Bathers Beach to host launch of sailing championship
More than 15,000 fans are expected at Bathers Beach when it hosts the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG, from January 17 to 18.
The grand prix will launch the 2026 season of the Rolex SailGP Championship, a global calendar of high-speed, close-to-shore events in which national teams compete on identical cutting-edge foiling catamarans.
Competitors will include Australia's Bonds Flying Roos SailGP team, which is co-owned by Jackman and Reynolds.
Bonds Flying Roos grinder Kinley Fowler said there was nothing like racing at home.
'Fremantle has some of the best sailing conditions in the world and getting the chance to race in front of family, friends and our local sailing community on Bathers Beach will be unforgettable,' he said.
'The energy here is unreal and fans are going to be blown away by how close the racing gets to the grandstand.
'We've always wanted to bring SailGP to the west coast and now we get to show the world what Perth's coastline is made of.'
Coach Ben Durham said Fremantle was an iconic sailing venue and the event would put it and local talent on the map.
The event is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA.
Acting Tourism Minister Don Punch said the Perth Sail Grand Prix would be a fantastic spectacle.
'Being able to watch 50-foot catamarans sail past at speeds of over 100km/h from a grandstand just metres from the action, a pumping beach club, or from the water itself is certainly not an opportunity to be missed,' he said.
'(It) will bring thousands of visitors to our State and generate millions of dollars in visitor spend, boosting our bars and restaurants, hotels and local businesses.'
There will be a range of spectator experiences available, including a waterfront grandstand with live commentary, big-screen viewing, family-friendly activities and post-race entertainment on Bathers Beach. A map of the event. Credit: Supplied
Spectators can also BYOB — Bring Your Own Boat — with an on-water front-row position to the high-speed action directly from their own boat inside the exclusion zone.
SailGP managing director Andrew Thompson said bringing SailGP to Perth was a major milestone and perfect launch for the 2026 season.
'The new purpose-built Waterfront Grandstand, alongside the Beach Club, marks a significant step in elevating the fan experience and expanding our presence in one of our most passionate markets,' he said.
For ticket and event details, visit sailgp.com/perth.
Pre-sale starts on Friday, August 22, and general public tickets will be available from Thursday, August 28.
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