In Perth, Australia, the SailGP's 2026 season opener took place amid challenging conditions caused by the famous 'Fremantle Doctor' wind, which significantly affected practice sessions leading up to the race. On January 16, sailors were braced for wild racing as they prepared to showcase their skills on the water. Particularly affected was the Spanish team Los Gallos, which crashed during practices, leading to substantial damage to their F50 race boat. Fortunately, no sailors were injured in the incident, but it raised doubts about their participation in the competition. Additionally, injury reports emerged concerning the newcomers, Sweden's Artemis, whose wing trimmer Chris Draper required hospitalization after sustaining facial injuries in a collision during practice. Outgoing CEO Russell Coutts has noted that fundamental crew changes this season, including the introduction of new teams, promise to make for a highly competitive environment. The newly formed team led by Olympic champion Iain Percy is eager to prove themselves despite the rocky start. Despite setbacks, colleagues like Nathan Outteridge emphasized the importance of resilience among high-performance teams. In contrast, Britain's Emirates GBR, led by Ben Ainslie and helmed by Dylan Fletcher, is aware of the pressure on their performance after a successful previous season culminating in a grand final victory. This season, they have welcomed Stu Bithell back onto their team, anticipating a strong showing given their past successes. As the race weekend approaches, teams are wary of the unpredictable conditions that the Fremantle Doctor brings, as well as the potential hazard to both functionality and safety. They aim to adapt quickly to maximize chances of success in the competition while handling the looming risk of injuries and damage that could impact performance in the prestigious SailGP series. Each team is prioritizing sharpness and readiness in anticipation of fierce competition, as the global stage carries significant weight for sailing enthusiasts and athletes alike.