The 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship got off to a dramatic and chaotic start in Perth, with Artemis Racing, the U.S. SailGP Team and DS Automobiles Team France finishing Day 1 locked together at the top of the leaderboard on 31 points apiece.
The opening day was defined as much by on-water incidents as by standout performances, most notably a major collision between New Zealand and Switzerland in the first fleet race that ruled both teams out for the remainder of the weekend.
The incident occurred on the second leg of race one when the Swiss F50 rammed the Black Foils from behind, tearing a significant section from New Zealand’s stern and leaving the boat taking on water. Driver Peter Burling was later handed an eight-point penalty for breaching Rule 14 (avoid contact), compounding a disastrous start to the season for the reigning champions.
Reflecting onshore, Burling described the day as “super tough,” adding that the team was shaken and frustrated as they await further clarity following the penalty hearing.
Despite the early chaos, racing quickly settled into a fiercely competitive rhythm at the front of the fleet. Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos claimed victory in the opening race, delighting the home crowd, before DS Team France struck back in race two. Quentin Delapierre’s new-look French crew nailed the start and led from mark one to the finish, holding off a fast-charging Artemis Racing.
The Swedish team, led by Nathan Outteridge, delivered one of the standout performances of the day. After starting race two in ninth, Artemis sliced through the fleet to finish second, before claiming back-to-back victories in races three and four. The results secured Artemis pole position heading into Championship Sunday.
Outteridge admitted the late surge was not entirely expected, but praised his team’s ability to reset after a difficult opening race and capitalise on shifting conditions.
The U.S. SailGP Team also impressed with a model of consistency. Taylor Canfield’s all-American crew collected three podium finishes and a fourth-place result, positioning themselves firmly in the title fight as the fleet prepares for day two.
With three teams tied at the top and several contenders eager to rebound, Perth is shaping up to deliver one of the most unpredictable SailGP season openers in recent memory.
