Fremantle is thrilled to welcome global sailing event, the Rolex SailGP Championship, to its shores.
Event organisers have released a preview of the 2026 season calendar, with Perth as the first stop in the 11-month competition.
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge congratulated Tourism WA for attracting the event to Western Australia and described the significance of hosting the event.
"This is fantastic for Fremantle and the people of Perth. Fremantle is known around the world as a brilliant sailing destination and sailing is a sport that's close to our hearts.
"Credit must also go to some of our local legends from America's Cup days, John Longley and Skip Lissiman, who've been lobbying for Fremantle's inclusion through the Warren Jones Foundation.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Perth to experience world-class, adrenalin-fuelled racing on water. The speeds at which these boats go is mind-blowing!
"We saw the huge crowds that flocked to Sydney Harbour for the SailGP race there earlier this year. If that's anything to go by, the atmosphere at Bathers Beach | Manjaree will be electric.
"We're looking forward to working with all the event partners to produce a weekend of exhilarating sailing entertainment in January next year and the following two years," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
SailGP is one of the world's most fast-paced and prestigious sailing events, featuring 50-foot catamarans raced by national teams at speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour in close proximity to the shoreline.
The 2026 event will be held in other cities around the world including New York, Saint-Tropez and Dubai, attracting thousands of spectators and media.
Fremantle Ports CEO Jodie Ransom said the port was very excited to play its role in supporting such a high-profile international sporting event, with the Inner Harbour and Victoria Quay set to facilitate key parts of the event operations.
"SailGP is a great fit for our broader strategy to activate Victoria Quay and bring tourism to the waterfront," she said.
Fremantle Sailing Club CEO Craig Evans said the sailing community is looking forward to the event.
"It's such exciting news. With a very active local sailing community everyone will be thrilled with the announcement. SailGP will provide a great opportunity to showcase Fremantle and our pristine coastal waters to the world," he said.
