Los Gallos claimed a second consecutive SailGP victory of the 2026 Season after a thrilling Final at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, capping a dramatic day of group racing that saw 10 different race winners across 10 fleet races before Spain emerged on top when it mattered most.
The afternoon began with more twists as Group A leaders the Black Foils were handed an early-start penalty in Race 4a, opening the door for the Bonds Flying Roos and Los Gallos. The Australians led away before Diego Botin's Spanish crew fought back with aggressive sailing to seize control. NorthStar recovered brilliantly after forcing Red Bull Italy into a penalty at the start to climb into third, while the Black Foils briefly challenged for the podium before another penalty dropped them back to fifth.
In Group B, Germany presented by Deutsche Bank mastered a chaotic start to Race 4b, timing the line perfectly while rivals struggled. Emirates GBR initially avoided the carnage but their challenge unravelled after losing pace around the course, eventually slipping to fifth. Germany disappeared into the distance to claim victory ahead of DS Team France and Artemis, making it eight different race winners from the opening eight races in Portsmouth.
Everything came down to the final group races.
ROCKWOOL Denmark dominated Race 5a, but with the Danes out of the running for the Final, all eyes were on the battle unfolding behind them. A costly early-start penalty ended the Flying Roos' hopes, while NorthStar produced a stunning late recovery to overhaul Los Gallos and secure second place, booking their place in the Final. The result also knocked defending Portsmouth champions the Black Foils out of contention.
Race 5b delivered more heartbreak for the home crowd. Emirates GBR finally found a strong start before falling off the foils at the opening mark, ending any realistic hopes of reaching the Final. Explora Swiss took a commanding victory ahead of DS Team France, while Artemis did enough in third to progress, setting up a four-team showdown between Los Gallos, NorthStar, Explora Swiss and Artemis.
The Final was fittingly close.
Artemis and Explora Swiss matched each other off the line before Los Gallos found their opportunity midway through the race, splitting from the Swedish team to take advantage of stronger pressure on the opposite side of the course. NorthStar's hopes faded after an out-of-bounds penalty, leaving a three-way fight for victory.
Los Gallos seized the lead on the penultimate leg and never looked back, crossing the finish line to seal the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix and their second Grand Prix win on the bounce. Artemis finished second, with NorthStar recovering to third after their earlier setback.
The victory has huge ramifications on the Championship standings with eight events complete. Los Gallos jump into second on the overall standings, narrowing the gap to leaders the Bonds Flying Roos to 12 points. Artemis leapfrog Emirates GBR to complete the podium with just five Grands Prix remaining.
The Aussies still have the advantage, but the momentum is with Los Gallos.
