Sail Grand Prix. Photo: Emirates SailGP, the yearly global racing league that brings together national teams competing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans "flying" above the water at speeds of over 100 km/h, is making a spectacular return to England's south coast this weekend, with Emirates taking center stage as the Title Partner of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth.
The two-day event, taking place on July 25 and 26, 2026, will see the world's fastest sailing championship return to Portsmouth's waterfront, bringing together elite athletes, cutting-edge F50 catamarans, and thousands of fans for one of the summer's biggest sporting events.
Photo: EmiratesEmirates continues to expand its involvement in the competition as Global Partner and Exclusive Airline Partner of SailGP, while also serving as the Naming Partner of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team.
Visitors attending the event can expect more than just high-speed racing on the Solent. Emirates will offer a series of interactive experiences across the venue, including premium hospitality spaces, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the SailGP Tech Base, and a variety of giveaways throughout the weekend.
Photo: EmiratesEmirates Cabin Crew members will welcome guests and hand out co-branded seat cushions, Polaroid souvenirs, and other branded gifts as part of the airline's "sail better" campaign.
Craig David. Photo: Tom Rose / Shutterstock.comThe entertainment will continue long after the final races each day. British singer Jess Glynne is scheduled to perform on Saturday evening, while Craig David will bring his popular TS5 show to Portsmouth on Sunday, capping off a memorable weekend for spectators.
Emirates has a long history with sailing. The airline has supported the sport since 2004 through its sponsorship of Emirates Team New Zealand in the America's Cup. SailGP now provides another global platform for the airline, with the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team competing throughout the international championship aboard its distinctive Emirates-branded F50.
The partnership also carries special significance for Portsmouth. Emirates was previously the naming sponsor of the city's iconic Spinnaker Tower between 2015 and 2020 and played a major role in America's Cup events hosted in the city during the last decade.
Beyond sailing, Emirates maintains one of the largest sports sponsorship portfolios in the United Kingdom, including partnerships with Arsenal FC, Wimbledon, the Emirates FA Cup, Lancashire Cricket Club, and European rugby competitions.