Anticipation is growing in Fremantle as the port city prepares to host the world's most exciting racing on water.
The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix is making its debut in Fremantle on 17-18 January. Kick-starting the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship season, national teams will battle it out on identical 50-foot foiling catamarans racing at speeds of more than 100km/h, just metres from the shore at Bathers Beach.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said preparations to make this an unforgettable experience have been underway for months.
"Tourism WA, who secured this world-class event for Western Australia, along with key stakeholders including Fremantle Ports and the Department of Transport, have joined forces with the City to elevate this incredible opportunity for Fremantle.
"Since the announcement in April last year, we've all been working closely with SailGP event organisers to bring this spectacular event to life.
"Over the next week and a half, we'll start to see thousands of competitors, support crew and spectators descend on Fremantle ahead of this major sporting event."
Mayor Lawver encouraged those planning to come into the city centre on the event weekend, to consider leaving their cars at home.
"We're asking locals and visitors to read the event information on the City's website to help plan their weekend and to use public or active transport where possible.
"If you're snapping up the last-remaining tickets or soaking up the atmosphere in any of the bars or pubs hosting watch parties, just be prepared, it's going to be busier than normal, so be sure to allow extra time to get around.
"It's going to be a fantastic, festival-like atmosphere with musicians and other performers lining the streets to welcome the 15,000 ticketholders who'll be making their way to Bathers Beach across the two days.
"We encourage visitors to arrive early and make the most of Fremantle's attractions - from our iconic landmarks and boutique shops to world-class dining experiences.
"We couldn't be prouder that Fremantle will be front and centre on the global stage," Mayor Lawver said.
The City has decorated the Cappuccino Strip with banners and bunting, and local businesses are being encouraged to get onboard by dressing up their shopfronts, with the best nautical displays in the running to win one of five $1,000 vouchers.
It's an especially busy weekend, with the Viking Orion cruise ship due to arrive in Fremantle Harbour at midday on Saturday and depart at 9pm on Sunday night, with up to 900 passengers.
Then on Saturday night, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds will be performing at Fremantle Park before an audience of more than 8,000 people. Significant pedestrian and vehicle activity is expected in the Ellen and Ord Street areas before and after the concert.
This is the first time WA's been included on the SailGP Championship itinerary. It will return to Fremantle in 2027 and 2028 as part of a three-year deal.
Event details
Race days: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026
Race stadium: 11.30am-5pm
Race times: 1-2.30pm
Location: Bathers Beach (ticketed entry on Fleet Street)
Land and beach access
Public access to Bathers Beach is being maintained as long as possible, however it will be closed from midday on Thursday 15 January and is scheduled to re-open, when safe, on the morning of Monday 19 January.
Event set-up activity on the grassed areas behind Bathers Beach will commence on Monday 12 January.
South Mole has been closed since early December and is scheduled to re-open on Friday 30 January.
Water access
For watercraft, there will be an exclusion zone in place around the race zone on:
Training days - Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 January from 11am to 3pm, and
Official practice & Race days - Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January from 11.30am to 3pm.
Water Police will be patrolling the area.
Public transport
Public transport to and from the event is included in the event ticket.
Non-ticketholders are encouraged to take advantage of the state government's new Go Anywhere Fare.
Parking
Standard parking arrangements will be in place across the city centre, however the carparks closest to Bathers Beach will be inaccessible as they are within the perimeter of the event area.
Where to watch
If you want access to the event, you must purchase a ticket. The event area at Bathers Beach will be fully fenced and there will be no free viewing areas nearby.
If you're in Fremantle, there are many hospitality venues planning to host watch parties. Please check in with individual venues prior to see if they'll be screening the event.
If you would like to watch the race at home, Kayo Sports, Foxtel and SBS On Demand are livestreaming the event.
For event information visit sailgp.com
