SailGP’s year-round training base is about to open for business

SailGP's dedicated training F50 has arrived in Florida, and the league's new year-round training base is set to become operational next week, with Emirates GBR the first team to use it.

Behind-the-scenes footage from the league shows shore crew unpacking several containers as they prepare to build, test and sea trial the boat. The base sits within the American Magic Performance and Innovation Center in Pensacola and is open to all 13 national teams, six of which have already booked time.

The Foil understands the Black Foils and Flying Roos will follow in the first week of November, sharing the boat with one team sailing in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

First announced in January, the facility lets teams test, train and develop outside race weekends for the first time – a significant shift for a league where on-water time has always been scarce.

Sir Russell Coutts has described it as a "huge factor" in bringing through new athletes and building squad depth across the fleet, and as part of a wider push towards more professional team management. "The shareholders, sponsors and fans of these teams demand results," the SailGP CEO said, "so there's far more pressure on athletes and managers to perform than ever before."

With Dubai on 21–22 November and the Season Grand Final in Abu Dhabi a week later, the first three teams through the door will all get valuable time on the water before the season ends.