The Rolex SailGP Championship returns to Southsea in July for a weekend of high-octane racing and unrivaled entertainment
Two of the UK’s most celebrated music artists, legendary singer-songwriter Craig David and pop sensation Jess Glynne will bring star power to this summer’s Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth.
The two performers will headline SailGP’s Après-Sail experience, across a weekend of high-speed racing and entertainment on 25-26 July 2026.
Taking place on Southsea Common, performances will follow each day’s racing, with Jess Glynne taking to the stage Saturday 25 July and Craig David closing the weekend with his TS5 show on Sunday 26 July. The Après-Sail line-up forms part of a premier waterfront experience, with 20,000 fans expected across the two days.
Set against the backdrop of the Solent, the performances will take place on the main stage in front of the Waterfront Grandstands, with fans able to follow the action live across big screens throughout the Race Stadium.
Grammy Award-winning Jess Glynne will take to the stage on Saturday, performing her acclaimed global hits. A defining voice in UK R&B, Craig David will deliver a set of all the hits and anthems that have shaped his career on the Sunday.
Craig David will also take to the decks for a sample of his TS5 DJ set, in SailGP’s new premium hospitality offering VELA Beach Club, which launched this year in Rio de Janeiro. Drawing its spirit from the Latin term ‘vela’, meaning ‘sails’, guests will enjoy elevated race viewing in stylish lounge spaces.
SailGP’s Chief Marketing Officer, Leah Davis said: “Portsmouth delivered an incredible atmosphere for SailGP’s debut last year, and we’re building on that momentum as one of our most iconic stops in 2026.
“Having Jess Glynne and Craig David headline our Après‑Sail music programme brings an incredible new energy to the weekend, pairing world‑class racing with world‑class live music. It’s the perfect blend of high‑speed sport, summer atmosphere and headline entertainment that SailGP has become known for.”
Following a standout debut in 2025, SailGP returns to Portsmouth this summer with its signature mix of close-to-shore racing and immersive entertainment. Across the weekend, fans can expect live DJs, roaming performers, interactive activations and high-speed racing from the league’s cutting-edge F50 catamarans, flying just metres from land. The official SailGP Simulator will also give fans the chance to test themselves against the world’s best.
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth marks the eighth stop of the SailGP 2026 Season. Thirteen national teams will compete on identical, hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, including the home Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, led by Olympic gold medallists Dylan Fletcher (driver) and Hannah Mills (strategist).
Tickets are on sale now via SailGP.com/Portsmouth, with a range of options available including:
VELA Beach Club - premium waterfront hospitality with live music, DJ sets and the best in food and drink
Premium Waterfront Grandstand - for the best views of the racecourse
Waterfront Grandstand - high-energy, full racing action, suitable for all ages.
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