Sail GP: Global championship set to dock in Fremantle and recapture the spirit of America’s Cup in WA

SailGP is shaping up to provide another America’s Cup moment for WA when the global championship arrives in Fremantle for the first time with next year’s season opener. The annual tournament takes place in major cities around the world, but it’s in the port city that the sailing grand prix is hoping to break records. America’s Cup legend John Longley claims it will be like America’s Cup revisited, when in 1987 Fremantle became the first location outside of the United States to host the international ocean racing spectacle. “The America’s Cup was an extraordinary event with people coming from all over the world and the vibe created. This is going to happen in Fremantle in January,” Longley said. “You’re going to see people flooding in from all over the world to come to this place, and the party is going to be on. It’s going to knock the socks off Perth.” More than 15,000 people are expected to pack Bathers Beach across January 17 and 18. Organisers say about 13,000 tickets are already sold. South Mole will be transformed into grandstands for 5000 fans, as well as a beach club to take in all the on-water action happening just metres from shore. SailGP is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, featuring 50-foot catamarans raced at speeds of more than 100km/h or three times faster than the wind. The two-day event in Fremantle will feature a minimum of three 15-minute races per day and a showdown between the three highest-scoring teams. According to Fremantle Chamber of Commerce chief executive Chrissie Maus believes, the competition is set to will inject more than $40 million into the local economy. “All of Fremantle’s businesses will be decorating their shopfronts and they could win one of five $1000 packages just for doing so,” Mr Maus said. Fremantle is just the second Australian location for SailGP racing, joining Sydney. has hosted multiple tournaments through an exclusive deal with SailGP that ended this year. SailGP will return to WA in 2027 and 2028 as part of a three-year deal. “We’ve increased our viewership this year by five times over the previous season,” SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts said. “Fremantle is one of those iconic venues where the entire sailing world knows that it’s going to be windy, it’s going to be right on the edge. “It’s almost the ultimate test for these teams.” Competitors will include Australian team Flying Roos, which is co-owned by celebrities Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. The Australians’ team leader, Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby said there was a chance the Hollywood stars might even make an appearance in Perth. “They’re definitely planning to come to more events, and the Australian events make a lot of sense,” Slingsby said. “The Fremantle doctor is a real thing, so these boats are hopefully going to have amazing conditions. On paper, it could be one of the best events we’ve ever had.” This weekend, 12 national teams are going head-to-head for the 2025 season grand final in Abu Dhabi. The Flying Roos are hoping to make history, having already claimed three titles in just five seasons. Flying Roos coach and Perth local Ben Durham said the Fremantle showcase would be huge for Perth and its grassroots sailing community. “I think iIt’s going to be something that sailing hasn’t seen before,” he said. “Hopefully it gives us a good advantage to kick off the season.”