SailGP expands operations with new Pensacola training base

SailGP is set to open a new training facility at the American Magic Performance and Innovation Center in Pensacola next week. The league’s dedicated training F50 catamaran has arrived on-site, with shore crews currently unpacking containers to prepare the vessel for building, testing, and sea trials.

The facility will provide SailGP’s 13 national teams with year-round access to world-class resources for testing and innovation outside of race weekends. Six teams, including Emirates GBR, have already scheduled training sessions. League CEO Russell Coutts noted that the center will be a “huge factor” in developing new athletes and building squad depth as professional pressure increases for teams to perform.

In addition to the new base, the SailGP circuit is heading to the Middle East. The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix is scheduled for November 21-22 at Mina Rashid, followed by the season grand final in Abu Dhabi at Emirates Palace. These upcoming events will be critical for teams like Emirates GBR as they compete for a position in the winner-takes-all final.