Leigh McMillan Returns to DS Automobiles SailGP Team France as Margaux Billy Enters Women's Pathway Trial
DS Automobiles SailGP Team France competes in the Portsmouth Sail Grand Prix this weekend as wing trimmer Leigh McMillan returns from injury and young sailor Margaux Billy joins the Women's Pathway Trial.
- 6th
- 33
- 8th
- 13
What Happened
DS Automobiles SailGP Team France returns to action this weekend at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, the eighth event of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. All 13 national teams will race on the Solent, launching the European leg of the season. Currently sixth in the standings with 33 points, the French team remains in contention for a place in the Grand Final.
The event marks the return of wing trimmer Leigh McMillan, who suffered a shoulder injury in the Auckland incident and underwent surgery several months ago. After rehabilitation, he will rejoin the team in Portsmouth, reconnecting with the team and taking part in training sessions aboard the F50. Enzo Balanger will retain the wing trimmer role for this Sail Grand Prix, having successfully stepped in for McMillan at the New York and Halifax events.
“I'm really excited to be back with the team this weekend. It's been a long road since Auckland, so it's great to be back in the SailGP environment. Hopefully I'll be able to get back on the boat and see how my shoulder is progressing. If I get the opportunity to race, that would be an amazing step forward in my recovery.”
Alongside the racing, SailGP will host its Women's Pathway Trial in Portsmouth, a programme to identify and develop female athletes for racing roles on the F50. Margaux Billy, a rising French sailing talent selected for the K-Challenge Akademy earlier this year, will take part, gaining first-hand experience of the championship environment. She will also serve as reserve strategist for Manon Audinet.
The K-Challenge Akademy continues to develop the next generation of French sailors. In Portsmouth, Billy replaces Amélie Riou as reserve strategist; Riou is currently competing in the Sailing Grand Slam in Los Angeles with the French Olympic Sailing Team. These opportunities build bridges between Olympic sailing, foiling, and SailGP.
Racing takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026 on the Solent, known for its powerful tidal currents and variable wind conditions. The French team aims to build on first-half progress and close the gap to championship leaders.
Why this matters
This weekend's event is crucial for the French team's championship hopes. For beginners, SailGP is a global racing series featuring high-speed foiling catamarans. The return of an experienced crew member and the inclusion of a rising female talent highlight the team's focus on both performance and developing future athletes.
Terms in This Story
- Wing trimmer
- A crew member responsible for adjusting the angle and shape of the wing sail on a SailGP F50 catamaran.
- F50
- The high-performance foiling catamaran used in the SailGP championship, capable of reaching speeds over 50 knots.
- SailGP
- A global sailing championship featuring national teams racing identical F50 catamarans in a season of events.
- Women's Pathway Trial
- A SailGP programme to identify and develop female athletes for racing roles on the F50.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.