The BONDS Flying Roos soared to victory in the inaugural Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, marking their second event win of the 2026 SailGP season. This dominant performance in Brazil propelled the Australian team to the top of the overall championship standings, capitalizing on a tough weekend for the previous leaders, Emirates GBR.

Racing on the notoriously tricky waters of Guanabara Bay, the twelve international teams faced a formidable test. Gusty, unstable winds combined with major ocean swells and the wind shadow from Sugarloaf Mountain created a true sailor's challenge, pushing the cutting-edge F50 catamarans and their crews to the limit.

Yet, three-time champion Tom Slingsby and his Australian squad were in a class of their own. They swept all three qualifying fleet races, a feat of remarkable consistency. Despite a mid-event penalty for a Rule 14 breach that briefly set them back, the team's composure never wavered. They charged into the event final and executed a flawless race to seal the win.

"It's a really satisfying feeling," Slingsby said after celebrating with the vibrant Brazilian crowd. "We finally showed what we're capable of when everything clicks. Sharing this first win of the season with a long-time teammate like Iain Jensen made it even more special."

The battle behind the Aussies was fiercely contested. Spain's Los Gallos, driven by Diego Botín, delivered a standout performance on the final day, consistently finishing in the top four to secure their spot in the three-boat final alongside the Swedish team, Artemis.

In the winner-takes-all final, Artemis briefly seized the lead, but a critical handling error cost them momentum. The ever-consistent Australians pounced on the opportunity and stretched their lead, while a penalty for Artemis allowed the Spanish team to clinch a hard-fought second place. Artemis crossed in third, securing their best-ever SailGP result and signaling their growing threat in the league.