5 Things You Need To Know Ahead Of The Rio Sail Grand Prix

Everything you need to know as Rio makes its long-awaited debut on the SailGP circuit

Published 04/8/2026

The SailGP fleet makes its first stop of the Americas leg with a brand-new venue and a continental first: the ENEL Rio Sail Grand Prix.

Brazil’s storied sailing history makes Rio an ideal addition to the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship calendar, and a challenging course awaits.

Here’s everything you’re going to need to know as the fleet heads to South America for Round 5!

1. Allez les Blues once more!

After missing last month’s Sydney Sail Grand Prix following their collision with New Zealand in Auckland, DS Automobiles France will return to the start line in Rio.

Quentin Delapierre’s team currently sit fourth in the Rolex SailGP Championship standings – a place behind the U.S. SailGP Team – so their return to the grid is timely!

Glenn Ashby has swapped the BONDS Flying Roos for DS Automobiles France

Leigh McMillan, injured in that unfortunate incident in Auckland, has stepped back from the team to focus on his recovery. It means Glenn Ashby, the BONDS Flying Roos’ super sub twice already this season, will be trimming the wing in Rio.

The Black Foils’ return to the line-up is yet to be confirmed.

2. Rio return for Olympians

Mubadala Brazil driver Martine Grael won Olympic gold at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro

While SailGP makes its debut in Brazil, for athletes involved in the 2016 Olympic Games, it's a welcome return to a venue that holds special memories. None more so than Mubadala Brazil driver Martine Grael.

Ten years prior, Grael won Olympic gold in the 49er FX class by just two seconds alongside Switzerland strategist Kahena Kunze, before repeating the trick four years later in Tokyo.

MORE: WHAT TIME IS THE RIO SAIL GRAND PRIX?

Emirates GBR strategist Hannah Mills won gold alongside Saskia Clark in the 470, while NorthStar driver Giles Scott also took gold for the Brits in the Finn class.

Other medalists include Tom Burton & Will Ryan (Red Bull Italy), Anne-Marie Rindom (ROCKWOOL Racing), Jo Aleh & Matt Gotrel (Switzerland), Nathan Outteridge & Sam Meech (Artemis SailGP), Iain Jensen & Jason Waterhouse (BONDS Flying Roos) and Erik Heil (Germany by Deutsche Bank).

3. Unique challenge of Guanabara Bay

Guanabara Bay is one of the most visually striking venues on the SailGP calendar – but its topography can make it one of the most complex to race on.

Surrounded by steep granite peaks, including landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and the hills that frame Rio de Janeiro, the bay naturally disrupts the wind as it flows in from the Atlantic.

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2026 Rio Race Poster

As wind enters the bay, the surrounding terrain causes it to bend, split and rejoin, leading to sudden wind shifts, inconsistent press and areas of stronger gusts and lighter patches.

4. U.S. SailGP Team boasts South American experience

For the U.S. SailGP Team, coach Marcus Lynch was working with Team GB at the 2016 Games, while a number of the crew have raced in South America.

Strategist Andrew Campbell said: “A lot of the guys have experience there from the Olympics. A long time ago I did the Pan Am Games in Rio and a lot of Star sailing on the bay there.

U.S. SailGP Team Coach Marcus Lynch was part of Team GB at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games

“So a lot of us have experience down there and we’re really excited to go back. I think it’s going to be a really great venue for the event and a really great venue for us.”

5. Tight at the top

After three events, the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship is shaping up to be a keenly fought contest.

Winners of the 2025 Championship, Emirates GBR are currently top of the pile on 28 points – three ahead of the BONDS Flying Roos. After victory in Sydney, the U.S. SailGP Team sits third, just ahead of France.

The 2024 Season Champions Los Gallos lead a pack of five teams separated by just six points between P5 and P9. After three events, we’ve already seen three different winners – will Rio provide a fourth different victor?

Remember, you can follow along via the U.S. SailGP Team Instagram, YouTube and TikTok accounts, or via our Live Blog!

2026 Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix