Day 1 – Weather bamboozles some at Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta
The 2026 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta got away in a fluky light nor ‘easterly breeze as the event celebrates turning 21 and while there were some of the usual suspects at the top of the scoreboards at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC) hosted event, it was not always the case, as conditions played havoc and bamboozled some.
Daguet 2 takes aim at the Harbour Bridge – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Fareast 28R Australian Championship
The bridesmaid more often than her owners would like; Conrad Johnston has sailed Wildling 3 into the lead of the Fareast 28R Australian Championship after three windward/leeward races on the Harbour. A pair of wins accompanied by a second place puts Wildling 3 three points ahead of Paul Bradley’s Cool Runnings and Roger Gunn’s The Menace, which are on equal points.
Cool Runnings scored a race win on the Fareast 28R course – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Johnston and co-owner Steve Byrne would dearly love to walk away the winner tomorrow. Byrne said this afternoon, “It was a good day. A little light, but the breeze was a little better than we expected, just a little fluky. They had to adjust the top mark after the first race, but after that, it was consistent and we had a lovely day out.”
Byrne conceded, “It will be a different day tomorrow, with a stronger breeze from the south. We will have to wait and see…
“It was great to see The Menace crew come up from Melbourne,” Byrne said. “I would love to win every race, but it’s great to see Cool Runnings win one (Race 3) after all the work they’ve done.”
Sydney 38 One-Design NSW Championship
No surprise to see reigning champion Conspiracy (David Hudson/Peter Byford) leading the Sydney-Design NSW Championship. Team Conspiracy finished the day with two wins and a second for a five-point advantage over Peter Sorensen’s Advanced Philosophy, after the latter won the opening race. The Lisa Callaghan skippered Mondo is third, seven points off the lead.
Conspiracy showing her usual winning ways – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
The class did three windward/leeward offshore races, though the starts and finishes were in the Harbour. The first race was long and likely painful for some in the conditions. Tomorrow they will repeat the performance, except on the Harbour, which may may mix things up.
Open Class
In Division 1, a trio of windward/leewards were just what the doctor ordered for Tasmanian Botin Carkeek GP42, Ambition, owned by Chris Dare. The former Victorian scored 3-1-1 results to take the lead from Ross Hennessy’s Ker 40 Mk3, Condor and Peter White’s JV Pac 52, First Light, winner of the opening race.
Ambition and Mittere crossing tacks – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
“Very tricky, up and down with big shifts, wasn’t an easy day,” said Dare, who is originally from Victoria but moved to Tasmania. We started off Sow and Pigs and the racing was close from the start. If you don’t get off the start well and sail down the track well, you’re in trouble.”
Sailing with Dare are his son, Lockie, Dare’s partner Claire Cunningham, Clare Costanzo and Charlie Goodfellow among others – all are experienced offshore and inshore sailors. “It’s a bit different to my full offshore crew, this one is more of an inshore crew. is one more inshore, Dare said.
Chris Dare and crew happy on Tassie entry Ambition – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
“We didn’t have a great start in the first race, which is reflected in our third place, but we were good after that. Condor is pretty tidy on the water and the 52 (First Light) is sailing well too.” The trio is separated by three points, so it’s bound to come down to the wire tomorrow.
Division 2 went the way of Matt Wilkinson’s Farr 30, Foreign Affair, after scoring third and two bullets. Bob Cox’s DK46, Nine Dragons (won the opening race) and David Hamilton’s Far 40 Seeking Alpha, are three and four points behind Foreign Affair respectively.
Open Division 2 hard at work – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
“I thought we started the regatta well, but you don’t know till you get back to the Club,” said Wilkinson who has produced the goods at this regatta in the past.
“Masterful crew work,” he said of his crew that includes wife Lisa on mainsheet and their son, Will Wilkinson, on tactics,
We’re the smallest boat, so you spend so much time trying to get clear air. The first race we had a terrible wineglass in the kite. It went up with shocking tangle. We could’ve have won if not for that.”
Sailing in mostly 7-8 knots, Wilkinson said, “the most we saw was 11 knots, but we love that sort of stuff. Tomorrow could be a whole different ball game,” he said, referring to the forecast big southerly with rain attached.
