Bonds Flying Roos reveal all-Australian team line-up for SailGP season

It has been revealed that the BONDS Flying Roos’ 2026 team line-up will feature the return of Olympic gold medallist Iain ‘Goobs’ Jensen. This season marks Jensen’s first return to racing for Australia in almost a decade, having last represented the nation at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Jensen joins the team as Wing Trimmer, following the departure of Chris Draper. The season opener in Perth this summer will see Jensen racing in outstanding form, having recently won the $2 million USD Grand Final in Abu Dhabi with Great Britain. In a thrilling showdown, Great Britain clinched the Championship title, narrowly finishing ahead of Australia and New Zealand, who secured second place overall.

“It’s been a long time since I last raced for Australia, so it means a lot to be back. I have learned a huge amount over the years racing with Emirates GBR and I’m excited to bring that experience to the BONDS Flying Roos. This team has a winning mindset and I’m really looking forward to contributing to what we can build together. It was an amazing feeling to win with Dylan and the British crew and I’m looking forward to going head-to-head against my old teammates in the green and gold next year.” said Jensen.

The team is also welcoming rising Australian sailor Tom Needham as Reserve, taking over for Will Ryan. Needham has been promoted from the BONDS Flying Roos Shore Team after competing in the 2024 America’s Cup UniCredit Youth Regatta for Andoo Team Australia. “It’s a tremendous honour to step into this role and represent Australia,” Needham commented.

The majority of the championship-winning squad will remain intact, including Jason Waterhouse (Flight Controller), Sam Newton (Grinder), Kinley Fowler (Grinder), and Natasha Byrant (Strategist).

Tom Slingsby, BONDS Flying Roos Driver and CEO, expressed excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “Goobs has been one of my best mates for years…there’s a real sense of momentum building.” The team has recently gained co-ownership from Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, elevating its profile within Australia and globally. Two major multi-year partners, monday.com and Blueberry, have also signed on to support the campaign.

The updated Australian team will make its competition debut at the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG, on 17-18 January 2026, opening the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship.

#SailGP #AustralianSailing #FlyingRoos

2026 ROLEX SAILGP CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR //

January 17-18 – Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG
February 14-15 – ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland
February 28 -March 1 – KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
April 11-12 – Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix
May 9-10 – Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
May 30-31- Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
June 20-21 – Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax
July 25-27 – Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth
August 22-24 – Germany Sail Grand Prix | Sassnitz
September – Spain Sail Grand Prix | Host City TBC
September 12-13 – ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix | Saint-Tropez
November 21-22 – Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by DP World
November 28-29 – Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council