Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos, led by Tom Slingsby, returned to the top step of the podium at the ROCKWOOL Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz, securing their fifth event victory of the 2026 SailGP season.
The Australians delivered when it mattered most, winning the winner-takes-all Final despite challenging conditions on the Baltic Sea. NorthStar finished second, while Los Gallos completed the podium. New Zealand’s Black Foils took fourth after a late penalty.
The victory gives Australia a 14-point advantage at the top of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship standings, with nine events now completed and just four remaining.
The weekend produced dramatically different conditions from the high-speed opening day. Heavy rain, gusty winds and rapidly changing breeze made Sunday’s racing a test of consistency and tactical decision-making. Germany impressed in front of its home crowd, taking a commanding fleet-race victory, while New Zealand also secured a race win to earn their first Final appearance of the season.
In the Final, Slingsby and his crew made their start count, establishing an early lead over NorthStar and New Zealand. As the breeze weakened, the Australians kept their F50 flying and gradually extended their advantage.
“We definitely had to work for it,” Slingsby said, highlighting how the team learned from the difficult opening race and adapted to the changing conditions.
Behind them, the fight for the remaining podium positions went down to the wire, with several teams struggling to remain on the foils as the wind faded. NorthStar eventually secured second, while Spain’s Los Gallos fought their way through to claim third.
The result continues a remarkable 2026 campaign for the BONDS Flying Roos and strengthens their position as the team to beat with the championship entering its decisive phase.
SailGP now heads to Valencia, Spain, on September 5–6, for the inaugural Spain Sail Grand Prix.
Five wins. Four events remaining. Australia is firmly in control.
