SailGP, a two-day event, is often compared to Formula 1 but with high-tech catamarans navigating the waters instead of race tracks. These cutting-edge boats have become a striking presence in New York Harbor, replacing the usual maritime traffic.

The U.S. Coast Guard designated an area in the often crowded New York Harbor exclusively for the race. Normally bustling with diverse watercraft, this transformation was necessary to accommodate the competition.

On May 31, 2026, Nicole van der Velden recalled her initial visit to New York, where she was warned not of typical New York experiences like the busy subways or long museum lines, but of the challenging wind patterns, strong currents, and captivating views. As a professional sailboat racer, she spent significant time in New York Harbor last year, assisting her Spanish team, Los Gallos, in securing the 2025 New York Sail Grand Prix title. Just before the race commenced, she paused on the water to appreciate the iconic view, sandwiched between the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

“You’ve seen these landmarks in countless films, yet experiencing them firsthand creates a unique and dynamic setting for a race,” she reflected.

The event is a part of New York’s vibrant sports scene this spring and summer, which also includes the Knicks’ journey to the NBA finals and the soccer World Cup happening in New Jersey, both on land.

SailGP took control of New York Harbor for the weekend. The spectacle involved high-tech sailboats, characterized by their sails that resemble airplane wings turned upright, racing through the bay with vibrant colors against the city’s renowned backdrop.

Sir Russell Coutts, who co-founded SailGP with tech magnate Larry Ellison seven years ago, explained their vision: “When people typically imagine a sailboat race, they think of distant white sails slowly traversing a vast expanse, an elitist scene hard to follow. We’ve condensed the races and brought them near the shore, making the breathtaking speed visible to all,” Coutts said.