• Strong continuity for 2026: The Switzerland SailGP Team begins the season in Perth with its full roster re-signed, prioritising cohesion, trust and communication as a strategic performance advantage.
• Focused winter preparation: Off-season work centred on improving communication, coordination and decision-making under pressure, providing a solid platform for progress in the 2026 SailGP season.
• Integrated high-performance pathway: The Swiss Sailing Team and the Switzerland SailGP Team are now aligned within a unified structure linking youth development, Olympic sailing and professional competition.
• Olympic and SailGP crossover: SailGP athletes including Sébastien Schneiter, Arno de Planta and Maud Jayet are combining Olympic campaigns with SailGP participation, supported by international training bases and expert coaching.
• New partnership support: Rolex supports the Swiss Sailing Team, strengthening high-performance programmes and supporting the long-term development of future Swiss sailing talent.

The Swiss SailGP team launches the 2026 season united in Perth, Australia

The Switzerland SailGP Team enters the new season with strong momentum and a shared sense of purpose as racing gets underway in Perth. Excited to be back on the water, the team is proud to have re-signed its full roster and to continue united as it builds into the 2026 SailGP season.

Keeping the same group together has been a clear strategic choice. In a sport where small margins decide outcomes, cohesion, trust and clear communication are critical.

Over the winter, the team focused on key learnings from last season. Work centred on communication, coordination and decision making under pressure. This preparation provides a strong base for further progress during the 2026 season and beyond.

Swiss Sailing Team shapes F50 athletes of tomorrow, backed by a new sponsor

Alongside SailGP, the Swiss Sailing Team programme follows the same long-term approach. Sébastien Schneiter has begun his Olympic campaign together with Arno de Planta. After several weeks of preparation in Cádiz, the pair will base themselves in New Zealand in between SailGP events, training with coach Ian Barker. F50 strategist Maud Jayet will also relocate to New Zealand following an intensive training period in the Canary Islands, combining her Olympic campaign with participation in SailGP events this season.

For a small sailing nation, long-term success at the highest level requires alignment across programmes. This season marks a step forward, with the Swiss Sailing Team and the Switzerland SailGP Team now working within an integrated high-performance pathway. The structure links youth development, Olympic sailing and professional competition, creating clear progression routes and shared performance standards.

This approach is supported by partners committed to high-performance sport. Rolex supports the Swiss Sailing Team as a partner, supporting high-performance programmes and contributing to the long-term development of future Swiss sailors.

Our cooperation with the Swiss Sailing Team enables our SailGP athletes to continue training and performing at the highest Olympic level. This is fully complementary to SailGP and directly contributes to stronger performance on the racecourse. Financial support, including the new involvement of Rolex, allows us to build an even more ambitious programme while creating opportunities for young Swiss sailors who aim for the very top.

Boet BrinkgreveCEO, Switzerland SailGP Team

Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG

Strong and consistent winds are forecast across the racecourse for this weekend in Perth. The conditions are expected to reward precision, boat handling and teamwork. The Swiss SailGP Team is looking forward to returning to racing and getting back on the water for the first event of the new season.

Times are approximate and subject to change.

Watch the broadcast live on Blue Sport and SailGP’s YouTube channel.