The Rolex SailGP Championship’s 2026 season begins this weekend in Perth under testing conditions. The venue’s famed ‘Fremantle Doctor’ wind has already reshaped the fleet.
Spain will not race after sustaining major damage during pre-season training. Several other teams have been hit by injuries ahead of the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG.
BONDS Flying Roos grinder Kinley Fowler confirmed teammate Iain ‘Goobs’ Jensen will miss at least Friday practice. “We’re resting him today for sure and assessing later whether he can join us for the weekend,” Fowler said.
Glenn Ashby has been called in as cover if needed. Fowler said the team is preparing for all scenarios.
Artemis SailGP Team also faced early disruption. Wing trimmer Chris Draper suffered facial injuries in heavy winds earlier this week.
Driver Nathan Outteridge said Draper required stitches but has returned. “He was back on board yesterday and we’re back sailing again,” he said.
As Afloat reported earlier, Perth hosts SailGP for the first time this weekend. Around 15,000 spectators are expected across the two days at the sold-out Race Stadium at Bather’s Beach.
The 2026 season opens after a record off-season of crew transfers. Few teams retain their 2025 line-ups.
DS Automobiles Team France has undergone one of the biggest reshuffles. New arrivals include Leigh McMillan, Bruno Mourniac and team manager Philippe Presti.
Driver Quentin Delapierre said the changes are already paying dividends. “For the moment it’s going well,” he said.
New Zealand’s Black Foils stand out as one of the few unchanged teams. Driver Peter Burling said continuity could be an advantage.
“It means we can just focus on refining what we do,” Burling said.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts described the season as a turning point. “We’re entering the most competitive season in SailGP history,” he said.
Reigning champion Dylan Fletcher agreed. “Anyone can win on any weekend,” the Emirates GBR driver said.
Racing starts on Saturday, January 17, at 1pm AWST.
