SailGP will bring its unique brand of high-octane action to Hong Kong next year, kick-starting its 2027 season by racing around Victoria Harbour.

The city joins a 13-event calendar spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday to announce event, Russell Coutts, the SailGP co-founder and CEO, said next year’s schedule, which also sees the sport return to San Francisco, “a major step forward”.

Taking the race to major cities reflected “both the scale of our ambition, and the strength of the demand we’re seeing from cities and partners globally wanting to be part of the championship,” Coutts added.

Hong Kong will host its first Rolex SailGP Championship on the weekend of January 23, with Coutts calling the city a “world-class destination for SailGP – and a venue we expect to deliver strong commercial interest and an unmatched fan experience”.

“Victoria Harbour is built for the close-to-shore stadium racing Sail GP is becoming known for around the globe,” he added.