Super 40s
Three windward/leeward races on the Harbour for the Super 40s, whose division is folded into Division 1 of the Open fleet. Ambition did the job again, with 1-3-1 results to lead Edward Cox’s Ker 40, Minerva, by three points and Ross Hennessy’s Condor by five points. Condor, mainly seen in the winner’s spot on the podium, will have a target on her back – she could well turn the scores in her favour in tomorrow’s expected southerly.
Marg Fraser-Martin
Marg Fraser-Martin
Gymnastic bow duties 4 on Condor – the climb is not a short one – Marg Fraser-Martin pic
Super 30s
Three windward/leeward races on the Harbour for the Super 30s and Peter Girdis came out on top with his Mini AMC, Blue Peter. The 3-4-3 scoreline has Girdis ahead of the Guy Irwin skippered Farr 30, Clewless and Peter Woodhead’s Melges 32, XC3SS.
“We manage to cobble it together every now and again,” Girdis said with a laugh. “Conditions were variable and shifty. It was hard for us and the committee, who did a good job. Eventually it all came together. It was great to have lots of racing and good racing – but the breeze was barely enough to keep the spinnaker full.”
While Girdis enjoys having a tussle with Clewless, “We’re just getting to know the rest of our competition. It’s close though – and we love it,” he said.
Girdis is not taking his result for granted: “Tomorrow’s another day with different conditions. We’ve identified areas where we can improve, but I guess everyone else has too,” he ended.
VX-One One Design
The VX-One’s undertook three windward/leeward races on the Harbour. Top of the leaderboard on Day 1 is Jervis Tilly’s VeXatious. Tilly has been in the winner’s circle in this class before and he will be hard to beat after firing off three bullets today. In second is Gary Cassidy’s Let’s Dance, which is just one point ahead of Dave Hyde’s Rapture.
Let’s Dance in the VX-One’s – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Historic 18s
The ‘Histericals’ as they are colloquially known, sailed their usual course with a pursuit start shortly after 2.15pm near Kuraba Point on the Harbour. The eight boats started in an 8-10 knot easterly – not the preferred strength for these heavy old boats to get them romping, but it was a beautiful sunny day, so who can complain?
Certainly not Jerry Tickner, skipper of The Mistake, which finished in the top spot today. The Mistake beat Yendys (Michael van Stom) by 10 seconds shy of four minutes. Abadare (Michael Chapman) was third.
The Historical 18s make a memorable picture on the Harbour – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
“It was fantastic! Everything went well. We didn’t make any stuff ups,” a thrilled Tickner said. “We kissed the lighthouse twice. It was just a good day out. The forecast did what it said it would – the breeze died in the end with a puff in the middle. We ‘re all happy on board. It was great seeing all the moderns (18s racing in the JJ Giltinan) – a mix and match of 18s.”
Day 2 – Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta – drama and then winners announced
The 2026 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta came to a dramatic close today, when crew were left swimming after parting company with their boats, one boat ending up on the rocks after winning the Super 30 Cup, but everyone is safe and well and winners in all but one class were confirmed in all but one class which is pending a protest hearing.
Officials were quick to respond as Rapture and Aetos III ended up on their sides and crew fell overboard. A third, Like Oxygen, had one crew overboard and ended up on the rocks with officials standing by until the Water Police arrived to tow the boat to safety – this incident occurred just after the final race of the Super 30 Cup, which Like Oxygen won.
Aetos III laid over today – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Fareast 28R Australian Championship
The dream came true for Wildling 3’s owners Conrad Johnston and Steve Byrne, who won the Fareast 28R Australian Championship after playing bridesmaid in the past. Wildling scored four wins, a second and a third over two days of racing. “We were going to get there at one stage, and that was today,” Johnston said of their win.
Four and six points behind respectively were Cool Runnings (Paul Bradley) and Melbourne entry, The Menace (Roger Gunn).
“It was very, very windy,” Johston said. “There were a few calamitous events. There was a lot on today. It was blowing up to almost 30 knots – the last race was the windiest. We got the kite wrapped around our keel, then we to went help Aetos, who had four out of five crew in the water, but they said they were OK, that a motor boat was picking them up.
“It was very fun racing. We got up to 18 knots boat speed before everything went wrong – my fault – I wanted to put the kite up and they didn’t. There’s only one war general – and that’s what they called me today. They were not happy with my decision.
“We had a first-time mainsheet hand today – Jack Restuccia and he was awesome. He usually sails an ILCA 7 out of Double Bay and is a friend of my son Cormack, who did main yesterday. It was a good spirit among all the crews in our fleet. I’m glad the Melbourne guys did well – it made their journey worthwhile.
