Australia's Sailors Gear Up for Challenging French Olympic Week

The Australian Sailing Team gears up for a pivotal challenge at the French Olympic Week, a key event in the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam series. This regatta, taking place in Hyères, France, welcomes over 600 sailors from more than 50 nations across all 10 Olympic classes, making it a must-watch for sailing enthusiasts.

Australia enters the competition with a robust lineup of 43 entries, showcasing its talent on an international stage. The Bay of Hyères is famous for its diverse sailing conditions, ranging from the fierce Mistral to gentle seabreezes, promising an exciting week ahead. Double Olympic Champion Matt Wearn, fresh from victory in Spain, stands out in the 136-boat ILCA7 fleet and anticipates a challenging race week.

“This regatta offers a crucial chance to assess our progress against top-tier competitors,” says Australian Sailing High Performance Director Iain Brambell. The event not only tests skills but also fosters growth in preparation for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Racing kicks off on April 20, with finals for the board classes on April 24 and remaining classes vying for medals on April 25. The competition will be fierce, and the outcomes could significantly influence the trajectory of the Australian team.