NorthStar Canada close fleet racing with statement win as Perth SailGP finalists are confirmed

The final fleet race of the Perth SailGP delivered a decisive conclusion to a turbulent opening leg of the 2026 season, with NorthStar Canada producing a commanding performance in Race 7 to claim victory, while France, Australia, and Emirates GBR secured the three places in the event final.

With just one fleet race remaining and ten points still in play, the stakes could not have been higher. Heading into Race 7, France, Emirates GBR and Artemis sat in the provisional top three, but pressure from Australia and Canada meant nothing was settled.

Conditions remained at the upper edge of control. A strengthening breeze and short, steep chop off the Fremantle shoreline continued to punish poor timing and aggressive manoeuvres. The alert log shows multiple compressions and overlaps early, reinforcing how little margin existed anywhere on the course.

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The start was decisive. Canada launched cleanly and immediately separated, crossing into the opening leg with clear water and control. Australia and France followed, while Emirates GBR absorbed an early penalty for sailing outside the boundary, forcing them to start from behind the fleet and immediately placing their final hopes under threat.

As the fleet funnelled toward Gate 2, the race took shape. Alerts confirm Canada leading consistently through the opening gates, with France and Australia forming a stable second group. Artemis struggled from the outset, running deep early and losing critical distance in traffic. By the midpoint of the race, alerts show the Swedes outside the top ten, their chances of reaching the final slipping rapidly.

Mid-race incidents further reshaped the order. Brazil was penalised for a boundary infringement, while Germany and Italy were involved in a high-risk manoeuvre at the bottom gate that forced both boats into evasive action. Italy survived a dramatic foiling moment, but the cost in distance was significant.

At the front, Canada never faltered. The alerts show clean gate roundings and uninterrupted legs, allowing NorthStar to stretch their advantage. France consolidated second with measured, low-risk sailing, while Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos executed precisely when it mattered, holding third despite constant pressure from behind.

Emirates GBR recovered strongly from their early penalty, climbing back into fourth by the final legs. That recovery proved crucial. Although they missed the podium in Race 7, their cumulative points were enough to carry them into the event final.

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Behind them, the fight for minor placings was intense. Switzerland completed another solid race following Saturday’s collision, finishing ahead of Germany. Denmark and Italy traded positions through the final legs, while Brazil edged Artemis in a sprint to the line for a single championship point.

Canada crossed the finish line first, sealing a statement win in the final fleet race of the Perth leg. France followed in second, Australia third, and Emirates GBR fourth. With those results confirmed, the event finalists were locked in: France, Australia, and Emirates GBR.

Race 7 closed the fleet phase exactly as SailGP promises, high speed, high consequence, and unforgiving of even small errors. With seven fleet races completed, Perth now turns its attention to the event final, where three teams will fight for the first trophy of the 2026 season.

Race points

Fleet race total