Fremantle, Western Australia, is making its debut as a host city for the international Sail Grand Prix on January 17-18, 2026. The event marks the opening of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship season, featuring 13 international teams competing in 50-foot foiling catamarans that can reach speeds up to and exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. The races will take place off Bathers Beach, with preparations including advanced seabed mapping to enhance safety and provide navigational benefits for the region.
Event Overview
The Sail Grand Prix is a global sailing competition described as "Formula 1-style" due to its high-speed racing format. Fremantle will welcome national teams operating identical 50-foot catamarans, leveraging local wind conditions, sometimes referred to as the "Fremantle Doctor." The city's strong winds and wave conditions have drawn comparisons to the 1987 America's Cup defense, also held in Fremantle.
The Australian team includes Kinley Fowler, a grinder who learned to sail in Perth. Actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds are listed as co-owners of the Australian team. Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver noted the city's connection to sailing, highlighting a three-year sponsorship agreement for the event.
Preparation and Safety Measures
Ahead of the event, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) conducted detailed three-dimensional mapping of the seabed off Fremantle. This initiative was part of the formal approval process for SailGP and aimed to enhance safety for competitors and officials.
DTMI utilized advanced mapping technology, combining traditional hydrographic sonar data for water depths with high-resolution laser scan (LiDAR) data captured by drones for above-water features. This process generated a comprehensive 3-D computer model of the racecourse and the surrounding seabed.
The mapping identified known areas of concern, including the location of underwater piles from the original Fremantle Long Jetty extending from Bathers Beach, and water depths around the breakwaters at South Mole and Challenger Boat Harbour. According to Jenny Bothma, DTMI Maritime Coastal Information Director, this data serves as a resource for organizers to identify hazards and mitigate safety risks. The detailed information also contributes to DTMI’s nautical chart for the area, which supports ongoing safe navigation for both commercial and recreational vessels. Additionally, the mapping provided updated information regarding known shipwrecks off Bathers Beach, which has been shared with the WA Museum.
DTMI has also collaborated with SailGP organizers to plan access points for ticketed viewing areas on South Mole and Bathers Beach, arrange housing for support vessels and racing craft, and manage crowd flow. Collaboration is ongoing to ensure necessary safety management plans are in place for the two days of racing.
Spectator Information
An estimated 14,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the event. Viewing options include Bathers Beach and purpose-built grandstands. Access points for ticketed viewing areas have been planned for South Mole and Bathers Beach.
Season Context
The Fremantle event is the initial stop in the 2026 SailGP season, which comprises 13 global events. Other host cities include Auckland, Sydney, New York, Portsmouth, Bermuda, and Rio de Janeiro. A typical race weekend consists of six or seven "fleet races" held over two days, with the top three teams advancing to a final race to determine the event winner. The season grand final is scheduled for November 28-29 in Abu Dhabi, where the year's top three teams will compete for the overall championship. The total prize pool for the season exceeds $19 million, with individual event winners receiving approximately $600,000.