Iain Jensen returns home to join the BONDS Flying Roos in a defining new chapter for Australia
by SailGP Australia 9 Dec 07:52 UTC
BONDS Flying Roos reveal all-Australian team line-up for SailGP season © SailGP Australia
The BONDS Flying Roos have today revealed an all-new, all-Australian crew line-up ahead of the 2026 SailGP season, headlined by the return of Australian Olympic gold medallist Iain ‘Goobs’ Jensen.
Jensen joins the BONDS Flying Roos as Wing Trimmer following the departure of Chris Draper, who stepped into the role for 2025 after Kyle Langford’s move to Red Bull Italy. The SailGP season opener event in Perth this summer will be Jensen’s first time racing for Australia in nine years, since he last represented the nation at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Jensen arrives in outstanding form, coming off a historic win with Emirates GBR in the $2 million USD Grand Final in Abu Dhabi last month, where Great Britain clinched the Championship title ahead of Australia and New Zealand in a nail-biting three-boat winner-takes-all showdown. The Aussies crossed the line in the dying seconds ahead of the Kiwis to secure second place overall.
BONDS Flying Roos Wing Trimmer Iain Jensen said, “It’s been a long time since I last raced for Australia, so it means a lot to be back. I have learned a huge amount over the years racing with Emirates GBR and I’m excited to bring that experience to the BONDS Flying Roos. This team has a winning mindset and I’m really looking forward to contributing to what we can build together. It was an amazing feeling to win with Dylan and the British crew and I’m looking forward to going head-to-head against my old teammates in the green and gold next year.”
The team also welcomes rising Australian sailing talent Tom Needham as Reserve, stepping in for Will Ryan as the team enters a new phase ahead of 2026. Needham, who competed in the 2025 America’s Cup UniCredit Youth Regatta for Andoo Team Australia, has been promoted to the on-water squad from his current position within the BONDS Flying Roos Shore Team.
BONDS Flying Roos Reserve Athlete Tom Needham said, “It’s a tremendous honour to step into this role and represent Australia. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and proud to be part of this team as we enter a new chapter together.”
Slingsby has retained the remainder of his three-time championship-winning squad for the 2026 season, which includes Jason Waterhouse (Flight Controller, Sydney), Sam Newton (Grinder, Sydney), Kinley Fowler (Grinder, Perth, WA), and Natasha Byrant (Strategist, Sydney).
BONDS Flying Roos Driver and CEO Tom Slingsby said: “We’re genuinely excited about what’s ahead for this team. Goobs has been one of my best mates for years and is the godfather of my son, so getting the chance to line up together for Australia is pretty special. Bringing Tom into the squad gives us even more firepower heading into 2026 and there’s a real sense of momentum building. The support around the team has never been stronger and we can’t wait to get back out there racing in January in Fremantle.”
The new-look, all-Australian squad will race under the co-ownership of Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, whose involvement continues to elevate the profile of the team both in Australia and globally. The team also welcomed two major multi-year partners, monday.com and Blueberry, in November 2025, to further strengthen the foundation supporting the BONDS Flying Roos’ 2026 campaign.
Australian fans will get their first chance to cheer on the all-new Aussie team when they hit the start line at the inaugural Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix, presented by KPMG on 17-18 January 2026, marking the opener of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship.
