SAILGP EXCLUSION ZONE 24 - 26 JULY 2026

1. Mariners are advised that the King’s Harbour Master has made the following General Direction under the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005 in support of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) Championship in Portsmouth from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026. 

2. The event, off Southsea Castle seafront, will involve high-speed foiling catamarans racing in a designated course area. To ensure the safety of competitors, support craft, and spectators, an Exclusion Zone (EZ) will be established during scheduled racing and practice times.

3. The EZ (Figure 1) is bounded by the following positions (WGS84):

a. 50°47’ 08” N 001° 06’ 05” W
b. 50°46’ 05” N 001° 07’ 45” W
c. 50°45’ 26” N 001° 05’ 27” W
d. 50°45’ 45” N 001° 04’ 05” W
e. 50°46’ 40” N 001° 04’ 08” W
f.  50°46’ 35” N 001° 04’ 59” W
g. 50°46’ 37” N 001° 05’ 07” W
h. 50°46’ 52” N 001° 05’ 46” W

 

Figure 1 - SailGP Exclusion Zone (Not to be used for navigation)

4. The EZ encompasses the rock protection off Southsea Castle and is stepped off the beach adjacent to Southsea Common.

5. Times of enforcement:

a. Friday 24 July 2026: 1500 – 1800 (practice)
b. Saturday 25 July 2026: 1530 – 1830 (official racing)
c. Sunday 26 July 2026: 1530 – 1830 (official racing)

6. Access to the EZ is strictly prohibited to all unauthorised vessels and persons, including: recreational craft, personal watercraft (e.g. jet skis) swimmers, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-powered vessels. Authorised vessels are only those vessels displaying an official SailGP event flag.

7. An announcement will be made by Portsmouth VTS on VHF channel 11 to advise mariners that the EZ is in-force.

8. Prior to race start, several large vessels from/to Portsmouth International Port and Wightlink terminals are permitted to transit the EZ as scheduled. These movements will be directed by Portsmouth VTS and deconflicted with SailGP traffic within the EZ.

9. The zone will be marked by large orange inflatable buoys and patrolled by official SailGP marshals, the King’s Harbour Master and Police enforcement vessels.

10. For the duration of the event, official SailGP vessels are permitted to exceed the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth speed limit as stated within General Direction 4/25 within the EZ only, provided the action is necessary and proportionate to the operation of the event.

11. Mariners are reminded that no amendments have been made to other rules, regulations or directions.

12. Cancel this General Direction on 27 July 2026.