The port city of Fremantle has successfully launched itself onto the global sailing stage, with its inaugural SAILGP event being hailed as a spectacular triumph by spectators and competitors alike. A packed Bather's Beach witnessed the high-octane action over the weekend of 18 January 2026, as the world's fastest sailboats tore across the water at breathtaking speeds.
A Festival Atmosphere on Fremantle's Shoreline
The event organisers delivered on their promise of a show, transforming the beach into a vibrant festival hub. Fans packed onto every available vantage point, from the sand to temporary rock walls, with some even pulling down marketing covers on fences to catch a glimpse of the action. The atmosphere was electric, with a helicopter chopping the air above and the youngest attendees frolicking in the shallows between races.
The star power wasn't limited to the water. The grandstands were dotted with AFL celebrities, including Fremantle Dockers skipper Alex Pearce, whose long locks flowed in the robust breeze. Teammates Patrick Voss and Bailey Banfield were also present, alongside former West Coast Eagles champion Nic Naitanui, who formed a towering trio with Luke Jackson and recruit Mason Cox. Western Force's Darby Lancaster added to the sporting royalty in attendance.
High-Speed Drama on the Water
While the beach was idyllic, the racing was intensely competitive. The F50 catamarans, including the Australian team 'The Flying Roos', reached staggering speeds exceeding 90 kilometres per hour in winds that hit upwards of 35km/h. In a nail-biting finish, the Australian team was pipped for victory by arch-rivals Great Britain, despite launching a stunning Sunday fightback.
The conditions were a talking point among the sailors. Nathan Outteridge, the Australian driver for Team Sweden, declared Fremantle an "epic venue". He noted the unique challenge of the decent waves, a departure from the normally flat-water venues on the circuit. "It was intense today," Outteridge said post-race, "and it definitely felt intense."
Fans and Future: A Resounding Endorsement
The event's success was measured not just in speed but in spectator experience. Long-time sailing enthusiast Martin Pratt compared it favourably to the 2024 America's Cup in Barcelona, praising the ability to feel the tension from the shore. "You couldn't see the boats unless you had binoculars [in Barcelona]," Pratt told The West Australian. "So this should attract a lot more attention from the spectators."
His partner, Mally Rall, highlighted the event's significance for Australian sailing, stating it was "putting Australia back onto the international sailing map." This sentiment was echoed by the buzzing off-water activities, where the Virtual Reality tent and simulators allowed fans to experience the Fremantle course firsthand.
With smiles all around and hopes already high for a return in 2027, the first-ever Fremantle SAILGP Grand Prix has undoubtedly made its mark, proving that Western Australia can host a world-class, action-packed festival of sailing that resonates with fans and athletes on a global level.
