A fresh boost for Artemis ahead of its SailGP debut
Artemis SailGP has strengthened its developing line-up ahead of the team’s first full season in 2026, signing Swedish sailors Hugo Christensson and Felicia Fernström as reserve athletes. The pair represent the next step in a talent pipeline that stretches from junior programmes to the world’s fastest foiling league, reflecting Artemis’ long-term commitment to Swedish high-performance sailing.
For a new team preparing to enter SailGP at full noise, these early appointments highlight a clear intention: build a squad with depth, experience and a strong home identity. Both Christensson and Fernström have grown through the Swedish Challenge in the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup and raced in the RC44 series under the Artemis banner. Now they step into the global circuit of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship.
Building through a Swedish talent pathway
Artemis CEO Iain Percy says the signings are the natural progression of a system years in the making.
“At Artemis, we’re committed to identifying, nurturing and developing talent – giving sailors a clear pathway from youth programmes to the pinnacle of high-performance sailing.”
Christensson and Fernström fit the mould exactly. Both have established themselves as rising performers in high-speed, high-load foiling environments. Their experience across Cup pathways and international one-design fleets gives Artemis a strong foundation as the team’s core roster continues to form around a blend of Swedish talent and global expertise.
A roster growing around world-class leaders
The two newcomers join several big names already confirmed for 2026, including driver Nathan Outteridge, strategist Julia Gross and powerhouse grinder Julius Hallström. It is a group built for consistency and long-term growth rather than short-term recruiting.
Outteridge’s return brings one of the sharpest minds in foiling back into the SailGP fleet. Gross brings proven depth in tactical roles, and Hallström represents the new generation of Swedish grinders capable of handling the physical load of the F50. Christensson and Fernström add versatility behind the frontline, providing bench strength that matters across a long, travel-heavy season.
Athletes embracing their breakthrough moment
For Christensson, joining the league marks a milestone.
“I’ve been watching SailGP from the very beginning and it’s surreal to finally be part of it. Joining Artemis in Sweden’s entry is a huge honour and I’m excited to contribute wherever the team needs me.”
Fernström will take a dual role, supporting both sailing and shore operations as the crew prepares its F50 for the demands of a global circuit.
“Artemis has shaped so much of my sailing journey, and SailGP provides an amazing platform to test my limits. I’m proud to grow while contributing to the team both on and off the water.”
Her comments echo a core part of Artemis’ plan: develop sailors who understand the technical and operational sides of the F50 as well as the racing.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season opener
The full Artemis SailGP 2026 roster will be announced in the coming weeks, with the team set to debut at the season opener in Perth on 17–18 January. After years of development behind the scenes, this marks the start of a new chapter for Sweden in top-tier foiling competition.
For now, the arrival of Christensson and Fernström signals a clear message. Artemis wants to build a team with depth, identity and a genuine pathway for the next generation of Swedish SailGP athletes. This approach may prove to be one of the team’s greatest strengths as the countdown to 2026 begins.
