SailGP Auckland

Auckland takes command: Waitematā transformed into an F50 arena

On 14 and 15 February 2026, Waitematā Harbour morphs into an open-air racing stadium. Second stop of Season 6, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix brings the F50s — those flying catamarans capable of exceeding 50 knots — right into the heart of Auckland. Two days, a cumulative viewing window of roughly 11 hours (1:30 PM – 7:00 PM NZST each day), and a format designed for spectacle.

The Race Stadium sets up on Wynyard Point, just a stone's throw from the CBD towers. Direct sightline to the top mark and finish line. And in the cockpit of the home boat, two names that need no introduction: Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, at the helm of the Black Foils, ready to exploit every gust on their home waters.

A format built for suspense

All teams compete in fleet races over both days. The cumulative standings determine the three finalists. Then everything pivots: a winner-takes-all final where only the victor of that ultimate race takes home the win. No points calculations, no comfortable cushion. The suspense holds right to the final tack.

Ticketing: from Fan Village to a yacht deck

The offering is designed to cast a wide net — from curious spectators to corporate clients.

Hospitality packages are managed by Limitless Experiences (Accor). No refunds or exchanges for personal convenience. In case of organiser cancellation, refunds are processed as Accor loyalty points. Children under 5 enter free without a ticket, provided they don't occupy a seat and are accompanied by an adult.

Some tickets include bus transport to and from the venue — a detail to verify at purchase.

BYOB: the price of a view from the water

Boat owners can access the exclusion zone via the Bring Your Own Boat programme. Pricing is indexed to length:

• Up to 39 feet: $1,000
• 40 – 59 feet: $2,000
• 60 – 79 feet: $3,000

The privilege comes with serious logistical strings attached. The maritime exclusion zone is active from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM starting Friday 13 February (practice day), then Saturday and Sunday. Access to Westhaven Marina is prohibited during these slots. The Z Pier public ramp closes from Friday 13th through Sunday 15th.

For boaters: planning ahead isn't an option, it's a necessity.

Getting to Wynyard Quarter without losing your mind

The organisation says it plainly: forget the car if possible.

Public transport

• Entry tickets include transport on the Auckland Transport network (bus and train) from 11:30 AM on race day.
• Waitematā Station (Britomart) and the ferry terminal are roughly 20 minutes' walk from Wynyard Quarter.
• Ferry service cancellations are possible. The AT Mobile app allows real-time departure checks.

Car and road closures

Parking is extremely limited in the immediate vicinity. Downtown car parks (Downtown, Fanshawe Street) are the most realistic Plan B. Curran Street and the access near Burnsco (129 Westhaven Drive) will be closed to general traffic from 11:00 AM on race days.

Following the racing from France: a how-to

The time difference is brutal. Auckland is +12 hours ahead of France in winter, which places broadcast right in the middle of the European night.

Racing is generally accessible via the SailGP app, SailGP+ and YouTube, subject to geo-restrictions. Official TV broadcasters for 2026 will be confirmed on the "How To Watch" page of the SailGP site.

Find the complete season calendar and timings for each event on spencer.club.

Sustainability: the Impact League at the heart of the model

The Impact League scores each team on concrete operational criteria — energy consumption, waste management, inclusion — and this ranking weighs as heavily as sporting performance in the circuit's identity.

Stated objectives:

• Better Planet: 50% carbon footprint reduction by 2030, carbon neutrality targeted for 2040.
• Better Sport: integration of two female athletes per crew in key positions and engagement of 100,000 young people via Inspire programmes.

The New Zealand team notably relies on the Live Ocean foundation as environmental partner.

The partner ecosystem

The essentials before you go

• Dates: 14-15 February 2026 (practice on 13th)
• Location: Waitematā Harbour, Race Stadium at Wynyard Point
• Times: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM NZST
• Ticketing: tickets.sailgp.com/auckland
• Transport: included in ticket via Auckland Transport from 11:30 AM
• Maritime exclusion zone: active 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM from 13th to 15th February

Compare the competing boats and follow news from each SailGP event on spencer.club.