The countdown is officially on for the 2026 Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, as the world’s most elite foiling catamarans prepare to return to the Great Sound this coming weekend, May 9th and 10th. Bermuda serves as the pivotal fifth stop of the 2026 Season, a calendar year that has already been defined by relentless speed and high-stakes drama on the water.
The 2026 Season has seen a rotating cast of champions across the first four events, with momentum shifting wildly between the leading nations:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Event 4): Most recently, the Bonds Flying Roos (Australia) demonstrated their championship pedigree in April. Driver Tom Slingsby led the Aussies to a comprehensive victory, highlighted by a dominant "Super Sunday" performance where they swept all four races.
Sydney, Australia (Event 3): In a historic upset on Australian waters, the U.S. SailGP Team claimed the top spot in early March, securing their first win of the season.
Auckland, New Zealand (Event 2): The Bonds Flying Roos also took the title in New Zealand, making them the only team to have multiple event wins heading into the Bermuda leg.
Perth, Australia (Event 1): The season opener in January was claimed by the reigning champions, Emirates GBR, helmed by Dylan Fletcher.
While the racing has been fast, it has also been dangerous. The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in February was marred by a "catastrophic" collision between home-team Black Foils (New Zealand) and DS Team France during the third fleet race.
The incident occurred when the Kiwis appeared to lose control at high speed, veering sharply into the path of the French boat. The impact caused the New Zealand platform to collapse and threw France's strategist through the steering wheel. The crash resulted in serious injuries to Kiwi grinder Louis Sinclair, who required surgery for compound fractures in both legs. This incident significantly impacted the season standings, with SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts suggesting the Black Foils' title hopes may have been severely compromised by the resulting penalties and damage.
Bermuda’s natural amphitheater is set to host six races over two days, with twelve teams competing for a spot in the winner-takes-all final.
Race Day 1 (Saturday, May 9th): Racing scheduled from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm.
Race Day 2 (Sunday, May 10th): Racing scheduled from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, culminating in the three-boat final.
With the Australia team looking to continue their "Super Sunday" momentum from Rio and the U.S. and British teams close behind, the Great Sound is primed for another weekend of high-velocity spectacle.
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