SailGP reveal new Southampton technology facility
by SailGP 17 Jul 22:38 UTC
SailGP Technologies - Southampton - July 2025 © Jason Ludlow/SailGP
SailGP Technologies have opened the doors on their new tech HQ, ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, UK, this weekend.
Based in Southampton, UK, SailGP Technologies is the league’s center of innovation, design and engineering and home to more than 100 designers, engineers, boat builders and experts in specialist composites, hydraulics, aerodynamics and other fields.
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.
“The opening of SailGP Technologies represents a major step forward in our continued ability to support a truly global championship,” said SailGP Technologies director Joel Marginson. “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 has also confirmed the first six emerging professionals participating in the league’s first-ever boat building apprenticeship program in collaboration with South Hampshire College Group.
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.
Celebrating the launch, SailGP CEO and co-founder Russell Coutts said: “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 2025 Season continues this weekend with the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Portsmouth on July 19/20. Limited daily and weekend passes remain for both the Waterfront Grandstand and the Waterfront Premium Lounge.
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