PICTURES: SailGP arrives in Sydney ahead of racing this weekend

SailGP has touched down in the iconic city of Sydney ahead of this weekend’s KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix.

The tech base has now been built and teams are in full swing readying their F50s for the ninth event of Season 3’s 11-event calendar.

Season 3 // KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix // Sydney tech base with sky scrapers

The nine-strong fleet will hit the water for the first time on Thursday for crucial training ahead of practice racing on Friday.

Season 3 // KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix // Spanish F50 in shed

Racing will get underway at 16:00 local time on Saturday and Sunday, with teams competing in a six fleet race format before the all-important winner-takes-all three boat Final.

Season 3 // KPMG Australia SailGP Team // Australia F50 preparations

Two time defending champions and home favorites Australia will be looking to extend their Championship lead in front of home crowds, while Peter Burling’s New Zealand, currently in second, will aim to close Australia’s lead.

Season 3 // KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix // Australia and Switzerland team bases Sydney

Great Britain meanwhile currently sit in third place overall with 54 points - just one point ahead of Quentin Delapierre’s France in fourth.

Season 3 // KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix // Tech base seen from above

Racing takes place in Sydney between 16:00-17:30 AEDT on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney are available HERE. Full broadcast information and How To Watch details are HERE.