- Client: LS Events
- Location: Portsmouth, UK
- Date: 19-21 July 2025
- Timeline: 11 Months (3 Weeks On-Site)
By the Numbers:
- 20,000 ticketed spectators across two days (record attendance in inaugural UK return)
- 3-day international spectacle with high-speed fleet racing
- 5 days complete site de-rig and handback within record time
- Single-track access optimised for hundreds of event vehicles
The Challenge
Delivering SailGP Portsmouth demanded absolute precision and proven expertise in sailing event infrastructure. From consultation within the tender period, to maintaining key roles within the Local UK Events Team, Xplor delivered Major Infrastructure Overlay, Site Design, Licensing & Permits, and Project Management, bringing deep trade knowledge honed across The Ocean Race, America’s Cup, and more.
The build faced significant challenges: extreme weather swings (from heatwave and dust storms to gale-force winds) forced us to work closely with structural engineers to deliver grandstands that were both safe and visually striking. A single-lane access route required meticulous traffic and logistics planning for hundreds of vehicle movements. Alongside this, Xplor took on Project Management of the UK Team’s workstreams, coordinating multiple personnel to keep everything aligned under intense deadlines. Finally, the entire site had to be dismantled and restored to Portsmouth City Council in just five days, one of the fastest turnarounds we’ve ever achieved.
Our Approach
- Designed the site overlay, grandstands, hospitality zones, spectator flow, and staging areas.
- Procured and coordinated major suppliers using long-standing industry relationships.
- Directed site operations and accelerated project leadership through to delivery.
- Partnered with engineers to ensure structural integrity under weather pressure.
- Crafted the Waterfront Premium hospitality experience with creative layout and guest flow.
- Supplied additional creative and event workforce including designers, staging, and dressing teams.
- Worked collaboratively under LS Events to seamlessly extend their vision on the ground.
The Impact
Despite logistical constraints, harsh weather, and a tight timetable, we delivered a safe, visually compelling overlay that elevated the SailGP experience. By deploying trusted partners and design excellence, we executed premium spectator and hospitality spaces that captured national attention.
In record time, we dismantled the project returning the site to the Council on schedule. This project exemplified Xplor’s reputation: delivering elite sailing event infrastructure with precision, creativity, and collaboration.