SailGP Technologies officially launches new center of excellence in technology & innovation
by SailGP 17 Jul 13:34 BST
SailGP Technologies, Southampton © Jason Ludlow for SailGP
SailGP today marks the official opening of SailGP Technologies - the global racing championship's center of innovation, design, and engineering, based out of Southampton, UK. Home to a highly-skilled team of more than 100 designers, engineers, boat builders and experts in specialist composites, hydraulics, aerodynamics and other fields, the state-of-the-art facility opened its doors to partner, teams and other guests ahead of this weekend's Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix (July 19-20).
The newly launched US $10 million facility represents a strategic investment in the future of the Rolex SailGP Championship - bolstering the league's fleet of state-of-the-art F50 catamarans, driving forward innovation in design and development, and supercharging the construction of boats 13, 14 and beyond. In close proximity to SailGP's London HQ, the location was selected to optimize proximity to the global racing calendar after re-locating from the original facility in New Zealand in late 2023.
Joel Marginson, Director SailGP Technologies said: "The opening of SailGP Technologies represents a major step forward in our continued ability to support a truly global championship. This facility gives us greater control and resilience across the fleet, enabling faster turnaround of repairs, more consistent performance, and a reliable supply of spares while on tour. It's a key step in future-proofing SailGP - ensuring we can deliver uncompromised high-performance racing, anywhere in the world."
SailGP is also proud to confirm the first six emerging professionals selected to participate in SailGP Technologies Next Gen Careers Program, part of SailGP's inspiring the next generation strategy. The first-ever boat building apprenticeship program - in collaboration with South Hampshire College Group - is aimed at developing a new generation of skilled professionals in the marine and boatbuilding industry. The program provides hands-on training and industry-leading expertise to aspiring boatbuilders, composite engineers and other specialist roles. Successful candidates will be based out of SailGP Technologies' Southampton facility, where they will obtain critical skills and knowledge needed to launch or advance their careers, whether within SailGP Technologies or across the wider marine industry.
Celebrating the launch, Sir Russell Coutts, SailGP CEO and co-founder said: "Launching this facility is a major milestone for SailGP, our teams and partners. As we grow, it's incredibly important to have fully integrated capabilities and expertise. This state-of-the-art facility will enable SailGP to remain at the very forefront of industry technology and innovation. Just as importantly, we're committed to developing the next generation of boat building talent through our apprenticeship scheme, helping to secure the future of the wider industry."
The center will also be a hub for future off-water athlete training & development, with a fully operational simulator, and forthcoming development of an SailGP Athlete Integration Training Program - set to include racing and rule training, simulator sessions, safety and medical training, and role specific training for incoming SailGP teams and athletes.
The most exciting racing on water returns this weekend, with the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth taking place on July 19-20, 2025. As the seventh stop of the Rolex Sail Grand Prix Championship's 2025 Season, tickets are selling fast. Limited daily and weekend passes are available for both the Waterfront Grandstand and the Waterfront Premium Lounge presented by La Folie Douce x Ollie Dabbous at SailGP.com/Portsmouth.