SailGP Portsmouth: boat movements, chase vessels, race marks and more
Emirates GBR in action during a training day on the Solent
SailGP is in Portsmouth this weekend. The event, which takes place off Southsea seafront, will involve high-speed foiling catamarans (F50s) racing in a designated course area. Twelve teams will compete in this series, and racing will be on a relatively short course.
Today’s the main practice — the teams will participate in three or four brief races. Racing proper takes place on 19-20 July.
The boats and teams taking part arrived in early July. The F50s and support vessels are based in both HM Naval Base Portsmouth and ABP Port of Southampton.
Movements around the harbour as teams get into place
On each day (18-20 July) ten F50s will come from (and go back 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 (traffic information will be on Southampton VTS on VHF channel 12).
The two F50s will coming from HM Naval Base Portsmouth will leave at 1500 and arriving back at 1830. They’ll also be supported by several chase vessels (traffic information will be on Portsmouth VTS on VHF channel 11).
taken from MIN‘s office window
Exclusion zone in place
To help ensure the safety of competitors, support craft, and spectators during the scheduled practice and race days, an exclusion zone has been established.
The King’s Harbour Master says that, wherever possible, support craft will depart or enter Portsmouth Harbour together. A line of clearly flagged marshal craft will surround the event zone and will shepherd all unauthorised vessels outside the zone. King’s Harbour Master and Police vessels will be on scene to assist and enforce the zone area.
Ticket information
Around 20,000 fans are expected to attend the event. The sailing village in Southsea will provide a range of facilities for ticket holders throughout the weekend, including performances from Tom Grennan on Saturday, and Pete Tong on Sunday.
Tickets are still available online. And while MIN is aware that SailGP events take place around the globe, this is the magazine’s home city . . . . make sure to say hello if you see one of the team there.
Chase and support boats for the weekend
Multiple Protector Chase 330 centre console RIBs (pictured below) will be serving as chase boats for the weekend.
Ancasta – the UK supplier – cites Protector’s rugged reliability, high-performance design, and versatile capability as making them the choice of race teams around the globe.
The Protector Chase consists of an extended deep-V hull and heavy-duty Hypalon tubes to deliver a fast, smooth, and stable ride, even in challenging conditions, says Ancasta. Designed with the needs of professional teams in mind, the 10.5 metre Chase 330 features a full-sized Bimini top and protective front screen, ensuring shelter from the elements. Generous fore and aft deck areas provide ample space for crew movement and equipment storage. It also fits neatly into a standard 40ft container, making it highly shippable between international race venues.
RS Electric Boats is also supporting the event with the RS Pulse 63, its zero-emission electric RIB.
“We’re incredibly excited to be part of such a prestigious and forward-thinking event,” says Alex Newton-Southon, MD of RS Electric Boats. “SailGP represents the very best in elite racing and innovation. Being able to support it with the RS Pulse 63 showcases how electric marine technology can play a vital role in the future of water sports and marine operations.”
SailGP race marks at Endeavour Quay, Gosport
SailGP races feature autonomous, GPS‑controlled marks that can hold or change position during an event—no anchors, no manual repositioning. Each mark holds its position at designated GPS coordinates using onboard electric motors. This allows the mark to resist wind and tide (tested in winds up to 30 knots and 3m seas), and marks operate sustainably without causing seabed damage .
The marks can move autonomously between race legs to adjust for shifting wind angles or to keep the race length within broadcast-friendly time windows. Race management software orchestrates waypoint navigation and leg adjustments mid‑event.
The floating racing marks will be laid and removed on each day of racing.
Yesterday (17 July) MIN’s team was entirely distracted by SailGP’s racing marks going in at Endeavour Quay, Gosport, outside the office windows. The race mark images in the slideshow below were taken by MIN‘s publisher Mike Shepherd and depict the hard work behind the scenes to get ready for the weekend.
Weather warnings in place for Portsmouth SailGP
Thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the UK for the weekend. “Within the warm and humid airmass we will potentially see temperatures reaching 30°C or more for parts of eastern England by Friday, with very warm and muggy conditions continuing into the weekend in parts of central and southern England,” says Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly. “More warnings could be issued for the weekend and early next week.”
Hanging out with the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Dockyard
Across the water, the Emirates GBR race squad was invited onboard warship HMS Dragon in Portsmouth. Driver Dylan Fletcher, strategist Hannah Mills, flight controller Luke Parkinson, wing trimmer Iain Jensen and grinders Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter viewed the racecourse from HMS Dragon and discussed tactics to climb back into the top three on the leaderboard.
As well as welcoming Sail GP, Portsmouth has enjoyed its fair share of coverage in 2025. Not only did it come under scrutiny for wrapping a landing craft in rainbow colours, the city also delivered the news about a man buying a shipwreck on facebook marketplace for £300.
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