The Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix is set to return to the Port of Los Angeles on March 15 and 16, 2025, bringing with it a weekend of high-speed sailing and world-class competition. As one of the most anticipated events on the SailGP calendar, the Los Angeles stop will showcase 12 national teams, each featuring some of the world’s top sailors, racing in state-of-the-art F50 foiling catamarans. These high-performance boats, capable of reaching speeds of over 60 miles per hour, will take to the water in a thrilling display of strategy, precision, and speed.
The Log asked SailGP Managing Director Andrew Thompson about the unique challenges of the Los Angeles racecourse and how teams adjust their strategies. Thompson explained that the Rolex Los Angeles Grand Prix features a tight racecourse, which creates close boat-on-boat action and requires teams to carefully strategize to avoid trouble. He noted that Los Angeles’ deep-water port and reliable sea breeze make for ideal sailing conditions, while the proximity of the course to the shore enhances the spectator experience, offering thrilling racing alongside top-tier hospitality.
“By bringing the most exciting racing on water to the Port of Los Angeles, SailGP hopes the event will provide a meaningful and impactful experience for the community during what has been a challenging first couple of months to the year,” said Thompson. “We are working with our partners to ensure first responders, their families, and others affected by the fires can attend our event free of charge. We also anticipate the event will provide a welcome boost to local businesses and the community. In fact, last season’s Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix demonstrated an estimated economic impact of $6.9 million (July 2023) to the city of Los Angeles with our event benefiting hotels, restaurants, local businesses and more.”
This year’s event marks an important milestone for the championship with the introduction of Rolex as the new Title Partner. Announced in late 2024, the partnership rebrands the competition as the Rolex SailGP Championship, reflecting Rolex’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport of sailing. Rolex has long been associated with some of the most prestigious sailing events in the world, and its involvement with SailGP is expected to further elevate the competition. The Los Angeles event will be the first Grand Prix under this new partnership, making it a significant moment in the history of the series.
“The Rolex Los Angeles Grand Prix will be the kickoff to our U.S. slate of events for the 2025 Season,” said Thompson. “As SailGP continues to expand – we have 12 teams this season and Rolex as our first-ever title partner – so does our athlete and fan experience. This year at the Port of Los Angeles we will have new team bases for the athletes, and larger, premium grandstands to enhance the spectator experience and put them closer to the water’s edge. Additionally, for the first time at our Los Angeles event, spectators will be able to use the virtual reality technology in our SailGP App to point their phone at the racing action and unlock interactive graphics, overlays and live stats to help them better understand what’s taking place on the water.”
Spectators can expect an action-packed weekend with intense head-to-head racing as teams battle for crucial championship points. The event’s unique format ensures that every second on the water counts, with teams navigating a tight racecourse where precision and quick decision-making are essential. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the races up close from designated viewing areas, with a variety of ticket options available, including general admission and premium hospitality experiences. Given the popularity of the event, early ticket purchases are encouraged to secure the best vantage points.
SailGP, founded in 2019 by Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts, has quickly grown into an international sailing championship that travels the world, visiting some of the most iconic waterfront cities. From Sydney to San Francisco, New York to Marseille, each stop on the SailGP circuit brings its own unique challenges and conditions. Los Angeles has established itself as a premier venue in this global league, offering a racecourse that demands skillful maneuvering and sharp tactics due to its tight layout. The event’s return to the Port of Los Angeles solidifies its reputation as one of the most exciting locations on the tour, with unpredictable wind conditions and the city’s vibrant maritime culture adding to the spectacle.
As the SailGP fleet makes its return to Los Angeles, the excitement surrounding the event continues to grow. The combination of elite athletes, cutting-edge technology, and a competitive racing environment ensures that this Grand Prix will be a highlight of the 2025 season. Whether you’re a seasoned sailing enthusiast or new to the sport, the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the very best of high-performance sailing. Fans eager to witness the action firsthand can find more information and purchase tickets on the official SailGP website.
