Aussies rock Rio

The conditions demanded precision and patience in equal measure. Gusts rolled unevenly across the bay, pressure lines appearing and vanishing in seconds, while tight boundaries punished even the smallest error.

But Slingsby’s team looked untouchable, nailing starts, picking shifts and executing manoeuvres with clinical efficiency to rack up a perfect scoreline.

That dominance carried into the Final, where they faced a fired-up Artemis SailGP Team and ever-consistent Los Gallos SailGP Team.

But once again, the Aussies seized control early and never let go, extending their lead leg by leg to shut the door on any late drama.

Notching up their 17th Finals victory of their SailGP career, Slingsby’s crew underlined their status as the benchmark of the fleet – and, in doing so, took a firm grip on the Rolex SailGP Championship standings.

Celebrating in front of the cheering crowds of Brazilian fans, Slingsby said, “I’m really pleased with the team.

We’ve brought together a group with huge potential, and although we hadn’t fully clicked before today we finally showed what we’re capable of when everything comes together.

“It’s a really satisfying feeling — not just as a driver, but from a broader perspective. It was also special to get this first win with Goobs [Iain Jensen]. We go way back, so sharing that moment meant a lot.”

Behind them, Los Gallos continued their impressive run of form, converting another composed regatta into a runners-up finish – their third podium in four events this season. The Spanish outfit’s consistency is fast becoming a defining trait, keeping them firmly in the championship hunt.

There was also plenty to celebrate for Artemis, SailGP’s newest team, who secured their first podium finish since joining the league at the start of 2026. The Swedish crew showed growing confidence across the weekend and saved their best for Sunday, rising to the occasion when it mattered most.

As SailGP’s debut in South America delivered both spectacle and intensity, Rio set the tone for what promises to be a pivotal stretch of the season – and, right now, the Flying Roos have the wind squarely in their sails.

The victory moves the Aussies into pole position on the 2026 Season leaderboard with a seven-point jump on second-placed Emirates GBR, the reigning SailGP champions, and eight on the third-placed US Sailing Team.

As SailGP’s debut in South America delivered both spectacle and intensity, Rio set the tone for what promises to be a pivotal stretch of the season – and, right now, the Flying Roos have the wind squarely in their sails.

The victory moves the Aussies into pole position on the 2026 Season leaderboard with a seven-point jump on second-placed Emirates GBR, the reigning SailGP champions, and eight on the third-placed US Sailing Team.

Elsewhere, it was a weekend of contrasts across the fleet. France returned to action after their dramatic collision with the Black Foils in Auckland, but their comeback ended in frustration, disqualified from race seven after barging at the start.

Emirates GBR endured a rare off-weekend, finishing 12th – their first last-place result since Cowes in Season 1.

For Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, the result mattered less than the moment. Racing on home waters for the first time, they were roared on by passionate local support as Rio delivered a festival atmosphere, with nearly 8,000 spectators across the weekend bringing noise, color and energy to SailGP’s South American debut.

As Rio proved, this championship can turn in an instant. Right now, though, the BONDS Flying Roos have found another gear – and the rest of the fleet is chasing their wake.

Fans won’t have to wait long to experience the high-speed action again, as the Rolex SailGP Championship returns to the pristine waters of Bermuda next month for the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, 9 & 10 May 2026.

sailGP.com