SailGP opens new $10m innovation facility in Southampton
Images courtesy of SailGP.
SailGP has officially opened SailGP Technologies, its new innovation, design and engineering centre in Southampton, UK. The site, which will serve as the technical base for the global championship, currently employs over 100 designers, engineers, boat builders and specialists across areas including composites, hydraulics and aerodynamics.
The global racing league says the US$10m (£7.4m) facility has been established to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the league’s F50 catamarans and accelerate the construction of additional boats. The site replaces SailGP’s previous technical base in New Zealand and is situated near the championship’s London headquarters. SailGP says the move is intended to streamline operations in line with the global racing calendar.
“The opening of SailGP Technologies represents a major step forward in our continued ability to support a truly global championship. This facility gives us greater control and resilience across the fleet, enabling faster turnaround of repairs, more consistent performance, and a reliable supply of spares while on tour. It’s a key step in future-proofing SailGP – ensuring we can deliver uncompromised high-performance racing, anywhere in the world,” says Joel Marginson, director, SailGP Technologies.
SailGP has also confirmed the first six apprentices to join its new Next Gen Careers Programme, part of the league’s broader education and outreach initiative. The apprenticeship is delivered in collaboration with South Hampshire College Group and is designed to provide practical training for young professionals pursuing careers in boatbuilding, composites or other related fields. Apprentices will be based at the Southampton facility.
“Launching this facility is a major milestone for SailGP, our teams and partners,” says Sir Russell Coutts, SailGP CEO and co-founder. “As we grow, it’s incredibly important to have fully integrated capabilities and expertise. This state-of-the-art facility will enable SailGP to remain at the very forefront of industry technology and innovation. Just as importantly, we’re committed to developing the next generation of boatbuilding talent through our apprenticeship scheme, helping to secure the future of the wider industry.”
The Southampton base is also set to support SailGP’s off-water athlete training and development. The site includes a simulator, and further expansion will see the rollout of a formal athlete integration programme covering rules and racing, simulator work, medical and safety training, and role-specific onboarding.
The facility was officially opened ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, which took place from 19 to 20 July 2025 as the seventh event in SailGP’s 2025 season.
The news comes after a suite of high-profile names threw their names and bank accounts behind SailGP teams, including Coalition Capital, owned by football star Kylian Mbappé, which has invested in the France SailGP team and actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, who have been named as new co-owners of the freshly rebranded Bonds Flying Roos SailGP Team. In addition, Hollywood star Anne Hathaway recently bought into the Red Bull Italy SailGP team.
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