Spain Sail Grand Prix · 5–6 September 2026
Watch SailGP Valencia from a Boat
What is SailGP?
The Formula 1 of sailing — and it has just arrived in Valencia
SailGP is the world's premier racing championship on water. National teams race identical F50 foiling catamarans — carbon-fibre machines that lift clear of the water on hydrofoils and can exceed 90 km/h, faster than the wind that powers them. Races are short, intense and fought close to shore, which is exactly what makes the championship such a spectacle.
In 2026 the Spain Sail Grand Prix moves to Valencia for the first time. The city will host the event through 2028 under a multi-year deal, as part of the Rolex SailGP Championship season. The first edition takes place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026, with qualifying races on Saturday and the finals decided on Sunday.
The race area sits directly off Valencia's maritime waterfront by La Marina — the racing happens close to shore, in the same waters where our charters depart every day of the summer. For one weekend in September, the view from the water becomes the hottest ticket in the city.
F50 foiling catamarans
Identical carbon-fibre cats that fly above the water on hydrofoils — the fastest race boats in the sport.
Over 90 km/h
F50s can exceed 90 km/h at full flight — sailing at highway speed, metres above the Mediterranean.
National teams
Country against country in identical boats, so the racing comes down to pure skill — and it stays close.
Racing by La Marina
The course sits directly off Valencia's waterfront, so the action unfolds close to shore — and even closer to boats on the water.
Why watch from the water
Grandstands sell out. The racing is on the water. So are we.
SailGP is one of very few world-class sporting events where the arena is the open sea — and where you can bring your own seat. Grandstand tickets are limited, the beach is crowded, and both keep you on the wrong side of the shoreline. On a chartered boat, positioned by the official spectator area, you watch the F50s carve their turns from water level, with the Valencia skyline behind them.
You also get everything a boat gives you that a grandstand never will: your own space, your own music between races, cold drinks from your own fridge, a swim while the fleet resets — and no queue for anything.
Closer to the action
Spectator boats sit on the water side of the course — a perspective no beach or grandstand seat can match. You see the boats foil, tack and accelerate at eye level.
Your own private space
No crowds, no queues, no fixed seat. Your group, your skipper and the deck to yourselves — with food and drinks exactly the way you want them.
A full day on the Mediterranean
Racing runs roughly 90 minutes each day. The rest of your charter is a classic Valencia day at sea — swimming, sun and a slow cruise back past the marina.
Perfect for groups
A race weekend is a natural excuse to get a team, a client group or a crowd of friends on the water — from an intimate yacht to a full event boat.
Our SailGP charter offer
Skippered boats positioned by the spectator zone
For both race days we run skippered charters timed around the racing schedule: out of the marina in good time, positioned by the official spectator area before the first start, and back after the last finish — or later, if you would rather stay out for the evening. Every boat comes with a professional skipper who handles positioning and compliance with the event's on-water rules, so all you do is watch.
Private yachts · 4–12 guests
Motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans with a professional skipper — the classic way to watch the racing with family, friends or a small team. Half-day and full-day formats, with swimming stops before or after racing.
See skippered chartersEvent boats · up to 200 guests
For companies and big groups we arrange dedicated event vessels — catamarans and party boats for 20 to 200 guests, with catering, sound system and hosting on request. SailGP weekend is a corporate event that plans itself.
Explore large group chartersBringing clients or a team? Combine the race weekend with a structured corporate programme — see our corporate event charters.
SailGP Valencia 2026 — practical information
Dates, schedule and how to follow the event from land
Dates
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026 — the first Valencia edition of the Spain Sail Grand Prix. Valencia hosts the event through 2028.
Race schedule
Racing is scheduled from roughly 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on both days — qualifying on Saturday, finals on Sunday. Times can shift with wind conditions.
Watching from land
Grandstand tickets start from €44 (children) and €72 (adults) for one day, and €69/€115 for weekend passes. Spanish fans gather in the Grada Marea Roja supporters' grandstand.
Getting there
The waterfront race area by La Marina is served by Metro lines 3 and 5 — the easiest way to reach the venue on race days.
On-water access: the organisers and the Capitanía Marítima publish the official spectator-craft zones close to the event. Our skippers position within them and handle compliance for you — that is part of every SailGP charter.
September 2026 is almost here
The race weekend is days away and the fleet is limited — boats near the spectator zone are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Tell us your group size and we will confirm what is still available for 5–6 September.
SailGP Valencia — frequently asked questions
No — like every SailGP venue, Valencia will have an official spectator-craft area and an exclusion zone around the course, published by the organisers and the Capitanía Marítima. Our skippers position your boat inside the permitted spectator zone, as close to the action as the rules allow, and handle all compliance for you.
As early as you can. This is Valencia's first SailGP and demand for the weekend is far above a normal September Saturday. Availability changes daily — send an enquiry and we will confirm what is still open for your group size.
SailGP racing depends on wind, and the published schedule (about 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm) can shift. Your charter is booked by time slot, not by race result, so if the day's racing moves within your slot you simply watch whenever it starts. If organisers move racing beyond your slot, we will do our best to adjust the timing — talk to us and we will find a solution.
The course sits directly off Valencia's waterfront, and spectator boats hold position beside it. You will see starts, mark roundings and full-speed foiling runs from water level. For close-ups of the on-board action, bring binoculars — and the SailGP app carries live tracking and commentary you can follow from the deck.
Yes. Alongside yachts for 4–12 guests we arrange dedicated event boats for 20 to 200 guests, with catering, drinks and hosting — see our large group charter page. For structured programmes such as client hospitality and team days, our corporate event team builds the day around the racing.
Absolutely. Spectator boats hold gentle positions in open water — this is a day at anchor or slow cruising, not a race. Children are welcome on family charters, life jackets are provided in all sizes, and your skipper briefs everyone before departure.
Make a weekend of it
Racing ends mid-afternoon — the Valencia evening is yours. Join a boat party in Valencia after the finals, or plan your own day trip on a yacht around the race schedule. For inspiration, read our guide to sunset cruises in Valencia or our playbook for team building on a boat in Valencia.
Explore other charters
Discover more ways to enjoy the Valencia coast
Book your boat for SailGP Valencia
5–6 September 2026 — one weekend, two race days, and a limited fleet. Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will send matching boats with transparent pricing within hours.