Western Australia's sailing scene has received a significant boost with the announcement that Perth will host the only Australian Sail Grand Prix race in 2027. The global event will return to Fremantle's shores in February, following a highly successful and sold-out debut in January this year.
Home Ground Advantage for BONDS Flying Roos
Australia's BONDS Flying Roos team, currently leading the 2026 championship, will enjoy home ground advantage for this single race. Local fans are expected to flock to the port city to show their support, creating a vibrant atmosphere along the coastline.
The race is part of a broader agreement to host the Australian leg of SailGP in Western Australia from 2026 to 2028. The state government reported that more than 12,000 people attended this year's inaugural event, which injected millions of dollars into the local economy. Similar economic benefits are anticipated for the 2027 edition.
Government and Community Enthusiasm
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby expressed his delight at securing the event for a second year. "Following the highly anticipated debut event in 2026, where thousands of fans descended on Fremantle as part of a sell-out crowd, it's fantastic to lock-in the dates for the second year of this prestigious international competition in Western Australia," he said.
"SailGP is a truly global sporting spectacle that delivers major tourism and economic benefits for our State, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing WA to millions of viewers around the world, and we're thrilled to be welcoming it back to our shores," Whitby added.
Next year marks the seventh edition of SailGP since its launch in 2019, and it will be the event's biggest global expansion yet. Thirteen events are scheduled across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East. New destinations including Hong Kong and a European venue will also join the calendar. Perth will be the second stop in the 2027 series.
Fremantle's Sailing Heritage Highlighted
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk emphasised the event's role in showcasing the city's rich sailing history. "I am so pleased Fremantle will once again have the eyes of the world upon our shores when this event descends on Fremantle, a place with a rich sailing history," she said.
"This year's event was a huge success for Fremantle with many travellers staying longer and spending more which is great for local businesses. SailGP also generated enormous global media coverage showcasing Fremantle's beautiful coast and historic town to millions of viewers around the world," McGurk added.
Final event dates will be confirmed shortly, and an exclusive pre-sale window will be available for fans who sign up to SailGP+.
