Valencia joins SailGP calendar in three-year deal

SailGP has found itself a new Spanish home, and it's a good one. Valencia, the Mediterranean city that twice hosted the America's Cup, will stage the Spain Sail Grand Prix from September 2026 as part of a three-year commitment running through to 2028.

The announcement marks the end of SailGP's run in Cádiz, Andalucía after four seasons, with the championship's Spanish round moving northeast along the coast to a venue with serious sailing pedigree. Valencia transformed its waterfront for the 32nd America's Cup in 2007, constructing the striking Veles e Vents building and creating a world-class marina that has since hosted the 52 Super Series and 69F Cup.

“Valencia will become a natural home for SailGP as we continue to grow in Spain,” said CEO Russell Coutts, who was quick to emphasise the commercial logic behind the move. “Following Spain's Season 4 championship title, it is clear that this nation's passionate and truly global fanbase is a natural fit for the growth of our league, teams and partners.”

For Diego Botín and his championship-winning crew, this is personal. “Los Gallos are coming home,” said the Spanish driver. “With the perfect mix of wind and waves, we are ready to deliver plenty of action. We look forward to seeing all our fans this year – and in the years to come.”

The conditions should suit the F50s nicely. September in Valencia typically brings warm, settled weather around 30°C with reliable thermal breezes – the south-westerly Garbí and south-easterly Llebeig – that develop through the afternoon. The low Mediterranean swell is ideal for high-speed foiling, though light winds remain an ever-present possibility on this coastline.

Scheduled for 5-6 September, the Spain Sail Grand Prix will slot in as event 10 of 13 in the Season 6 calendar, sandwiched between Sassnitz and Geneva. It's a strong addition to a roster that already includes Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda, New York, Portsmouth and Dubai.

Valencia's America's Cup legacy proved the city could deliver on the biggest stage. Now it gets the chance to show what it can do with sailing's fastest-growing championship.