Perth has officially sold out. Western Australians have snapped up every ticket for the inaugural Perth Sail Grand Prix, marking a landmark debut for the SailGP championship in the state.
The event, taking place on January 17-18 in Fremantle, will launch the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship and is the 50th Grand Prix in the league’s history. “We have had nothing but great enthusiasm from everyone,” said SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts. “It was clear shortly after tickets went on sale that we were likely to sell out.”
Thousands of fans will line Bathers Beach for two days of close-to-shore action, with Australia’s first full SailGP Grandstand Stadium experience. The post-race Après Sail party will feature local acts, with Sneaky Sound System headlining on Sunday.
Acting Western Australia Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti said: “The sell-out Perth Sail Grand Prix is a clear sign that Western Australia is a world-class host of international sport.”
The Perth event will debut the league’s most competitive fleet yet. Thirteen teams, including newcomers Artemis SailGP representing Sweden, will race identical high-speed F50 foiling catamarans.
Emirates Great Britain returns as reigning champions after a dramatic 2025 season win in Abu Dhabi. Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos and New Zealand’s Black Foils are hunting redemption after narrowly missing out.
The stakes are higher than ever, with a record USD $12.8 million prize purse and a new F50 licensing system enforcing safety and performance standards across the fleet.
With two new venues – Perth and Rio – added to a 13-event global calendar, SailGP continues its rapid growth. Geneva also returns in September, replacing Saint-Tropez, after a successful 2025 debut where over 8,500 fans filled the Swiss lakeside.
Sébastien Schneiter, Switzerland SailGP driver, said: “There’s nothing better than the feeling of that home support – it gives us an extra edge.” With more races, a deeper fleet, and sold-out crowds, SailGP is set for its fastest and fiercest season yet.
Fans worldwide can follow the action live via TNT Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), and other major broadcasters, with racing from 1pm AWST / 4pm AEDT.
