Perth is set for an adrenaline-fuelled sporting invasion as the globally renowned SailGP championship makes its long-awaited debut on Western Australian shores this weekend. The event, often dubbed the 'Formula One of sailing', will transform Fremantle into a hub of high-octane maritime competition and festival atmosphere.
High-Speed Thrills on Perth's Doorstep
More than 7,000 spectators are expected to pack the foreshore at Bathers Beach to witness a sailing spectacle unlike any previously seen in the state. Thirteen elite international teams will battle it out in cutting-edge foiling catamarans that skim above the water at breathtaking speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.
The proximity of the action promises to be a major drawcard. Australian team head coach Ben Durham emphasised the unique experience awaiting fans. "The boats are extremely fast," Mr Durham said. "They're sailing above the water and will get within a few metres from the grandstands, so close they can almost touch the fans. That kind of sailing has never been seen in Perth before."
Racing is scheduled across two days, with five intense races each day between 12:30pm and 2:00pm. The event leverages Perth's famous sailing conditions, with athletes eagerly anticipating the challenge of the Fremantle Doctor. "Everyone knows about it around the world, even going back to the 1987 America's Cup days," Mr Durham noted. "That's what everyone wants to see, strong wind and potentially waves which makes the boats more difficult to sail."
Hollywood Glamour Meets Elite Athleticism
The local crowd will have a star-studded team to cheer for. The Australian entry, the Bonds Flying Roos, is not only the most dominant team on the circuit but also boasts A-list Hollywood ownership. The team is co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, alongside Australian Olympic gold medalist and competitive sailor Tom Slingsby, who also serves as the team's CEO and skipper.
Mr Durham highlighted the unparalleled level of talent converging on Perth. "There's also . . . the amount of gold medalists racing here - high level athletes - you don't get this amount of talent in sailing, so it's super exciting to see that in Perth waters."
More Than Just Racing: A Festival for Fremantle
The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix extends beyond the water, with Fremantle poised to come alive with complementary festivities. A dedicated fan zone will feature race simulators, food trucks, and street entertainment. The afternoons will be soundtracked by DJs, culminating with a performance by Sneaky Sound System after Sunday's racing concludes.
SailGP's Global Head of Events, Mike Webb, expressed his hope that the local community would embrace the event and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The combination of world-class sport, celebrity appeal, and a full-scale waterfront festival is set to offer a landmark occasion for WA's sporting calendar.
This weekend's event marks a significant moment for Perth, placing it firmly on the map of this prestigious international sailing league and offering fans a chance to witness nautical technology and human skill pushed to their absolute limits.
