The KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix is almost here, with SailGP’s nine international teams gearing up for battle against the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour this weekend.

Final preparations are now underway, with racing taking place at 16:00 AEDT on Saturday and Sunday. From supporting Tom Slingsby’s home town heroes meters from the their gold and green F50, to watching Australia’s up and coming youth sailors, we round up five reasons to watch this weekend’s racing from the iconic waterfront city.

Support Australia at its home event

Season 3 // Australia Sail Grand Prix // Seven Network announcement // Australia F50 against Sydney backdrop

Sydney marks the ninth stop of Season 3’s 11-event tour and national pride is on the line for home favorites Australia. Led by sailing legend Tom Slingsby, the team has so far dominated the season scoreboard and currently leads the Championship by a comfortable nine-points. But can the Aussies keep up the momentum? Will home team support help them to victory? Stay tuned.

Get a sneak peak of the fleet in training

Switzerland Sail Grand Prix | Season 3 | Fleet | Racing

Racing officially kicks off at 16:00 AEDT on Saturday, but SailGP’s nine-strong fleet of flying F50s will be taking to the water of Sydney Harbour on Thursday and Friday too for crucial training time. Keep your shoreside eyes peeled and you might spot the fleet undertaking practice races on Friday.

Watch the next generation of sailing talent

Season 3 // Spain Sail Grand Prix // WASZPs in Cadiz

Each day before the F50s race, aspiring young WASZP sailors will take to the racecourse to take part in the SailGP Inspire Racing program. These talented young sailors from Australia will battle it out for glory in front of home crowds.

Learn more about SailGP’s purpose-driven ambition

Season 3 // ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix // Champions For Change // Ocean panel

Themed on ‘Innovation for a Better Future’, SailGP’s sustainability panel Champions For Change will get underway at 9am on February 17. Speakers will include Great Britain strategist Hannah Mills and Australia strategist Nina Curtis, alongside Tim Silverwood, co-founder of Ocean Impact Organization, and Anita Mitchell, chief executive of PlaceMaking NSW.

Visit the Fanshop

Season 3 // Australia Sail Grand Prix // Fan shop

Located in SailGP’s event village at Barangaroo, the Fanshop is packed with league and team merchandise. Pick up your team’s colors to show your support or peruse the selection of limited edition t-shirts, caps and accessories for a keepsake from an unforgettable weekend of racing.