If there’s one thing today has reminded me, it’s just how lucky we are to call Portsmouth home.

With the Solent as its backdrop, Southsea Common has transformed into a vibrant festival of sport, bringing together thousands of sailing enthusiasts, families and curious first-time visitors for the opening day of SailGP Portsmouth.

From the moment we arrived, there was an unmistakable buzz in the air.

The SailGP team couldn’t have been more welcoming. From the friendly staff at check-in to those helping visitors find their way around the Race Stadium, every interaction was warm, professional and accommodating. It immediately set the tone for what promised to be an unforgettable day.

Waiting for the action

As we settled into the grandstand, one thing became clear – the sea breeze was worth its weight in gold. With temperatures soaring, the refreshing wind coming off the Solent was a welcome relief.

While anticipation built for the day’s racing, our attention turned to the water where wing foilers leaped effortlessly across the waves. Balancing on a single board while holding an inflatable wing, they seemed to hover above the water, weaving graceful patterns across the harbour and entertaining the growing crowd.

Around us, the atmosphere was already electric. Men in crisp linen shirts and ladies dressed impeccably embraced the sunshine, while supporters proudly wore their team colours, waving flags and preparing to cheer on their nations.

A special welcome from a legend

One of the standout moments before racing got underway was hearing from Sir Ben Ainslie. Reflecting on the event, he admitted that standing ashore made him wish he was out on the water competing alongside the teams. The crowd responded with a huge cheer.

Then came the F50s…

And then, suddenly, they appeared.

As the F50 catamarans swept around the corner of the Solent, the entire grandstand erupted. The excitement was contagious. Team GB glided into position directly in front of us, greeted by deafening cheers from the home crowd. It was one of those goosebump moments that television simply can’t replicate.

The wing foilers continued to zip effortlessly between the giant F50s, pulling off spectacular tricks and reminding everyone that the entertainment doesn’t stop between races.

Above us, helicopters flew low across the Solent, capturing the incredible scenes unfolding below, while the event production reached another level. The music swelled, commentators raised the anticipation and every team announcement was met with applause and chants from passionate supporters.

The racing begins

One fascinating fact shared by the commentators was that the Solent is considered one of the best places in the world for foiling. The combination of fast-moving water and challenging wind conditions creates an exciting and unpredictable racecourse—and today’s racing proved exactly why.

The opening match-up between Canada and Spain immediately showcased the skill required at this level. Watching these remarkable boats accelerate to almost 90 km/h before executing breathtakingly tight turns was simply incredible.

Every gust of wind seemed to shift the balance. Every manoeuvre mattered. Every team had unwavering support from fans determined to cheer them across the finish line. The noise from the grandstands grew with every close overtake and tactical decision, creating an atmosphere unlike anything I’ve experienced at a sailing event before.

Even for someone relatively new to SailGP, it was impossible not to become completely immersed in the competition.

More than just a sailing event

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day wasn’t the speed of the fleet—it was the experience surrounding them.

The production value of SailGP Portsmouth is simply outstanding. From the Race Village and hospitality lounges to the grandstands, live commentary, giant screens and entertainment, every detail has been carefully designed to make the sport accessible, exciting and engaging.

The event feels polished without losing its relaxed coastal charm. Whether you’re a lifelong sailing fan, a family looking for a day out or attending your very first SailGP event, there’s something here for everyone. The commentary keeps newcomers informed, while the festival atmosphere ensures there’s always something happening both on and off the water.

Just when you thought the day couldn’t get any better, the entertainment continued long after the final race. As the sun began to set over the Solent, a live performance from Jess Glynne brought the windswept crowds together. Her energetic set brought the perfect close to an already unforgettable day.

Day One Verdict

Today has been about far more than world-class racing.

It’s been about showcasing Portsmouth to the world, celebrating our incredible waterfront and bringing people together through sport. Watching thousands of people gather on Southsea Common against the backdrop of the Solent makes you realise what a special city we live in.

As someone fortunate enough to call Portsmouth home, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride. Today has shown our city at its very best—welcoming, vibrant and perfectly placed to host one of the most exciting sporting events on the planet.

With Olympic champions, cutting-edge technology, breathtaking racing and an atmosphere that builds with every passing hour, SailGP has once again proved why Portsmouth is one of the best places in the world to experience high-performance sailing.

Day Two… bring it on!

Website: sailgp.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SailGP
Instagram: instagram.com/sailgp
TikTok: tiktok.com/@sailgp
YouTube: youtube.com/sailgp

Photos: Gracie White, Sann Media Co
Words: Kristiina