Waitematā Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand
14 February 2026 – 15 February 2026
Completed
Winner: Australia
Waitematā Harbour provides a natural amphitheater for stadium racing, allowing dense spectator crowds on land. This event fills the void left by the America's Cup, which despite being held by New Zealand, was hosted in Barcelona.
The New Zealand 'Black Foils' consistently rank as top-tier competitors. Hosting an event in their home waters generates immense national interest, effectively turning the regatta into a national sporting moment comparable to a rugby test match.
Auckland's harbour offers reliable thermal winds and protected racing waters. The natural geography creates perfect stadium racing conditions with fans within meters of the racecourse boundary.