Seeking Alpha at full throttle – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Sydney 38 One-Design NSW Championship
No surprise to find Peter/Byford and David Hudson’s defending champ, Conspiracy, take the title again. Conspiracy beat Peter Sorensen’s Advanced Philosophy by 10 points and third placed Shine On – Team Callendina (Phil Herscovics and James Wentworth) by five more.
“It was a pretty full on day,” skipper, Byford said. “We had wind speed of up to 27 knots with a number of boats nipping at our heels, Sorro (Sorensen) in particular. We managed to get the gun in all three races today (they scored five wins and a second place). It was good competition. We’ve got consistent crew – I think this is our fifth Championship win and we still have the same core crew. It makes a difference,” said Byford, adding: “It’s good to see some new boats coming up.”
Super 30 Cup – What a way to win
What a way to finish and win a regatta – Like Oxygen (Andrew York) won all three races today to beat Peter Girdis’ Mini AMC, Blue Peter on countback to claim the win. However, shortly after finishing the final race and sailing in around 23 knots, Like Oxygen hit the bricks. Water Police arrived and towed her home to Rushcutters Bay.
Peter Woodhead’s Melges 32, XC3SS took third place, eight points behind the top two.
“We sailed the cleanest races today (won all three) and then this happens,” a bemused York said. “The boat rounded up after a gust hit us going through a gybe and then we let go of something and next thing we were on the rocks at Obelisk,” said York, one of the most experienced sailors around.
“Greg Muirhead (crew) went to check the keel and we sailed away from him – we didn’t have much choice – but we got him back.
“I don’t think we have structural damage, lots of scratches on the starboard side, but the bulb fell off the keel on the rock and we left it there. I’d rather not win and have a boat in one piece,” said York, revealing “I’m insured with Nautilus Marine Insurance,” – the event’s Principal Partner.
Drama on the VX-One course
Gary Cassidy’s Let’s Dance topped the score board from yesterday’s leader, VeXatious (Jervis Tilly) which led coming into the day and finished on equal points with the winner. Third was the Juilet Costanzo helmed No Excuses.
Rapture (Dave Hyde) was anything but when she was knocked down under spinnaker. The crew of three were thrown and ended up 100 metres from their boat, with ferries and other boats too close for comfort. Quick thinking of media boat driver, Zac Braden, with help from photographer Brett Costello, saved the day, picking crew up quickly and depositing them back on board after tying a rope to Rapture’s bow, towing into the wind and righting her.
Rapture on her side and minus her crew – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Cavalier 28 NSW Championship
The Cavalier 28 NSW Championship went the way of Greg Purcell’s Scuttlebutt, via two wins with a second place in the middle. Scuttlebutt won both PHS and scratch. Second and third were Shoshana (Jonathan Rosenberg) and Flying Circus (Peter Donnelly). On scratch, Shoshana was second and Centaurius (Craig Mitchell) placed third.
“It was interesting excursion,” Purcell recalled. “We were started by the Squadron (Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron) and they thought it was 15-20 knots, but when we got out in the middle of the Harbour, it was 20 gusting up to 30, so a race of attrition!
“Racing was tight, we survived and had good fun! We’re delighted to be back at the Sydney Harbour Regatta and look forward to racing here again,” Purcell ended.
Super 40s
Chris Dare and his crew on the Botin/Carkeek GP42 Ambition (Tas) finished the job they started yesterday, but it was close. They did just enough today to win on countback to Ross Hennesy’s Ker 40 MK3, Condor, which is hard to beat at the best of times. Third and just two points behind was Scott Lawson and his recently launched new Melges IC37, Mittere.
Ambition from Tas won by a whisker – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
However, it was Condor that won Open Division 1, that incorporated the Super 40 pointscore, from Ambition and Peter White’s First Light. The latter caused consternation in the second race of the day when they hooked the top mark and sailed off with it leaving the rest chasing behind! An unnamed source quipped, “they should have put the ‘Follow Me’ flag up!” This result is subject to the outcome of a protest.
No surprise to find the DK 46, Nine Dragons (Bob Cox) at the top of the Open Division 2. The others were warned that Cox has a tendency to come from behind to win. Gutsy Cox, who turns 81 this year and is recovering from a broken neck, cannot be kept down.
