The inaugural American Express Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix is 100 days away, with the high-speed sailing championship set to make its debut in Victoria Harbour on Jan. 23-24, 2027.
As the opening event of the 2027 Rolex SailGP Championship season, the race is expected to attract international visitors, generate economic activity and showcase Hong Kong's iconic waterfront to a global audience.
The event marks a major step in SailGP's expansion across Asia, with the championship aiming to reach new audiences in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and inspire the next generation of sailors and innovators.
Andy Thompson, managing director of SailGP, said HK was chosen not only for its spectacular harbor but also for its strategic importance to the championship's long-term development.
"HK is one of the most iconic harbours in the world, and certainly we want to stage our races in iconic locations," Thompson said at a virtual press conference on Thursday (Oct. 15).
"You can't really have a global sports league without having Asia at the heart of that, and that's certainly what our next five years represent. HK is definitely at the heart of Asia."
SailGP broadcasts to more than 200 markets worldwide. According to the organizer, its events typically generate at least US$25 million in economic impact for host cities through event operations, team activities and visitor spending.
The championship is also working with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and other stakeholders on a year-round youth engagement program that combines on-water activities with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
"Showcasing sailing on this iconic harbour around the world is one of our key priorities for this event. We will put in place multiple community projects to engage as many youth as possible," Thompson said.
Racing up close at Kai Tak
The waterfront at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will be transformed into a purpose-built SailGP Race Stadium, allowing spectators to watch the high-speed competition against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
SailGP features national teams competing in identical, high-tech 50-foot foiling catamarans that can reach speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.
Blair Tuke, co-CEO of New Zealand's Black Foils team, said the event could help expand the sport's appeal across the region.
"It's a new market and it's been a long time since we've had a race in the Asian region," Tuke said. "We hope that the SailGP product resonates with Chinese fans, and that Hong Kong will be a huge growth opportunity for all the teams."
Tuke also highlighted HK's appeal as a destination, citing its vibrant culture, sailing heritage and distinctive skyline.
"To have SailGP coming to HK—with the city's great sailing history and that amazing skyline—I think it's a really unique and powerful combination," he said.
Leo Takahashi, flight controller for the Black Foils who represented Japan at the 2020 Olympic Games, said Asian audiences' enthusiasm for technology and speed offered significant potential for the championship.
"Asia has massive potential for SailGP because sports audiences here embrace super high technology and speed," Takahashi said.
The close-to-shore format is designed to bring spectators closer to the action. Tuke said the event would offer a different experience from traditional sailing competitions.
"It's not just a sailing race that you try and broadcast; it's a sailing race built for spectators and for the fans," he said.
SailGP managing director Thompson said the boats would race close to the shoreline at Kai Tak, allowing fans to experience the competition at close range.
Ticket sales begin Oct. 21 for eligible cardmembers
Tickets for the American Express Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix will be available to eligible American Express Cardmembers for priority booking from 10 am on Oct. 21 until 5 pm on Oct. 22, HK time.
A SailGP+ member presale will follow from 10 am on Oct. 23 until 5 pm on Oct. 26, or until the allocation is exhausted. Fans can join SailGP+ for free through the official SailGP website to access the presale.
General ticket sales will open at 10 am on Oct. 27, HK time.
The event has been designated an "M" Mark event by the Major Sports Events Committee, a recognition for major sporting events that contribute to the city's sports calendar and its profile as a destination for international competitions.
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