SailGP - Fresh breezes predicted for SailGP Portsmouth and Admirals Cup start
by Richard Gladwell in Portsmouth 16 Jul 18:36 BST
The blimp is positioned over the Grandstand and SailGP spectator area - making an obvious reference point - July 2025 © Richard Gladwell - Sail-World.com / nz
With two days remaining to the start of racing in SailGP Portsmouth, the forecast is for fresh breezes on both racedays, which should make for exciting racing.
But an advancing front is expected to bring rain to southern England, with the prospect of thunderstorms being discussed on the BBC forecast for the weekend.
Predictwind shows a good prospect of rain on both Saturday and Sunday, which will be welcomed in drought-stricken southern England, but not so good for SailGP spectators.
Yesterday's strong winds gusting over 40kts from the SW, gave way to lighter winds gusting 15 - 20kts today from WSW. But that breeze eased further around the race start time of 1630hrs to 12-15kts - still sufficent to provide plenty of racing action in the foiling wingsailed 50fters.
Thursday's forecast from Predictwind is for more of the same as today. But winds will lighten on Friday to 7-8kts from the SW - with Practice racing scheduled in the late afternoon. That windstrength may be light enough to allow the new light air rudders to be tested by the fleet, however it is understood that they will not be used during racing this weekend.
Come the two scheduled race days, conditions look more than ideal for the racing with the 12 boat fleet. Lighter winds in the morning will build in the afternoon and are expected to be 14kts, gusting 22kts on Saturday afternoon.
A similar pattern will be followed on Sunday with the breeze beginning at a moderate strength in the morning, increasing to 14-20kts in the afternoon.
Admirals' Cup
On Saturday morning the first race, the Channel Race, gets underway in the 2025 Admirals' Cup.
Billed as the short offshore race, the starting signal is scheduled 1040hrs, with both the AC1 and AC2 divisions being part of the combined Admirals' Cup start.
The lighter conditions in the morning, but with the front bringing less predictable wind strengths. The latest update shows stronger winds than discussed above. However the situation is expected to be changeable, with shifting winds providing a challenge for forecasters and navigators.
Courses have yet to be posted. Check here for the course link to the Channel Race, when it is updated, no later than 17.00 on Friday 18 July 2025 - according to the Sailing Instructions for the double points scoring race.