to re-take his place on the F50 this weekend.

PK links up with Anna Weis and Mac Agnese to complete our powerhouse trio and ensure the U.S. SailGP Team is at full strength for the trip to Northern Germany.

2. Return to the scene of last year’s speed record

The U.S. SailGP Team were one of three teams to go over 100kph at the 2025 Germany Sail Grand Prix

Last season’s visit to Sassnitz was the first in SailGP’s history and quickly wrote itself into the history books.

In Race 3 of the weekend, Nicolai Sehested and ROCKWOOL Racing recorded the fastest-ever time in SailGP history, clocking 103.93kph (64.5mph) – one of three teams to hit triple digits including the U.S. SailGP Team.

The previous record, which belonged to the France SailGP Team, had stood at 99.98 km/hr since Season 3.

3. Third time lucky for Artemis?

Artemis SailGP Team reached their second successive Final at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

It’s been a highly impressive debut season for Artemis SailGP Team, making three Finals already.

Given the talent-packed roster assembled by CEO Iain Percy and driver Nathan Outteridge, that probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise.

But after back-to-back second places in Portsmouth and Halifax, Outteridge and the Swedes will be looking to get their hands on the hardware for the first time since joining the fleet.

4. Are the Black Foils dark horses?

The Black Foils in action at the 2026 Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

On the subject of teams in a hurry for success, the Black Foils have wasted little time in getting back among the points after their F50 was rebuilt.

That horrific collision in Auckland forced Peter Burling and Blair Tuke’s team to sit out the next four events before returning for the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax in June.

Since then, the Kiwis have finished P5 in successive events, quickly putting 14 points on the board. Next in their sights? The likes of Red Bull Italy (+8pts) and ROCKWOOL Racing (+10pts) in the places immediately above them.

Reaching another Grand Final will be a big ask but the Black Foils certainly won’t give up.

5. Los Gallos the team to beat

Los Gallos made it back-to-back wins at the 2026 Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

Spain is undoubtedly the fleet’s form team. Diego Botín’s crew has won the last two events, surging to P2 in the Championship standings. Interestingly, they aren't winning by having the cleanest maneuvers, though.

In fact, their starting metrics are decidedly mid-pack: they cross the line an average of 22 meters back and reach Mark 1 in an average position of P8.

However, once they round Mark 1, they shift gears. Over the last two events, Spain has recorded a fleet-high 17 overtakes. On average, they climb almost a full position (+0.82 places) between the first mark and the finish line in every single race.

That trend is now translating to their position in the standings. Overlook them at your peril.

2026 Germany Sail Grand Prix | Sassnitz

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