Fremantle-born sailor Kinley Fowler is set for a high-speed homecoming with dual ambitions: clinching victory and shattering a world record as the SailGP global circuit kicks off its 2026 season in Western Australia this weekend.
Redemption and the Race for 100 Kilometres Per Hour
The Australian team, known as the Flying Roos, enters the opening round with a point to prove. Their campaign is fuelled by the sting of last November's defeat in Abu Dhabi, where Great Britain snatched a $3 million bonus from their grasp in the season decider.
Adding to the motivation is a tantalising speed challenge. The team's F50 foil catamaran has previously hit 99.97km/h, just a whisper away from the magical 100km/h mark. Fowler and his crew are determined to break that barrier off Fremantle's Bathers Beach, where strong winds are expected to provide the perfect conditions.
"That's the goal," Fowler stated. "A lot of people come to Perth for the high winds and we're obviously here for the same reason, so I think we'd be a bit upset if we didn't break the speed record." However, he was quick to add that winning the regatta remains the primary focus.
West Australian Talent on the World Stage
Fowler is one of four West Australians competing in the prestigious $19 million championship. He is joined by compatriots Tom Johnson and Luke Payne sailing for Denmark, and Luke Parkinson racing for Great Britain.
Interestingly, Luke Payne was part of the Danish Rookwool Racing team that currently holds the SailGP speed record of 103.93km/h (56.1 knots), set in Germany last year. Payne noted that achieving such speeds requires "flat water and good breeze," conditions the teams will be eagerly assessing over the weekend.
Reflecting on last season's heartbreaking finale, Fowler admitted the loss still rankles. "I hate losing. I think everyone on our team hates losing," he said. While crediting the British team's performance, he confirmed the Australian squad has identified areas for improvement and is sharply focused on the new season.
From Fremantle's Shores to the Foiling F50
Fowler's sailing journey is deeply rooted in Fremantle. Having moved there as a child, he began on the family's Endeavour before progressing through skiffs on the Swan River and match racing at the Royal Perth Yacht Club. His professional career skyrocketed, encompassing world number one status in match racing and a pivotal role as a jibe trimmer with Oracle Team USA's 2013 America's Cup victory.
He now races on the sport's cutting edge: the F50 catamaran. These boats revolutionise sailing by foiling—lifting completely out of the water—and are capable of incredible speeds. Fowler describes the sensation as unparalleled. "It's really hard to describe... When you're in a boat, you're dealing with waves. Usually you're not doing the speed that we do, unless you've got engines," he explained, highlighting the unique roar of the foils and the need for helmet communication systems.
Spectators in Fremantle will get a front-row seat to the action, with custom grandstands ensuring the high-speed drama unfolds close to shore. A record 13 national teams, including those from Australia, the USA, New Zealand, and European nations, will contest the 13-leg global series.
The Australian team, co-owned by driver Tom Slingsby and Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, has even received motivational messages from its famous backers. "We had some Wolverine knuckles sent to us in Abu Dhabi, but that didn't help us," Fowler joked, "so maybe they'll step it up this time."
The Rolex SailGP Fremantle takes place this Saturday and Sunday, with all the action broadcast live on 7Plus.
