SailGP Transforms New York Harbor into a High-Tech Racing Arena

SailGP, a highly advanced two-day competition, temporarily replaced regular maritime traffic in New York Harbor with state-of-the-art catamarans. The U.S. Coast Guard set up a designated race area in one of the nation’s busiest ports to accommodate this thrilling event.

Before Nicole van der Velden’s initial visit to New York a year ago, she received advice on the unusual conditions she would face. It wasn’t the crowded public transport or the long lines she was warned about, but the challenging wind patterns and notable cross currents. Known for her prowess in professional sailboat racing, van der Velden had spent significant time mastering the unpredictable waters of New York Harbor. Last year, this experience paid off as she and her Spanish team, Los Gallos, clinched victory at the 2025 New York Sail Grand Prix.

During the race, as she maneuvered her boat in the bustling harbor, van der Velden took a moment to appreciate the iconic views around her — the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the renowned skyline of Manhattan. “You’ve seen it in so many movies, and then it’s all around you,” she remarked. “It’s such a unique and dynamic place for a race.”

This nautical event is often compared to Formula 1, offering a thrilling addition to New York’s lineup of major spring and summer sports events. While basketball and soccer excite fans on land, SailGP captivates audiences with its exhilarating sailboat races. Spectators witnessed vivid-colored catamarans speed through the bay, set against the picturesque city background.

The cutting-edge racing boats, designed with sails resembling upright airplane wings, offer a visual shift from traditional sailing images. Sir Russell Coutts, who co-established SailGP with tech magnate Larry Ellison, noted the dynamic nature of these races. “When people think of a sailboat race, they think of white triangles on a blue background far from shore, slow-paced, hard to understand, elitist,” Coutts explained. “We’ve shortened the races and moved them close to shore where you can see the speed, which is breathtaking.”