Australia claims podium finish in SailGP season opener as Glen Ashby steps up in the Wild West
by Bree Purvis 18 Jan 05:07 PST
17-18 January 2026
Tom Slingsby and the BONDS Flying Roos have claimed a podium finish at Perth's SailGP debut despite a late crew change earlier in the week, finishing second in front of a sold-out home crowd.
In glamour Fremantle Harbour conditions, the Australians were forced to fight from behind on Super Sunday, earning their place in a high-risk three-boat podium final against Emirates Great Britain and DS Team France, with no margin for error.
Battling one-metre waves and gusts of up to 45km/h, the Aussies were immediately on the back foot after a costly pre-start boundary penalty handed early control to the British crew. Despite the setback, Slingsby's team stayed in the hunt, pushing hard across the tight Perth racecourse.
Further drama unfolded behind as a bold split from France driver Quentin Delapierre on the penultimate leg backfired. A late surge of speed from the BONDS Flying Roos saw the Australians overhaul DS Team France (3rd) on the final reach to secure second place, while Emirates GBR went on to claim the event win.
In Fremantle Doctor winds that tested the best athletes in the world, the runners-up result underlined the BONDS Flying Roos' depth, resilience and race-winning pedigree.
The podium finish was made all the more impressive following the late inclusion of Australian sail racing legend Glen Ashby, who stepped in for Wing Trimmer Iain 'Goobs' Jensen after he was injured during training on Thursday.
BONDS Flying Roos driver and CEO Tom Slingsby said, "Finishing second in conditions like that, with Glen stepping in at the last minute is a huge result for us. What Glen was able to do with so little time on the wing was incredible. He hasn't sailed with this set-up, T-foils, or in any of those conditions before so it was all about supporting him and backing his experience.
"Glen did an amazing job with only a couple of days' notice and delivering a podium result is awesome for our team and for Australia," he said.
Ashby's seamless integration into the all-Australian crew reinforced why the BONDS Flying Roos remain one of the strongest teams in SailGP heading into the new season.
Australian 'super sub' Glen Ashby said, "I feel very lucky to be sailing with such a great group of people. To be able to fill in for Goobs was an honour and the team is off to a flying start this season. I'm just trying to get my heart rate down now."
Jensen sustained a knee injury during a free practice session on Thursday and did not race with the Australians this weekend. He will now focus on his recovery, with the team hopeful he can return in time for the New Zealand event next month.
On Jensen, Slingsby commented: "Goobs was in the coaching box today, making calls and bringing us into the start box. He did a great job helping us out this weekend and we hope he has a speedy recovery."
The 2026 SailGP season opener in Perth set a new benchmark in Australia with almost 15,000 fans packing the sold-out Race Stadium at Bathers Beach, Fremantle.
The BONDS Flying Roos will now set their sights on Auckland for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix on 14-15 February. Tickets are selling fast, visit SailGP.com/Auckland for more information.