Emirates GBR strategist Hannah Mills has set the tone for the team's home event this weekend, promising an all-out performance in front of one of the biggest crowds of the 2026 SailGP season.
"Just bring the fire," Mills said. "Go out there, take it to everyone and see where we end up."
The reigning Rolex SailGP Champions head to Portsmouth fresh from a difficult round in Halifax last month, where wing damage during the warm-up for day two ended their weekend early. Mills was generous in acknowledging those who worked to get the F50 back on the water.
"A huge thank you to SailGP, the Tech Team and everyone who's got us back on the water," she said. "Repairing a wing in that timeframe is no mean feat. A lot of work has gone into it and we're just really grateful to be back racing so quickly."
More than 20,000 fans are expected to line Southsea Common across the weekend. Mills knows exactly what that means once the team leaves the dock.
"The opportunity to race at home in front of a crowd this big is unique," she said. "As athletes, it's something we dream of doing. We're really excited, really proud to be here representing Great Britain and the conditions look amazing."
The atmosphere is felt on the water from the moment racing begins. "You definitely feel it," she said. "During the warm-up laps you see the grandstand filling up and it adds to the nerves. But as a team we back ourselves when we're under pressure. A home event is the perfect opportunity to test yourself."
Emirates GBR opened the 2026 season with victory in Perth but have had a mixed run of results since. Mills is clear-eyed about the fine margins that separate the top teams.
"SailGP is so tough," she said. "You can feel like everything is firing and then, for no obvious reason, things start to unravel a little. The challenge is always finding those small differences that get you back on top."
With group racing confirmed for the remainder of the season, Mills welcomes the chance to race directly against their closest championship rivals. "Growing up racing fleets, you always wanted to be in the fleet with the people you're trying to beat because then it's a bit more in your control," she said.
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix takes place in Portsmouth on July 25-26.
