Reigning Sail Grand Prix champions Great Britain have made the best possible start to season 2026, taking the win in Fremantle with a strong two-day performance culminating with victory in Sunday's final.
Australia just pipped France into second place, which had been the most dominant vessel in the seven fleet races and led the ladder after two days of competition.
Great Britain and Australia managed to climb into the top three on Sunday, building on their strong first-day performances, and knocking the United States and Sweden out of the top three and the final.
Gusty conditions made for much more uncomfortable sailing than on Saturday.
SailGP debutant Sweden was in dominant form on day one, locking in a first-place tie with the US and France, but failed to maintain their poise on Sunday, placing sixth, fourth, and 11th in the final fleet races.
Australia's driver Tom Slingsby said he was impressed with the team's performance after a last-minute substitution, with veteran sailor Glenn Ashby filling in for Iain Jensen, who was sidelined with a serious knee injury.
"You saw today even wing trimmers with like five, six years of experience of SailGP were struggling so much," he said.
"It's good to get second place when you consider we lost our wing trimmer a day before the event — only Glenn Ashby could do that."
Great Britain driver Dylan Fletcher said he was glad the team managed to rally to defend their title.
"Felt on the back foot yesterday, but really proud of how the whole team came together today and delivered, and great to get a win," he said.
"It's an incredible start to the 2026 season."
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