This weekend - HF50 Catamarans SailGP & Sir Ben Ainslie - Portsmouth Waterfront
HF50 Catamarans SailGP
Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO & Co-owner of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, said: “It’s been three years since we last raced on British waters, so we’re delighted to be returning home — especially to a race track we know so well. The squad certainly caught the eye of the Waterloo crowds during rush hour today, and we can’t wait to capture the attention of the sell-out crowd in Portsmouth in just one month’s time, as the most exciting racing on water returns to the UK. Don’t miss it!”
Adapted from America’s Cup AC50s and continually upgraded, F50s now boast the latest titanium T‑foils (introduced this season) for reduced drag, maximum lift, and blister‑fast speeds. In Portsmouth, the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix unfolds right on home waters. Fans will experience the raw power of identical, wing‑rigged F50s racing fleet‑style just meters offshore, making this one of the most immersive spectator events in sport. Expect dramatic manoeuvres, lightning‑quick tacks, and breathtaking fly‑bys—every bit of split‑second tactical brilliance visible from the grandstand or big screen.
Après‑Sail: Live Sets to Ignite the Evening Whether you came for the sails or stayed for the beats, SailGP brings an electrifying twist with its brand‑new Après‑Sail live music experience:
Saturday, 19 July:
Multi‑platinum singer-songwriter Tom Grennan takes the stage, delivering powerful vocals and chart‑topping hits. Known for his energetic presence and soulful blends, Grennan is perfect backstage fuel after intense racing.
Sunday, 20 July:
Legendary DJ Pete Tong spins a bespoke set post‑race. As a central figure in the global electronic dance scene, Pete’s infectious energy will transform the waterfront into a dance floor echoing with rhythm and cheers.
These performances are part of SailGP Portsmouth’s official Après‑Sail Party, exclusive to grandstand ticket holders—making the event not just a race day, but a full‑day entertainment experience.
SailGP isn’t just about speed—it’s a marriage of elite sport, sustainable innovation, and entertainment spectacle:
- Next‑level technology: The F50s feature real‑time hydrofoil stabilisation, lithium‑ion battery‑powered hydraulics, and a six‑person crew (helmsman, grinders, flight controller, strategist) operating at peak athletic and technical performance.
Pure fan immersion:
Waterfront Grandstand views put you amid the action—hear the wind roar, feel the spray, and witness tactical skirmishes played out at 60 mph.
Tom Grennan and Pete Tong
After all the racing excitement there more …! Après‑Sail events with Tom Grennan and Pete Tong turn a day of racing into an evening festival of great music and fun.
Dates:
* Saturday, 19 July: SailGP racing + Tom Grennan live set
* Sunday, 20 July: Racing + Pete Tong DJ set
Venue: Portsmouth Waterfront Grandstand—prime on‑water views, commentary, and big screens for in‑depth action. Tickets: Grandstand entry includes access to Après‑Sail. Premium options are available via official SailGP outlets.
In short, this weekend’s event is the perfect blend of high-stakes racing and after-dark celebration. Expect cutting-edge performance, fierce competition, and world-class entertainment—all unfolding by the sea.