Fremantle gears up to be first WA host for Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix this month

Fremantle is gearing up for a blockbuster summer weekend as the world’s fastest sailing race glides into the port city this month.

The Oracle Sail Grand Prix will make its Fremantle debut from January 17 to 18, launching the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship season.

Just metres from the shore of Bathers Beach, national teams will race identical 50-foot catamarans at speeds topping 100km/h.

The Perth Sail Grand Prix marks WA’s first inclusion on the SailGP Championship and is locked in for 2027 and 2028 under a three-year deal.

City of Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said months of planning had gone into delivering what is expected to be one of the city’s biggest sporting events.

“Tourism WA, who secured this world-class event for WA, 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,” he said.

“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.”

Huge crowds are expected to flock the area over the two days.

Local businesses are encouraged to deck out their shopfronts, with the best nautical displays being rewarded one of five $1000 vouchers.

Mr Lawver urged visitors and locals to reconsider how they travel throughout the city, with information available on its website.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The event will offer attendees multiple viewing options and fan experiences, on-water access and an Australia-first water’s-edge grandstand.

In July, acting Tourism Minister Don Punch said the event promised to be a fantastic experience and fans will be able to watch the catamarans sail past from a grandstand just metres from the action.

“We can’t wait to welcome competitors and spectators from interstate and overseas to witness the exciting races from the shores of Bathers Beach or the water itself,” he said.

“We’re confident it will bring thousands of visitors to our State and generate millions of dollars in visitor spend, boosting our bars and restaurants, hotels, and local businesses.”

Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said the city would be the first stop for the event before it jets off to New York, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.

“WA will again have the eyes of the world upon our shores when this event descends on Fremantle, a place with a rich sailing history,” she said.

“This event will be great for Fremantle businesses and an opportunity to showcase everything beautiful Freo, as well as wider Perth, has to offer.”

The event will line up with Fremantle’s already busy calendar. The Viking Orion cruise ship is due to dock at the harbour at noon on Saturday and depart on Sunday night, bringing up to 900 passengers into the city.

And Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds are taking over Fremantle Park on Saturday night, performing to a crowd of more than 8000 people.

Heavy pedestrian and traffic is expected around Ellen and Ord streets.

For more information about water, land and beach access, public transport, parking and viewing options visit the city’s website.

Tickets are available here.