Perth to host Hollywood-backed SailGP as 13 of the world’s fastest teams race just metres from shore

Hollywood A-listers, 100km/h flying boats and the world’s best sailors are about to descend on Perth as SailGP brings the ‘Formula One of sailing’ to Western Australia for the first time. More than 7000 people will pack into Fremantle this weekend to watch 13 elite international teams, including Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos, go to battle in a league of racing never before seen off WA shores. The Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix will see boats whipping through the ocean at Bathers Beach at up to 100km/h and as close as 20 metres from grandstands, in what Australian head coach Ben Durham said would be thrill like no other for fans. “The boats are extremely fast,” Mr Durham said. “They’re sailing above the water and will get within a few metres from the grandstands, so close they can almost touch the fans. “That kind of sailing has never been seen in Perth before.” Mr Durham said the event’s international flavour would also appeal to spectators. “There’s also . . the amount of gold medalists racing here - high level athletes - you don’t get this amount of talent in sailing, so it’s super exciting to see that in Perth waters.” Hype for sailing conditions unique to Perth has been brewing among athletes ahead of the two-day bonanza, which will host five 10-minute races between 12.30pm and 2pm each day. “The Fremantle Doctor, everyone knows about it around the world, even going back to the 1987 America’s Cup days,” Mr Durham said. “That’s what everyone wants to see, strong wind and potentially waves which makes the boats more difficult to sail. “Everyone is expecting a technically challenging race course.” The racing was an opportunity for Perth crowds to display their patriotism for the Aussie team. The Bonds Flying Roos team, the most dominant on the circuit, is owned by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman and Australian competitive sailor Tom Slingsby. Slingsby is also the team’s CEO and skipper. Alongside the on-water action, Freo is set to come alive with street entertainment, food trucks and a dedicated fan zone with race simulators, and DJs both afternoons, including Sneaky Sound System after Sunday’s racing. SailGP’s Global head of events Mike Webb said he hoped locals would make the effort to be part of the atmosphere.