SailGP’s exhilarating, high-speed racing is set to make its long-awaited return to UK waters with the highly anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, taking place in Portsmouth on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025.
Steamship Shieldhall, Southampton’s heritage steamship, will be attending this spectacular event and has secured a prime anchorage position just outside the race exclusion zone over both days.
Anchored in line with the race course, Shieldhall promises exceptional views, all from the comfort of a spacious and stable historic vessel.
Each day, Shieldhall will depart from her berth in Southampton and sail to the designated anchorage in Portsmouth, just outside the race exclusion zone, to watch the action.
Shieldhall’s timings for the days are shown below:
- 12:00 – Depart Berth 110, Southampton Western Docks passing Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura (19 July) and Arvia, Independence of the Seas and Regal Princess (20 July) at anchor
- 15:00 – Arrive at anchorage
- 16:00 to 17:30 – SailGP Racing slot
- 17:30 to 18:00 – Depart anchorage
- 20:30 – Arrive Berth 110, Southampton Western Docks
In addition to what promises to be spectacular racing, Shieldhall offers guests a full day out on the water, and guests can access her impressive engine room with original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork.
There will be opportunities to admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and her volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk Shieldhall’s teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth.
Children will have fun with an interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board.
For tickets, visit: Day One of SailGP (Sat 19 July): https://ss-shieldhall.co.uk/bookings/sailgp-race-day-1-19072025/ Day Two of SailGP (Sun 20 July) 2: https://ss-shieldhall.co.uk/bookings/sailgp-race-day-2-20072025/
Tickets are £69 for adults; £23 children; £161 family ticket (2 adults / 2 children). There is a 15% discount for guests who wish to attend both days of the racing.
