San Francisco Bay is about to turn into a high-speed catamaran racetrack this weekend as the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix sails into town. If you’ve ever wanted to witness twelve teams of sailors trading paint at speeds topping 60 miles per hour, now’s your chance! Buckle up, 'cause SailGP is the “most exciting race on water!”

This thrilling two-day event, happening March 22-23, is the fifth stop on the SailGP championship circuit. Teams will race identical five-foot foiling catamarans, and we mean identical. Just picture it: sleek boats flying over the water, soaring past the Golden Gate like it’s just another speed bump on their path to glory.

With a rich history of urban sailing, San Francisco provides a picturesque yet challenging arena – think “strong currents and unpredictable winds”. It’s not just about speed; it’s about who’s savvy enough to outsmart Mother Nature and the competition.

This year, eyes will be on US Olympic medalist Hans Henken, our local hero, as he steers the US SailGP team against eleven other national teams, including last year’s winners, Team Spain. Talk about a group of sailors who can turn their boat into a veritable rocket ship!

So when can you catch the breathtaking action? Race Day 1 is set for Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the main race happening between 2:30 and 4 p.m. Day 2 follows the same schedule on Sunday. Don’t worry about missing out; tickets are still available on the SailGP website, and rumor has it that Waymo’s driverless taxis are swooping in to whisk fans to and from the action.

Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and catch a glimpse of these wind-powered speed demons. Who knows? You might just find yourself cheering for a boat you can’t even pronounce but definitely look super cool on Instagram. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or just aiming for the perfect TikTok backdrop, the SailGP will be your perfect weekend activity. Get out there and show some love for San Francisco’s sailing spirit! ⚓