Geneva, 14 January 2026 – The Rolex SailGP Championship commences this weekend, with Fremantle, Western Australia poised to host its inaugural event from Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 January. Known for its iconic afternoon “Fremantle Doctor” winds and fluctuating racing conditions, this historic port city is set to deliver a thrilling opening event that will establish the tone for a year marked by intense competition and spectacular performances. The 2026 Season will consist of 13 races across five continents, featuring new locations and a new team joining the championship, alongside innovative technologies making a significant return.
The Emirates GBR SailGP Team will defend their championship title after making history as the first team to clinch both the overall title and the Impact League – a season-long competition recognising teams committed to sustainability and inclusivity – in 2025. Sir Ben Ainslie, Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates GBR SailGP Team, remarked, “I’m so proud of the team both on and off the water. The 2025 Season was filled with highs and lows, but to finish in such a strong fashion – to win the Impact League, win the season outright and then win the Grand Final – was a huge achievement.”
The 2026 Season includes enhancements to flight-control systems, wings, and real-time data capabilities, enhancing teams’ ability to respond to conditions and improve performance. A record-breaking speed of 103.93 km/h was achieved in Germany last season, with the F50 catamaran consistently reaching such impressive velocities. Timing is crucial in races, with split-second decisions influencing race outcomes. Teams must flawlessly sync to utilise wind shifts and optimise handling for success.
The league will also welcome Sweden’s Artemis SailGP Team, expanding the fleet of F50 catamarans to 13, and introducing the inaugural athlete transfer framework. This evolution has resulted in major team changes and the inclusion of new athletes, whose distinct approaches and racing styles promise to add exciting dimensions to this season. The calendar brings back Geneva (Switzerland), Bermuda, and Halifax (Canada) as venues, while welcoming Perth (Australia) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as new hosts.
Tom Slingsby, driver for the BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team from Australia, expressed excitement for the season: “Time on the water is precious, so every hour out there needs to count. Over the years, I’ve raced extensively there and it’s an unbelievable sailing location. With wind, waves, a big crowd and beautiful weather, it ticks all the boxes for a perfect SailGP venue. I can’t wait for the world to see just how incredible the racing in the Rolex SailGP Championship can be.”
Rolex continues its pivotal partnership in the Rolex SailGP Championship as the Title Partner since its inception in 2019, showcasing their commitment to excellence and innovation in the sport. Rolex Testimonee Hannah Mills noted, “When Rolex became Title Partner it was a huge boost for the league. Seeing the Rolex crown at the top of the F50 catamaran wing is always an important reminder that Rolex has played a crucial role in supporting the sport and pushing it forward.”
This championship represents not only competition but a celebration of sailing and the pioneering spirit, with Rolex aiming to engage audiences with the future of high-performance sailing.
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