SYDNEY, 28 February 2026 – The world’s fastest sail racing has returned to the iconic waters of Sydney Harbour this weekend for the 2026 KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix. As the championship reaches a critical juncture in the 2026 season, the local favourites, the BONDS Flying Roos, find themselves locked in a high-stakes battle with reigning champions Emirates GBR for dominance on home turf.
Championship Standings and Sydney Outlook
Heading into this weekend’s racing, the leaderboard is historically tight. Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos, led by Tom Slingsby, and Dylan Fletcher’s Emirates GBR are currently tied at the top of the season standings with 19 points each. Both teams have secured a win earlier this season, making the Sydney event a potential tie-breaker for the overall lead.
The British team enters the weekend with significant momentum, having won the previous two iterations of the Sydney event. However, the Australians are coming off a fresh victory at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, where they toppled both Spain and Great Britain in a dramatic final.
The F50 Catamaran: Speed and Technology
The Sydney event showcases the F50 catamaran, a masterpiece of marine engineering. These identical foiling boats are capable of reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h (approx. 60 mph). Because the fleet is “one-design”—meaning every boat is technically identical—the results rely entirely on the skill of the 12 national teams and their ability to read the shifty wind conditions of Sydney Harbour.
2026 Season Performance Data
Based on the most recent results leading into the Sydney Grand Prix, the following table outlines the top contenders currently vying for the 2026 Championship trophy:
| Current Rank | Team | Driver | Season Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BONDS Flying Roos (AUS) | Tom Slingsby | 19 |
| 2 | Emirates GBR | Dylan Fletcher | 19 |
| 3 | Spain (Los Gallos) | Diego Botín | 15* |
| 4 | Black Foils (NZL) | Peter Burling | 14* |
*Estimated based on recent podium finishes in New Zealand and Perth.
Format Changes and Racing Schedule
Following a successful trial in New Zealand earlier this month, SailGP has introduced a “split-fleet” format for certain race days to manage larger fleet sizes and increase safety during high-speed manoeuvres. In Sydney, fans can expect the traditional stadium-style racing, with four fleet races typically scheduled for the opening day, followed by three fleet races and the winner-takes-all Podium Final on the second day.
Nathan Outteridge, a veteran of the circuit, noted that the Sydney course is particularly challenging due to the harbour’s geography, which creates unpredictable “bullets” of wind that can either propel a boat to the lead or cause a dramatic capsize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Sydney Sail Grand Prix?
The event is being broadcast live on the SailGP app and official YouTube channel. In Australia, local coverage is available via Kayo Sports and Fox Sports.
How fast do the SailGP boats go?
The F50 catamarans are designed to fly above the water on hydrofoils, reaching top speeds of 100 km/h (54 knots). Speed is heavily dependent on wind conditions, with Sydney Harbour often providing the “fresh” breezes required for maximum velocity.
Who is the current leader of the 2026 Season?
As of 28 February 2026, Australia and Great Britain are tied for the lead. The winner of the Sydney final will likely take the outright lead in the Season 6 Championship standings.
What happens if there is no wind?
SailGP races have a 16-minute time limit. If conditions do not allow for foiling, the race management may shorten the course or delay starts to ensure the most competitive racing for the “stadium” audience.