SailGP Championship Launches 2026 Season with Historic Fremantle Opener
FREMANTLE, 17 January 2026 – The world’s fastest sail racing returns as the Rolex SailGP Championship kicks off its 2026 season today with the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix. A sell-out crowd of over 15,000 fans will pack the new waterfront grandstand at Bathers Beach to witness 13 national teams battle in identical F50 foiling catamarans, marking the 50th event in the league’s history and its first ever on the Indian Ocean.
A New Era of Competition
The 2026 season represents the most competitive chapter in SailGP’s history. The fleet expands to 13 teams with the debut of Sweden’s Artemis SailGP Team, led by Australian Olympic champion Nathan Outteridge. They join a field where margins are famously thin; with identical boats and open data sharing, victories are decided by split-second decisions and flawless execution. Defending champions Emirates Great Britain return, having made history in 2025 by winning both the season championship and the Impact League for sustainability. Australian driver Tom Slingsby of the BONDS Flying Roos noted the intense level of competition, stating, “The days when we could expect to dominate the racing are gone. It’s now about performing consistently and doing our best.”
Fremantle’s “Doctor” Prescribes High-Speed Action
The iconic “Fremantle Doctor” afternoon seabreeze is expected to deliver ideal conditions for the high-tech F50s, which consistently exceed speeds of 100 km/h. The event is a landmark for Western Australia, featuring the first SailGP Race Stadium in the nation—a waterside grandstand designed to bring fans closer to the action. Off the water, the port city has been transformed into a festival zone with live music, including a performance by Sneaky Sound System, and pop-up experiences celebrating the event.
Economic Windfall for Western Australia
The Cook Government, through Tourism WA, has secured the event for a three-year deal (2026-2028) as part of its economic diversification strategy. The sold-out inaugural weekend is estimated to have brought thousands of interstate and international visitors to Fremantle, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy and generating global media exposure. Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti said the event “cements our state’s reputation as a premier destination for major events,” supporting local businesses and jobs.
Key Event Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG |
| Dates | 17 – 18 January 2026 |
| Location | Bathers Beach, Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Fleet Size | 13 national teams (including new Swedish team) |
| Defending Champion | Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team |
| Record Speed | 103.93 km/h (set in Germany, 2025 season) |
| Broadcast | Fox Sports, Kayo, and SBS in Australia |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SailGP?
SailGP is a global professional sailing league featuring national teams racing identical 50-foot foiling catamarans (F50s) at speeds over 100 km/h in stadium-style courses close to shore.
Why is the Fremantle event significant?
This marks SailGP’s 50th grand prix, the first time the championship has opened its season in Australia, and the first time F50s will race on the Indian Ocean. It also debuts Australia’s first dedicated SailGP Race Stadium.
How can I watch if I don’t have a ticket?
The event is sold out. Live coverage will be broadcast in Australia on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, and SBS On Demand. Many hospitality venues in Fremantle are also hosting watch parties.
What is the Impact League?
The Impact League is a parallel competition within SailGP that ranks teams based on their positive actions to reduce environmental footprint and promote inclusivity, with results contributing to the overall season championship.