Pressure builds as the fleet settles
Down to 10 teams due to Spain remaining sidelined following practice damage, and New Zealand and Switzerland out after their Race 1 collision. That extra space, however, offered little comfort once the the Race 3 fleet accelerated into the breeze; the Fremantle Doctor continued to deliver a short, choppy sea state that punished hesitation and exposed any lack of timing through the manoeuvres.
Teams have learned by now that racing in Perth is decided by early space; followed by calm defence as the pressure built.
France commit early and control the race
Once again, DS Team France demonstrated why they have looked so comfortable in Perth.
Quentin Delapierre approached the line with intent, identifying space where others saw congestion, and committing to a slightly different entry that allowed the boat to accelerate cleanly in the final seconds. That decision translated into control at Mark 1, with France holding right-of-way, rounding cleanly, and exiting into the kind of open water that allows an F50 to settle and stretch.
Through the early legs, the French crew sailed with a measured confidence, favouring reliable angles, managing board work carefully, and keeping the platform stable as the chop built. Rather than forcing separation, they let it come naturally, while the fleet behind them shuffled repeatedly as Artemis, Canada, Germany, and the USA traded places in increasingly tight traffic.
Australia, still adjusting to changes onboard, found themselves deeper in the pack once again, with little margin to dictate their own race.
Artemis stay close without forcing the issue
While France appeared to have the race under control, Artemis Racing were quietly positioning themselves to take advantage of any opening that might emerge.
Nathan Outteridge and his crew resisted the temptation to chase aggressively, instead focusing on clean lanes, precise timing at the gates, and conservative manoeuvres that preserved speed without destabilising the boat. The gains were incremental rather than dramatic, often coming from sailing slightly less distance rather than attempting to overpower rivals in rough water.
As the race progressed, Artemis remained close enough to apply pressure, while Canada and the USA continued to sit just behind, each aware that any disruption at the front could change the picture instantly.
Traffic, not speed, decides the outcome
The defining moment arrived late and came not from a collapse in pace, but from the reality of SailGP traffic.
Approaching a manoeuvre near the boundary, France encountered Australia on a converging course with right-of-way, forcing the French crew to delay their turn. Artemis took the advantage given them and swept through the opening, claimed the lead, and immediately gained the clean air that France had enjoyed for much of the race.
Artemis convert opportunity into a first win
Once in front, Outteridge guided the boat through the final gates, sealing a breakthrough victory for the newest team on the SailGP grid.
The result completed a clear progression across the opening races of the day, moving from ninth in Race 1, to second in Race 2, and now first in Race 3.
Consistency continues to shape the leaderboard
Behind the leaders, USA SailGP once again demonstrated a growing maturity from previous years; consistent, sharp layline judgement and clean gate work gained places where others lost metres. Their ability to minimise losses continued to deliver results.
France recovered well enough to limit the damage from their late setback, adding another strong finish to a day that already included a win and a second place, while Canada and Germany remained competitive without quite finding the space needed to challenge at the front.
Perth delivers another lesson
Three races into the opening event of the 2026 season, Perth is already drawing clear lines through the fleet.
Teams that can sail their own race, manage traffic calmly, and wait for opportunities rather than force them are being rewarded. Artemis took advantage of exactly that type of opportunity, and France discovered just how little margin exists when the Fremantle Doctor is in full voice.
With one more racing still to come today, the Perth opener continues to prove that in SailGP, patience and precision can be just as decisive as outright speed.
