International sailing race event headed for Port of Los Angeles

Imagine the wild thrill of NASCAR races — but on the water.

SailGP — a fast-paced, international sport that’s only four years old — will come to the Port of Los Angeles and San Pedro this weekend, with 50-foot catamarans from 10 countries competing in an ocean grand prix in the Outer Harbor.

Actually, they’ll often just skim and fly a few feet above the water.

And they race at speeds of more than 60 mph, thanks to 80-foot wing sails and six-member crews who are both top athletes and part “rocket scientists,” SailGP’s U.S. spokesperson, Laura Muma, said in a telephone interview.

The sport is risky and relies as much on strategy and tactics as on speed. There can be last-minute maneuvers, close calls — even some capsizes.

“A lot can — and does — happen,” she said. “But it’s important to note that these are the best athletes.”

When it comes to safety, training and teamwork, Muma said, “they’re second to none.”

While the sport has been staged in San Francisco several times — and the current season’s finals will be held there in July 2024 — this is the first time the grand prix has come to L.A.

The area has long attracted wind surfers for the late afternoon breezes.

The Outer Harbor and wind conditions just inside the breakwater — known locally as Hurricane Gulch — is “ready-made for these boats,” Muma said.

The event  — dubbed the Oracle Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix — will be staged on Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23, at the end of Berth 46. Commentary and broadcast viewing will complement the live racing experience, organizers say.

“The location is outstanding,” said POLA spokesperson Arley Baker. “The strong afternoon winds should make for some fast racing. These boats are really exciting to watch.”

SailGP, based in London, is also known for its focus on environmental sustainability, Baker said, and the organization has already touched base with AltaSea, the marine science campus nearby, and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium during the planning stages for the event.

Online tickets for seating in the stands are $85, with event hours from 3 to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Race times both days are from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on site. No alcohol or dogs will be permitted.

On-water viewing zones for privately owned vessels are also available.

The event will feature 10 national teams from the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland.

This won’t be the first time L.A.’s Outer Harbor has been used for racing and other activities.

For several years, the port hosted the Red Bull Rally Cross race events on the land portion at the Outer Harbor. Cirque du Soleil has also set up on the site where visiting U.S. Navy ships dock for LA Fleet Week. Eventually, Berth 46 could also be where an additional cruise ship terminal is developed.

This will be the second stop on SailGP’s fourth season. The opener was in Chicago.

Trolleys will run between downtown San Pedro and the event site.

Details about parking and other information is available at the SailGP website.

If you go

When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23.

Where: Bleacher seating at the SailGP Race Stadium is at Berth 46, 3011 Miner St. Seats are first come, first served.

Cost: $85; children 5 and under free.

Information: sailgp.com

Source: Orange County Register