Sweden Launches Artemis SailGP Team for 2026 Season

Published: 03 Oct 2025
Author: Michael Hodges
A Swedish Powerhouse Returns to the Global Stage. The world of high-octane professional sailing has just received a seismic jolt. Sweden’s internationally acclaimed Artemis Racing has confirmed its long-anticipated comeback, officially entering the Rolex SailGP Championship 2026 Season as the newly rebranded Artemis SailGP Team.
Artemis Racing Returns: Sweden Launches Artemis SailGP Team for 2026 Season
© SailGP
Artemis Racing

For fans of speed, technology, and pure adrenaline on water, this marks the return of one of sailing’s most respected names. With a reputation forged in America’s Cup campaigns and global circuits, Artemis brings back a mix of experience, innovation, and Swedish competitive spirit that will raise the stakes in SailGP’s record-breaking sixth season.

The new season opens in January 2026 in Perth, Australia, and Artemis will be there, foils humming, ready to prove themselves against the fastest boats and sharpest minds in the sport.

The Leaders at the Helm: Percy and Outteridge Reunited

Guiding Artemis’ return is CEO Iain Percy, double Olympic gold medallist and long-time leader of Artemis Racing. Percy knows better than most how to build a team capable of going toe-to-toe with the very best. His role during Artemis Racing’s America’s Cup campaigns in 2013 and 2017 showcased not only his tactical brilliance but his ability to create a culture of relentless innovation.

Beside him on the water will be Nathan Outteridge, Olympic champion and one of SailGP’s most respected drivers. Outteridge is no stranger to SailGP success, having steered the Japan SailGP Team to multiple wins in Seasons 1 and 2 before lending his expertise across the fleet in interim roles.

Now, reunited with Percy and Artemis’ long-time backer Torbjörn Törnqvist, Outteridge is relishing the chance to bring Swedish sailing back to the cutting edge.

“Reuniting with Iain, Torbjörn and the Artemis team is incredibly exciting. We’ve shared huge moments together in the past, and bringing that experience into SailGP gives us a powerful foundation,” said Outteridge.

Sweden’s Sailing Legacy Meets SailGP’s New Era

Sweden has always punched above its weight in the world of offshore and grand prix racing. From classic offshore campaigns to high-tech foiling catamarans, Swedish sailors are known for grit, precision, and adaptability. With Artemis stepping into the SailGP arena, the nation now has a chance to showcase its talent and engineering expertise on sailing’s fastest stage.

Artemis Racing’s story began in 2007, quickly becoming synonymous with technological progress and competitive excellence. Their America’s Cup campaigns tested designs, data, and teamwork against the toughest in the sport. That DNA carries into SailGP, where speed and innovation define every race.

SailGP itself has transformed sailing since its launch in 2019 by Larry Ellison and Sir Russell Coutts. Built around identical F50 foiling catamarans capable of speeds over 50 knots, SailGP is a travelling global championship staged in iconic venues from Sydney to Saint-Tropez. Unlike traditional yacht racing, SailGP is designed for broadcast drama, fan engagement, and raw, edge-of-the-seat racing.

For Artemis SailGP Team, this is more than just a return. It’s a rebirth in the sport’s most exciting modern arena.

Innovation on Water: What Artemis Brings to SailGP

Artemis has always stood for pushing limits. In SailGP 2026, the team promises to bring:

Cutting-edge data use: Artemis has a history of leveraging simulation and analytics to sharpen race strategy.

Engineering pedigree: Backed by Sweden’s technology ecosystem, expect custom developments in training and performance management.

Talent depth: Outteridge at the helm is a proven winner, while Percy’s leadership ensures a steady hand.

Cultural pride: The return of a Swedish flag to SailGP will ignite local fans and inspire the next generation of sailors.

CEO Percy put it plainly:

“SailGP is redefining sailing with unmatched speed, innovation, and fan engagement. Bringing Sweden into this elite championship is a milestone we’re proud of. We’re determined to compete at the very highest level — pushing boundaries both on and off the water.”

A Growing League: Artemis Becomes SailGP’s 13th Team

By joining as the 13th international team, Artemis completes the 2026 line-up after a fiercely competitive global bid process. SailGP has grown rapidly, with Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil joining in 2025, and high-profile acquisitions reshaping the championship’s landscape.

With Artemis on board, the Rolex SailGP Championship enters its sixth season stronger than ever — a mix of powerhouse teams, new challengers, and fierce rivalries across five continents.

SailGP CEO Russell Coutts welcomed Artemis with enthusiasm:

“We’re thrilled to have Artemis SailGP Team join the Championship. They bring remarkable depth of talent, experience, and professionalism. Expect them to be contenders from their very first race.”

What Fans Can Expect in 2026

The 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship promises more speed, more venues, and more drama. With Artemis back, the narrative gets even richer:

Rivalries reignited: Outteridge vs. the likes of Slingsby, Fletcher, and Burling adds spice to every start line.

New venues: Perth, Geneva, and Abu Dhabi add global variety.

Swedish pride: Expect a wave of yellow-and-blue in every fan zone.

For spectators, Artemis SailGP Team isn’t just another entry. It’s the return of a team with history, vision, and unfinished business.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in a Familiar Story

The return of Artemis Racing as Artemis SailGP Team is a reminder of why sailing captures the imagination: heritage meeting innovation, personalities colliding with technology, and national pride flying on wings of carbon fibre.

As the countdown to Perth 2026 begins, Artemis is not simply back to take part — they’re back to win. With Percy calling the shots and Outteridge driving, Sweden is set to make waves in the world’s fastest sailing league.

And for Old Sea Dogs like us, it’s a reminder that in this sport, legends never stay ashore for long.