Imagine this: it’s race day at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland. Everything is going according to plan until a sudden gust of wind changes everything… The New Zealand team loses control and veers sharply, crashing into the French boat… The consequences are disastrous. Two athletes had to be hospitalized, and the organizers decided to call off the race early. The two catamarans—which, let’s not forget, are true technological marvels—also sustained considerable damage.
The Incredible Story of the Black Foils
If SailGP is capturing everyone’s attention, it’s largely thanks to its teams, with New Zealand’s leading the way. After the spectacular crash in Auckland that sidelined the team for four races on the schedule, the team acquired a new catamaran: a high-tech speedster named Manawatītī (“The Heart of a Tītī” in Māori), after a seabird renowned for its resilience. Led by sailing legends Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, the New Zealanders also draw their strength from a deep commitment to the environment: their Live Ocean foundation even earned them the prestigious 2026 SailGP Better Planet Award. A fascinating team that proves it’s possible to combine extreme sports with ocean conservation.
A magical spectacle just two hours from Lyon, on Lake Geneva
To see these athletes compete against the world’s top nations—including the Swiss and French teams—be sure to head to Geneva on September 19 and 20. During the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, the shores of Lake Geneva will be transformed into a massive playground where these “Formula 1® of the seas” will race at over 100 km/h on the water. Amazing! Last year, the event was sold out, and this year’s show promises to be even more spectacular. There are still a few tickets left, but you’ll have to act fast to witness this clash of the titans…
📍 Lake Geneva, Geneva (Switzerland)
📆 Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026
ℹ️ All the info and tickets
