On 17‑18 January 2026, SailGP launches its 2026 championship at the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix on Bathers Beach, Fremantle. The two‑day debut features identical F50 foiling catamarans soaring over 50 knots, a brand‑new Race Stadium for thousands of fans, and Team Australia defending its title despite a key crew injury. Live coverage starts at 10:00 AEST.
Event Overview and Schedule
The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG, marks the opening round of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. Races run on 17 January and 18 January, with short, high‑intensity legs that test crew skill and strategy. Points from this event count toward the season‑long leaderboard, setting the tone for stops in Marseille, Singapore, New York, and the finale in London.
Historic Race Stadium on Bathers Beach
For the first time in SailGP history, the competition is staged on the Indian Ocean with a purpose‑built Race Stadium. The water‑edge grandstand stretches along Bathers Beach promenade, offering unobstructed sightlines for the expected thousands of spectators. This “stadium‑style” setting transforms sailing into a mainstream spectator sport.
Team Australia Lineup and Injury Update
Team Australia enters the weekend as defending champions, but a sudden crew injury has forced skipper Tom Slingsby to sit out the opening race. A reserve helmsman will take the wheel, while Slingsby emphasized the team’s depth and readiness to fight for every point.
Foiling Catamarans and Point System
All competitors race identical F50 foiling catamarans capable of lifting out of the water within seconds and reaching speeds above 50 knots. The points system awards eight points for a win, six for second place, and descending points thereafter. Consistency across all legs is essential for securing the coveted SailGP trophy and multimillion‑dollar prize purse.
Technology, Sustainability and Green Hub
The F50s run solely on renewable electricity sourced from on‑site solar arrays and wind turbines, positioning SailGP as one of the few fully green high‑speed motorsports. A temporary “green hub” at the venue educates fans on foil technology, carbon‑neutral logistics, and the league’s partnership with the World Wildlife Fund.
Implications for the 2026 Season
A strong performance in Perth provides a psychological edge and a points cushion for the remainder of the season. Conversely, a poor start—especially for the home team—could trigger strategic shifts, prompting crews to adopt more aggressive tactics in later legs.
How to Watch the Opening Weekend
- Date: 17‑18 January 2026
- Start Time: 10:00 AEST (Saturday)
- Broadcast: SailGP network and major streaming platforms worldwide
- Venue: Bathers Beach Race Stadium, Fremantle
Whether you are a sailing enthusiast or a casual fan, the SailGP Perth debut offers a front‑row seat to the future of high‑performance, sustainable sport.