Among his usual crew, who he always lavishes praise on for getting him and Nine Dragons around the course at each event, was a past MHYC Commodore, John McCuaig, putting in a guest appearance.
Nine Dragons owner Bob Cox – Brett Costello, MHYC pic
Second in Division 2 was David Hamilton’s Farr 40, Seeking Alpha, with third place going to yesterday’s leader, Matt Wilkinson and his Farr 30, Foreign Affair. There were five points each between the top three.
Performance Spinnaker divisions
The three divisions in the Performance Spinnaker class, the centre of all racing activity, filled the Harbour with their colourful spinnakers as is usual, and contested four Harbour Passage races in total.
Division 1 went to Scott Robertson’s Beneteau First 45, Banter from Julian Bell’s Beneteau First 51, 51st Project and MHYC Commodore, Rob Aldis’ Daguet 2. Division 2 was won by Bryan Moore’s Northshore 369, Shibumi, with Geoffrey Charters’ Adams 10, No Friends in second and Craig Suggitt’s Hick 35, Georgia Lee in third place.
In Division 3, Dean Dransfield was successful with his Beneteau Oceanis 41.1, Escape. Behind him on countback was Nigel Smyth’s RS Elite, One, while Martyn Colebrook’s Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39i Slac-N-Off, was third, just a mere point adrift. Close racing.
Performance Non-Spinnaker division
Mark McLean‘s Bavaria 39, Pindimara, took out the Non-Spinnaker division, one point ahead of Paul Billingham and Pete McGee’s Bakewell-White Z39, Wild West. A further point behind in third place was Russell Waddy’s Beneteau First 40, Allsail Leeward. The Beneteaus had a good regatta in the Performance divisions.
J/24 One-Design
Five wins and a second place made David West’s aptly named Ace the clear winner. John Crawford, who has won here in the past with Innamincka, placed second, while Catherine Thornton-Rofe took third place with Kaotic.
Grand Prizes
All boats placing first, second and third in any class or division, where six or more entries have been received, are eligible to win the Grand Prizes, provided they register a representative and attend the Official Presentation at MHYC tomorrow night.
First Place Draw – Yachting Holidays Sunsail Croatia or Greek Islands
Thanks to Yachting Holidays, a Sunsail Greek Islands or Croatia Bareboat Charter for boats placing first in eligible divisions is on offer. Yachting Holidays also providing Zhik apparel in a lucky draw for crew prizes (male and female) with entry open to all competitors.
Second Place Draw – Supercars Track Day/Nautilus Marine Insurance
Supercar Track Day for two persons at the Bathurst 1000. Includes two General Admission tickets, plus a money-can’t-buy pit tour and grid walk access. Courtesy of the Steadfast Group, plus a Nautilus Marine Insurance voucher valued at $1,000.
Third Place Draw – Reef View Hotel/Kieser
Two nights’ Hamilton Island accommodation for two at the Reef View Hotel, including breakfast daily, return Hamilton Island airport/marina to hotel transfers, complimentary use of the Island’s shuttle service and unlimited use of catamarans, windsurfers, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and snorkelling equipment – courtesy of Nautilus Marine Insurance and Hamilton Island.
This prize comes with an initial consultation and three-month Kieser Core Membership. Kieser provides physiotherapy-led strength training using Swiss-engineered machines and has clinics located at Mosman, Pymble and Cammeray.
MHYC Special Events Chair, Ian Box, said: “Congratulations to all winners and placegetters. Thanks to all competitors for supporting the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta, particularly those who have travelled from interstate and from the Central Coast and Pittwater.
“Judging from comments we received this weekend, everyone enjoyed themselves at our 21st running of the regatta, so we look forward to seeing you again next year.
“Thank you to our Principal Partner, Nautilus Marine Insurance and to Major Sponsor Yachting Holidays – Sunsail and Supporting Sponsors, Zhik and Kieser,” Box said.
“Thanks to the Race Officials from Middle Harbour Yacht Club and the below clubs who ran great courses across two difficult and differing days of racing.
“This regatta could not be held without the assistance of these clubs and their volunteers: Cruising Yacht Club Australia (CYCA); Manly Yacht Club (MYC); Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association (RANSA); Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC); Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club (RPEYC); Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS); Sydney Amateur Sailing Club (SASC) and Sydney Flying Squadron (SFS). We very much appreciate your contributions.”
For full results, photos and more, please visit: www.shr.mhyc.com.au
