Leigh McMillan Rejoins SailGP Team France in Portsmouth

Key Takeaways

Leigh McMillan rejoins DS Automobiles SailGP Team France after recovering from shoulder surgery.
Margaux Billy participates in the Women’s Pathway Trial as part of the K-Challenge Akademy program.
The Portsmouth event is a critical opportunity for the team to secure a place in the Grand Final.

Leigh McMillan Returns to Action

DS Automobiles SailGP Team France is set to compete at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, part of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. Currently sixth in the standings with 33 points, the team aims to improve its position for the Grand Final. This event marks Leigh McMillan’s return after months of rehabilitation from a shoulder injury sustained in Auckland.

McMillan’s comeback allows him to reconnect with the team and participate in training using the F50. Enzo Balanger continues in the wing trimmer role, having successfully filled in for McMillan in prior events, showcasing the strength of the K-Challenge Akademy’s athlete development pathway.

Iconic Racing Venue

Portsmouth hosts its second SailGP event after a sold-out debut in 2025. The racing occurs in the Solent, famous for its challenging conditions, where crews must navigate strong tidal currents and variable winds. The event is expected to provide thrilling competition close to thousands of spectators.

For the French team, the goal remains to enhance performance and close the gap to the championship leaders while maximizing the experience from the highly technical venue.

Margaux Billy’s First Steps in SailGP

Alongside the racing, SailGP’s Women’s Pathway Trial will take place, aimed at promoting female athletes in competitive sailing. Margaux Billy, a participant in the K-Challenge Akademy, will gain vital experience in this high-performance environment, serving as reserve strategist for fellow Akademy athlete Manon Audinet.

This initiative is pivotal for developing future talent, offering young sailors experience across various competitive platforms.

Restoring Stability in the Team

The return of Leigh McMillan is a significant move towards restoring stability for the French team, which has seen numerous crew changes this season. With a strong focus on crew cohesion and improving results, the team aims to maintain its place within the top six as it heads into the race weekend on July 25 and 26, 2026.

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