Running a global sailing championship is as much a logistics puzzle as it is a sporting spectacle. Before the F50 catamarans of SailGP hit the water at each race — including the Australian Bonds Flying Roos’ recent win in Bermuda on May 9-10 — a colossal behind-the-scenes operation is already in motion.
SailGP transports roughly 115 shipping containers per race, carrying over 1 million kilograms of cargo — the equivalent weight of seven blue whales — via ships, aircraft, trucks, and specialized equipment. The league’s global logistics partner, DP World, has helped move more than 100,000 individuaparts worldwide in 2026 alone.
Engineering a Race-Ready Fleet
Each F50 catamaran is fully disassembled into four to five shipping containers, covering the wing, hull, and key components. One hull container even doubles as the team’s on-site office. This plug-and-play design, once considered ambitious, is now central to the league’s ability to race across continents.
To reduce cargo and environmental impact, SailGP employs a hybrid model — transporting only specialized equipment globally while sourcing most materials locally. This approach also maximizes economic benefit for each host city.
When Plans Go Overboard
Disruptions are inevitable. A canceled race in Rio last year forced cargo ships to hover offshore for days. U.S. maritime regulations then required rerouting through the Dominican Republic before operations could resume — a stark example of the complexity involved.
With the calendar growing from 5 to 13 races, COO Julien di Biase acknowledges the operation has hit a ceiling. Reaching the target of 20 races will demand a complete rethink of how SailGP moves its world-class championship around the globe.
parts worldwide in 2026 alone.
Engineering a Race-Ready Fleet
Each F50 catamaran is fully disassembled into four to five shipping containers, covering the wing, hull, and key components. One hull container even doubles as the team’s on-site office. This plug-and-play design, once considered ambitious, is now central to the league’s ability to race across continents.
To reduce cargo and environmental impact, SailGP employs a hybrid model — transporting only specialized equipment globally while sourcing most materials locally. This approach also maximizes economic benefit for each host city.
When Plans Go Overboard
Disruptions are inevitable. A canceled race in Rio last year forced cargo ships to hover offshore for days. U.S. maritime regulations then required rerouting through the Dominican Republic before operations could resume — a stark example of the complexity involved.
With the calendar growing from 5 to 13 races, COO Julien di Biase acknowledges the operation has hit a ceiling. Reaching the target of 20 races will demand a complete rethink of how SailGP moves its world-class championship around the globe.