The global sailing championship SailGP will make its Asian debut in Hong Kong with the American Express Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix, scheduled for 23–24 January 2027. The event, announced today, will be held in the city's iconic Victoria Harbour, with American Express as the title sponsor. Cardholders will get priority booking and exclusive ticket discounts.
Hong Kong was selected for its world-famous harbour and its strategic position in SailGP's expansion plans. Andy Thompson, Managing Director of SailGP, said: "Hong Kong is one of the most iconic harbours in the world... a great place for us to land." The event is part of the 2027 Rolex SailGP Championship, which also includes stops in Australia, the US, and Europe.
Economic impact and venue
SailGP events typically generate at least US$25 million in economic impact for host cities, through visitor spending, hospitality, and media exposure. The Hong Kong race is expected to attract international visitors and showcase the city to a global audience, providing a boost to the local tourism and MICE sectors. The event aligns with Hong Kong's broader efforts to position itself as a premier destination for major sporting and business events, similar to the recent debut of China's COITM in the MICE arena.
The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will be transformed into a SailGP Race Stadium, offering spectators a close-up view of the high-speed foiling catamarans. This repurposing of a cruise facility underscores the growing synergy between maritime events and the cruise industry, a trend also seen in Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship debuts.
Expanding the fan base
Blair Tuke, Co-CEO of New Zealand's Black Foils team, expressed excitement about the event's potential to engage Asian fans. "It's a new market... a huge growth opportunity for all the teams," he said. The Hong Kong race is expected to introduce the sport to a new audience, with potential spin-offs for regional tourism and sports marketing.
Tickets go on sale to the public on 27 October 2026, with American Express cardholders getting priority access from 21 October. The event is part of the 2027 Rolex SailGP Championship, which will also feature races in Australia, the US, and Europe.
For travel professionals, the event represents a significant opportunity to package race-viewing experiences, hospitality, and city breaks. The combination of a major international sporting event and Hong Kong's established tourism infrastructure could drive demand for flights, hotels, and tours. As the city continues to rebuild its tourism numbers, events like this are crucial. The recent transformation of Singapore's F1 weekend into a citywide festival offers a model for how such events can maximize their impact.
With the event still over a year away, stakeholders in the travel industry should start planning now to capitalize on the influx of visitors. The SailGP race is set to be a highlight of Hong Kong's 2027 events calendar, and its success could pave the way for more international sporting events in the region.
