On a picture-perfect weekend on Governors Island, SailGP returned to New York Harbor, bringing world-class racing, breathtaking skyline views, and thousands of spectators eager to watch the fastest sailboats on the water.
While the racing is the main attraction, Great Performances helped transform race weekend into a premium hospitality experience. Across the Adrenaline Lounge and the expanded Vela Lounge, guests enjoyed thoughtfully designed spaces, outstanding food and drink, and some of the best views in New York.
Building on What Works
For Senior Event Director Gary Bedigan, planning for SailGP is an ongoing process. As soon as one year ends, preparations for the next are already underway.
“Every year we learn something,” Gary says. “We look at what guests loved, what challenged us operationally, and where we can push the experience further. The goal isn’t to reinvent it every time — it’s to keep building on what works and continue elevating the guest experience.”
That philosophy was evident throughout this year’s event. A rebuilt hospitality tent and expanded Vela Lounge created new opportunities for guests to enjoy the races, while months of planning ensured a seamless experience from arrival to final race.
The achievement is all the more impressive considering that SailGP landed in the middle of one of the busiest weeks of the year, with Gary simultaneously overseeing several major galas and fundraising events across the city.
A Taste of New York
The culinary program celebrated New York through both local ingredients and global influences.
In the Adrenaline Lounge, guests enjoyed everything from a Classic New York Steakhouse station and local cheeses to offerings from Momofuku and the popular Nashville Seoul station. Ingredients from Katchkie Farm appeared throughout the menus, reinforcing Great Performances’ commitment to seasonal cooking and local sourcing.
The Vela Lounge highlighted another side of New York’s dining scene, featuring dishes such as Green Chickpea Pani Puri, Whole Roasted Arctic Char, Smoked Salmon Napoleon, and seasonal vegetable-forward preparations.
The weekend’s culinary program also benefited from the participation of visiting chefs from France, whose collaboration with the Great Performances culinary team added yet another layer of creativity to the event.
Designing the Experience
The Great Performances design team played an important role in shaping the guest experience, not only through the event spaces themselves but also through the presentation of the food.
Working alongside the culinary team, designers helped create station environments that brought the menus to life, while lounge furniture, layered seating areas, florals, greenery, and other thoughtful details transformed the hospitality spaces into welcoming destinations where guests could relax between races.
Together, these elements created an atmosphere that felt polished, comfortable, and inviting—enhancing the excitement on the water without ever distracting from it.
A Beautiful Day on the Water
As guests, we often experience events only from the finished side of the equation. We see the beautiful spaces, enjoy the food, watch the races, and spend time with friends and colleagues. Being on Governors Island this weekend was a reminder of just how much work goes into creating that sense of ease.
From the warm hospitality to the exceptional food and beverage program, every detail contributed to an experience that felt both elevated and welcoming. Most importantly, it gave guests a memorable place to gather and enjoy an extraordinary day on New York Harbor.
As Event Producer Kevin Jaeger reflected while watching guests take in the racing, it is always rewarding to see people discover—or rediscover—just how special SailGP can be. Once the boats hit the water and Governors Island comes alive, all of the planning fades into the background, leaving space for what matters most: a great experience shared with others.
