ENEL Rio Sail Grand Prix: DS Automobiles SailGP Team France back in action for SailGP’s first-ever South American event
RIO DE JANEIRO – THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026 – The DS Automobiles SailGP Team France returns to racing at the ENEL Rio Sail Grand Prix (April 11–12), marking the first SailGP event ever held in South America. Set against the iconic backdrop of Guanabara Bay, host of the Rio 2016 Olympic sailing events, the French team heads into the weekend with a reshuffled line-up following the Auckland incident. After being unable to compete in Sydney due to ongoing repairs to their F50, the French team returns to the water still sitting third equal in the overall 2026 Championship standings.
A spectacular and unpredictable racecourse
For its South American debut, SailGP lands in one of the most iconic sailing venues in the world, framed by Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Guanabara Bay is renowned for its unstable and highly variable wind conditions, heavily influenced by the surrounding terrain.
These conditions could reshuffle the competitive order and deliver a wide-open weekend, where racecourse awareness and tactical responsiveness will be key.
A reshaped line-up following Auckland
Following the Auckland crash, the DS Automobiles SailGP Team France arrives in Rio with an adapted crew line-up.
New Zealander Liv McKay joins the team for this event, replacing Manon Audinet as she continues her recovery. Meanwhile, Glenn Ashby steps in as wing trimmer, replacing Leigh McMillan, who remains sidelined following shoulder surgery.
These adjustments build on the team’s strong early-season momentum, which has seen them consistently racing at the front of the fleet. It is also worth noting that the New Zealand SailGP Team will not compete in Rio, as their F50 was destroyed in the Auckland incident.
A team ready to take on the challenge
Despite these changes, the French team heads into the weekend with determination and confidence in its ability to adapt.
Quentin Delapierre, Driver – DS Automobiles SailGP Team France: “I’m very happy to be back racing here in Rio. Missing the Sydney Sail Grand Prix was a real challenge for us. Unfortunately, we’re coming into this event without Leigh and Manon, and our thoughts are very much with them. At the same time, we’re lucky to have two world-class replacements in Glenn Ashby and Liv McKay. It’s a great opportunity to maintain our level of ambition and keep moving forward.
It’s my first time racing in Rio, so we’ll try to make the most of this incredible racecourse. The conditions look very technical, with a lot of tactical risk-taking.”
Local knowledge as a key asset
Head Coach Philippe Mourniac brings valuable experience of Guanabara Bay, having competed here during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
In such a complex environment, this knowledge could prove decisive in supporting the team’s strategic decisions.
Philippe Mourniac, Head Coach – DS Automobiles SailGP Team France:
“Rio is characterised by its high surrounding terrain – Sugarloaf, Corcovado and more. The race area sits inside the bay, right at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain.
The wind is therefore heavily disrupted by the surrounding relief, which means you really have to observe carefully to find the pressure lanes and stay in phase with constant wind shifts.”
Eyes on a high-intensity weekend
With racing scheduled for Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12, the Rio Sail Grand Prix is set to be a key moment in the 2026 season.
Backed by strong momentum and a fully mobilised team, DS Automobiles SailGP Team France aims to capitalise on its return to racing and reinforce its ambitions in the championship.
SAILING & PERFORMANCE DS TEAM FRANCE
Quentin Delapierre / driver
Liv Mckay / strategist
Glenn Ashby / wing trimmer
Jason Saunders / flight controler
Olivier Herlédant / grinder
Bruno Mourniac / grinder
Timothé Lapauw / grinder
Amélie Riou / reserve athlete
Philippe Presti / Team Manager
Philippe Mourniac / Head of Coach
Lucas Delcourt / Data Analyst
Ranking ROLEX SAILGP CHAMPIONSHIP SAISON 2026
1. EMIRATES GBR, Dylan Fletcher – 28 pts
2. BONDS FLYING ROOS, Tom Slingsby – 25 pts
3. US. SAILGP TEAM, Taylor Canfield – 20 pts
4. DS TEAM FRANCE, Quentin Delapierre – 20 pts
5. LOS GALLOS, Diego Botin – 16 pts
6. ARTEMIS, Nathan Outteridge – 15 pts
7. RED BULL ITALY, Phil Robertson – 11 pts
8. ROCKWOOL RACING, Nicolai Sehested – 11 pts
9. GERMANY BY DEUTSCHE BANK, Erik Heil – 10 pts
10. NORTHSTAR, Giles Scott – 6 pts
11. MUBADALA BRAZIL, Martine Grael – 5 pts
12. BLACK FOILS, Peter Burling – 2 pts
13. SWITZERLAND, Sébastien Schneiter – 1 pts
