A Landmark Event on the Swan River
The Rumble in the Reach returned in spectacular fashion for its 16th edition, transforming the Swan River into a showcase of sailing talent, innovation and community spirit. Hosted by East Fremantle Yacht Club (EFYC), the 2026 event brought together junior sailors, seasoned competitors, families, sponsors and spectators for a full day of action on and off the water.
With live commentary, drone coverage, on-water interviews and professional photography capturing every moment, Rumble in the Reach continues to set a new benchmark for sailing events in Western Australia.
Centreboard Racing: Youth, Skill and Future Champions
The morning belonged to centreboard sailors, with junior and youth competitors taking to the river in a vibrant display of skill, determination and sportsmanship. These races highlighted exactly what Rumble in the Reach is about: fostering the next generation of sailors while giving them a professional-level race experience.
From rigging on the lawn to intense mark roundings on the water, the centreboard fleet delivered excitement and inspiration. The atmosphere was electric as families and spectators followed the action, supported by expert commentary and live visuals that brought the racing closer than ever before.
Events like this play a vital role in developing confidence, teamwork and resilience in young sailors — values at the heart of EFYC’s youth programs.
Sportsboats: Speed, Precision and Spectacle
As the afternoon unfolded, the focus shifted to the sportsboat fleet, where speed, strategy and precision took centre stage. These high-performance boats delivered thrilling races that kept spectators glued to the riverbank and screens alike.
Tight starts, fast downwind legs and tactical battles showcased the very best of sportsboat racing on the Swan River. Combined with drone footage and live commentary, the sportsboat racing became a true spectacle — accessible, engaging and exciting for sailors and non-sailors alike.
Technology Meets Tradition
One of the standout features of Rumble in the Reach 2026 was the seamless integration of technology into sailing. Live streaming, multiple drone angles, expert commentators, live cameras installed on boats and on-water interviews elevated the event experience for competitors and audiences.
This approach not only enhanced spectator engagement but also allowed sailors, families and supporters who couldn’t attend in person to be part of the action — reinforcing EFYC’s commitment to innovation and accessibility in the sport.
Breakfast of Champions: Supporting Youth Sailing
A major highlight of Rumble in the Reach 2026 was our fundraising Breakfast of Champions, which welcomed over 80 attendees for a memorable morning overlooking the Swan River.
Guests enjoyed a fantastic buffet breakfast, stunning river views and inspiring conversation as Olympian Zoe Thompson, SailGP competitor Luke Payne, and one of EFYC’s rising young stars, Billie McCracken, were interviewed by Ed Fethers. Their insights, stories and passion for sailing resonated strongly with the audience and reinforced the importance of investing in the next generation.
The fundraising effort was a great success, with the auction of caps signed by the speakers, Rumble in the Reach T-shirts, and other memorabilia helping raise vital funds to support and improve EFYC’s youth sailing programs.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Community
Rumble in the Reach 2026 would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, partners, sailors, volunteers and the wider EFYC community.
Platinum Sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to our Platinum Sponsors for their outstanding support:
- Micron Water Filters
- Beurteaux Marine Interiors
- McLintock International
- Fuel Distributors of Western Australia
Product Partners
Thank you to our valued Product Partners, whose contribution helped bring this event to life:
- Inside Capital
- Two Monkeys Agency
- Bungarra Wines
- SportFM
- Snap Applecross
- PT Promotions
- 100 Club
Together, your support enabled us to deliver a world-class event that combined high-performance racing, innovation and community impact.
As the sails come down and the river returns to calm, one thing is certain: Rumble in the Reach continues to raise the bar for sailing events in Fremantle and beyond.
Photo credit to: Sam James, Daiana Fernandez (EFYC) and Lindsay Preece.