Auckland will host a larger SailGP race stadium when the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix returns in February 2026.

The Wynyard Point Race Stadium will expand its record-setting grandstand by 30 percent, building on the 2025 event that reshaped Auckland’s waterfront skyline and brought racing metres from shore.

The expanded structure is designed to intensify crowd noise and sightlines as SailGP’s high-speed foiling fleets race directly in front of packed grandstands.

The near-shore format is central to SailGP’s appeal, allowing spectators to follow every manoeuvre as teams race at speed on the Waitemata Harbour.

New Zealand’s Black Foils, led by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, will again compete against the world’s top sailing nations as teams set the pace for the 2026 season.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, the Auckland leg places an international sporting event within easy reach, with afternoon race windows suited to same-day travel.

Race Day 1 takes place on Saturday, February 14, with the Race Stadium open from 1:30pm to 7:00pm and racing scheduled between 4:00pm and 5:30pm.

Race Day 2 follows on Sunday, February 15, with the same stadium and race window times.

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