Australia delivered a dominant display to win the inaugural Rio Sail Grand Prix on Guanabara Bay.
Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos claimed all four races on day two to secure their second win of the 2026 season. The result moves them top of the Rolex SailGP Championship standings.
Twelve teams raced in gusty and unstable conditions beneath Sugarloaf Mountain. Wind shifts and heavy swell tested F50 handling across the course.
Slingsby, a three-time champion, led from the front. His team swept the qualifying races before sealing victory in the final. A five-point penalty earlier in the day briefly set them back but did not alter the outcome.
“I’m really pleased with the team,” said Slingsby. “We finally showed what we’re capable of when everything comes together.”
Spain’s Los Gallos secured second place after consistent fleet racing results. Sweden’s Artemis SailGP Team reached their first event final and finished third.
Artemis briefly led the final but dropped off the foils after a handling error. A subsequent penalty ended their challenge, allowing Spain through to second.
“It’s been incredible to be back in Rio,” said Spain driver Diego Botín. “Finishing second in SailGP is never easy.”
Artemis driver Nathan Outteridge described the result as a step forward. “It’s our first final as a team, so that’s something positive to build on.”
Elsewhere, the United States, Rockwool Denmark, Germany and Italy finished outside the final positions. Emirates GBR endured a difficult weekend, finishing last overall after a series of poor results.
A black flag disqualification also impacted France during the final fleet race.
Nearly 8,000 fans attended the Rio debut. Brazil driver Martine Grael said the conditions were “challenging and incredibly fun,” noting consistency remains key for her team.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said the event exceeded expectations. “Rio has delivered on every front,” he said.
The championship now moves to Bermuda next month for the next round of the 2026 season.
Rolex SailGP Championship standings
