Emirates GBR preparing to defend Sydney SailGP title after 'spectacular' win last season
by Emirates GBR SailGP Team 27 Feb 02:58 PST
28 February - 1 March 2026
Emirates GBR is preparing for action at this weekend's KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix © SailGP
The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team is preparing to defend its Sydney title this weekend, after a "spectacular" win on the harbour last season. Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills OBE said the team was "buzzing to be back" in Sydney, especially after a defiant start to the 2026 Season, kicking off with a win at the opening event in Perth in January and a P2 in Auckland two weeks ago.
"We're really excited to be back in Sydney," Mills said.
"It's just the most iconic place to sail, it's absolutely stunning here. But the racecourse is a tricky one with Shark Island in the middle of it and lots going on with the wind. Getting the win here last year was pretty spectacular and we are hoping to try and do it again."
Emirates GBR heads into the race weekend second on the season leaderboard, tied on 19 points with Australia's BONDS Flying Roos. Both teams have secured a win and a P2 at the first two events of the season, with the Aussies claiming the top spot on the leaderboard as they had the higher placed finish at the most recent event in Auckland.
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland delivered edge-of-your-seat drama as the the Waitemata Harbour provided conditions that pushed every crew to the limit. On day one, New Zealand's Black Foils and DS Automobiles Team France collided, causing significant damage to both F50s and rendering them out of action for the Sydney event, meaning only 11 of the 13 SailGP Teams will be on the start line.
Speaking about the jeopardy involved in SailGP, Mills said: "As with all SailGP events, we know anything is possible and anything can happen at any moment, so our aim is to keep plodding forward, try and take the wins if they're there and attack when we can, but make sure we stay in the game."
While Sydney is the longest-running host venue of SailGP, with seven events being held in the city, this year's will feature a new format. For the first time in SailGP history, twilight racing will transform the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix into a golden-hour spectacle, delivering unforgettable racing on Sydney Harbour. Racing will take place on a tight, tactical course that wraps around Shark Island - the heart of the Race Stadium - demanding strategy and precise boat handling from the sailors while bringing fans a front-row seat to all the action.
The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team secured the win at last year's KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix - defeating the BONDS Flying Roos on home waters and marking the British team's first win of the 2026 Season, and the first for Dylan Fletcher MBE as Emirates GBR Driver.
Fletcher said: "It's been a great start to the season for us as a team and we are buzzing to be back in Sydney this weekend. It's an iconic venue and holds great memories after our win here last season. We're in a good place on the leaderboard, joint on points with the Aussies in first, but we are focusing on the big picture of the long season ahead. For us it's all about pushing forward and building on our performance, and we will be giving it everything out on the harbour this weekend."
The twilight racing takes place from 17:30 local time, with UK viewers able to watch the action live on TNT Sports from 06:30 GMT on Saturday and Sunday.