Bermuda SailGP: DS Automobiles SailGP Team France aiming to return to the front of the fleet
DS Automobiles SailGP Team France heads to Bermuda this weekend determined to reignite its 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship campaign as the global racing series returns to the iconic Great Sound for the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix on May 9–10.
Currently sitting sixth overall in one of the tightest championship battles in SailGP history, the French team remains firmly in contention, with only a handful of points separating second from sixth place in the standings.
After a challenging Rio event held in highly unstable conditions, Bermuda offers a very different test — one renowned for fast foiling, high-speed tactical racing and unforgiving execution.
Back to one of SailGP’s most iconic venues
Widely regarded as one of the premier race venues on the SailGP calendar, Bermuda returns after a one-season absence, bringing the championship back to the crystal-clear waters and demanding breeze conditions of the Great Sound.
Known for rewarding precision and punishing mistakes instantly, Bermuda has historically delivered some of the league’s most spectacular racing moments.
Twelve teams will line up this weekend, while the New Zealand SailGP Team remains sidelined as repairs continue following the Auckland incident.
French team continues rebuilding process
DS Automobiles SailGP Team France will once again race with a reshaped line-up as Glenn Ashby continues in the wing trimmer role, replacing the injured Leigh McMillan, who remains in recovery following shoulder surgery.
One of the sport’s most accomplished sailors, Ashby also knows Bermuda exceptionally well, having won the America’s Cup on these waters in 2017 aboard foiling catamarans.
Liv McKay also remains onboard as substitute for Manon Audinet, who continues her rehabilitation following the Auckland crash.
With Rio marking the team’s return to competition after nearly two months off the water, the French squad has since focused heavily on rebuilding coordination, refining technical processes and strengthening communication within the new crew configuration.
Quentin Delapierre focused on fundamentals
Quentin Delapierre, Driver – DS Automobiles SailGP Team France: “At Bermuda, the objective is really to get back to our fundamentals. We’re expecting more stable conditions than in Rio, with what should be a demanding and windy training day on Friday.
The key will be to be solid off the starts, well synchronized as a crew in the straight-line phases, and able to apply all the technical work we’ve done over the past few weeks.
We’re really happy to keep sailing with Glenn and Liv, who bring a huge amount to the team. Now it’s about executing well, putting together a strong weekend in Bermuda and fighting for a top result.”
Tight championship battle intensifies
With Australia arriving in Bermuda carrying strong momentum following victory in Rio, and several teams now tightly grouped in the standings, the Bermuda event could prove pivotal in shaping the early championship race.
For DS Automobiles SailGP Team France, the objective is clear: continue building consistency and return to the front of the fleet.
PROVISOIRE RANKING ROLEX SAILGP CHAMPIONSHIP SAISON 2026
1. BONDS FLYING ROOS, Tom Slingsby – 35 pts
2. EMIRATES GBR, Dylan Fletcher – 28 pts
3. US. SAILGP TEAM, Taylor Canfield – 27 pts
4. LOS GALLOS, Diego Botin – 25 pts
5. ARTEMIS, Nathan Outteridge – 23 pts
6. DS TEAM FRANCE, Quentin Delapierre – 23 pts
7. ROCKWOOL RACING, Nicolai Sehested – 17 pts
8. GERMANY BY DEUTSCHE BANK, Erik Heil – 15 pts
9. RED BULL ITALY, Phil Robertson – 15 pts
10. MUBADALA BRAZIL, Martine Grael – 7 pts
11. NORTHSTAR, Giles Scott – 7 pts
12. BLACK FOILS, Peter Burling – 2 pts
13. SWITZERLAND, Sébastien Schneiter – 1 pts
DS TEAM FRANCE SEASON 2026
Quentin Delapierre / pilot
Manon Audinet / strategist (Liv McKay – Rio &Bermuda )
Leigh Mc Millan / Wing Trimmer ( Glenn Ashby- Rio &Bermuda)
Jason Saunders / Flight Controler
Olivier Herlédant / grinder
Bruno Mourniac / grinder
Timothé Lapauw / grinder
Enzo Balanger / spare sailor
Amélie Riou / spare strategist
Philippe Presti / Team Manager
Philippe Mourniac / Head of Coach
Lucas Delcourt / Data Analyst
