EMIRATES GREAT BRITAIN SAIL GRAND PRIX 24 - 26 JULY 2026

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King’s Harbour Master that the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) Championship will be conducted in the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth from 24 to 26 July 2026.

2. The event off Southsea seafront will involve high-speed foiling catamarans (F50s) racing in a designated course area. To ensure the safety of competitors, support craft, and spectators during the scheduled practice and race days, an Exclusion Zone (EZ) will be established between 1500 and 1800 on 24 July, and between 1530 and 1830 on 25 and 26 July – General Direction 16/26 refers.

3. The F50s and their support vessels will be based in Southampton, with additional support craft based in Portsmouth. Thirteen teams will compete in this series, with racing conducted on a relatively short course.

4. Given the speed of the craft involved, the arrangements for this event are extensive and primarily focused on ensuring the safety of competitors, personnel involved in the racing, spectators, and other water users.

Programme of Events

5. On each day during the period 24 to 26 July, the F50s will transit from and to Southampton, departing at 1400 and arriving back at 1900 (times subject to change). They will be supported by several chase vessels and may, if required, be under tow. The intended transit route is close inshore using the North Channel, crossing over the main channel in Southampton Water. Traffic information for their movements can be obtained from Southampton VTS on VHF Channel 12.

6. 24 July is the main practice day, with racing craft participating in three or four races of approximately 15 minutes duration. Arrangements will closely follow the format for the race days, but precise timings may differ slightly.

7. 25 and 26 July are the race days, with racing broadcast live. There will again be three or four races, timed as required by SailGP.

8. In addition to the F50 races, several smaller events will take place during the SailGP programme; these will be contained within the EZ and managed by SailGP.

Traffic Restrictions

9. To ensure safe control of the events, several adjustments to normal harbour management procedures will be required during the event period, 24 to 26 July.

10. Each day from 24 to 26 July, several floating racing marks will be laid. The EZ will be marked by orange tetrahedral inflatable buoys. Other marks will be set to mark the race course and other SailGP areas of interest. These buoys will be laid approximately one hour before the establishment of the EZ and removed each day after the event.

11. Wherever possible during the event period, support craft will depart or enter Portsmouth Harbour together. For safety reasons, Portsmouth VTS will coordinate these movements to minimise disruption to other traffic. Support craft may use the main channel.

12. The Small Boat Channel will remain open throughout and all vessels will be expected to use the Inner Swashway passage during when the EZ is in force.

13. Scheduled movements of large passenger vessels from and to Portsmouth International Port, Wightlink vessels, Hovertravel and pilot launches will be authorised to transit the EZ. These will be directed by Portsmouth VTS, in partnership with SailGP, to deconflict with race starts.

Spectator Viewing and Race Marshalling

14. The designated race area for each day will be determined by SailGP and oriented based on the latest forecast wind information. The orientation may differ each day to ensure an optimum course.

15. A line of clearly flagged marshal craft will surround the EZ and shepherd all unauthorised vessels outside the zone. King’s Harbour Master and Police vessels will be on scene to assist and enforce the EZ. The Inner Swashway transit shall not be obstructed.

16. Existing restrictions on anchoring marked on chart BA2625 will remain in force. Anchoring will only be permitted in areas clear of the racing area and outside the “Anchoring Prohibited” zones. No unauthorised anchoring will be allowed in the Spithead Man of War Anchorage.

17. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners on 27 July 2026.