Day 1 (28/03/2026) – Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final delivers high-intensity opening day on Newcastle Harbour
The Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final commenced today on Newcastle Harbour, following yesterday’s storm force wind warning that resulted in the postponement of racing.
While conditions had eased, competitors were met with a complex and highly tactical racecourse, as overcast skies combined with shifting breeze and a strong outgoing tide to test even the most experienced crews.
Set against the dynamic backdrop of the Port of Newcastle, the fleet initially spread across the course as teams searched for pressure. As the day progressed, racing tightened significantly, with close-quarters manoeuvring and fast-paced sprints to the finish line becoming a defining feature of the opening day.
For the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club team, the intensity of the format and strength of competition were immediately apparent.
Natalie, sailing with skipper Art Bell, said the regatta presented a unique challenge.
“It’s really tough racing. The level of competition is extremely high, and the course and format are quite different to what we’re used to. It makes for a physically demanding event,” she said.
Bow-woman Katie added that the diversity of competitors had been a highlight.
“We’re used to racing against the same people regularly, so it’s great to line up against new teams. It brings an exciting energy to the event.”
Competitors from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club also emphasised the challenges posed by the conditions.
“The wind was very shifty, and you had to constantly reassess your positioning after every mark rounding,” they said. “The short-format racing really pushes you to make quick decisions and back your team.”
Tactical awareness proved critical throughout the day, with subtle wind shifts frequently reshaping the leaderboard. The strong outgoing tide along the start line added further complexity, resulting in several compromised starts as crews battled to maintain position.
Among those adapting quickly were the team from Derwent Sailing Squadron, featuring Tom and Grace Stearnes alongside Joe de Kock.
“We originally planned to do the Pittwater-Coffs race this weekend which would have been largely one tack,” Tom said. “Today has been the complete opposite, with constant manoeuvring and pressure changes across the course.”
Racing remained unpredictable following a short recess, with inconsistent breeze and occasional lulls continuing to challenge the fleet.
After 15 races on Day 1, Joe de Kock’s Novocastrian-Tasmanian team leads the standings. However, strong performances from Cercle Nautique Calédonien and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club ensure the competition remains tightly contested.
With variable conditions and a highly competitive international fleet, the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final is set to deliver another compelling day of racing as teams continue their push for the title.
Day 2 (29/03/2026) – Dramatic Finale Crowns Champions on Newcastle Harbour
Excitement was rife in Newcastle Harbour today as competitors started their day completing a 12km Hill to Harbour and being first on the scene for a vessel fire, before the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final entered its closing stages.
After a shifty day on the water yesterday, the wind settled into a more predictable pattern, giving competitors a more even playing field for the final day of racing.
“We are pretty new to sailing together and this format, so we’re happy with how we performed. We were up against some very experienced crews,” said Jesse Frisch, skipper of Whitsunday Sailing Club.
After 24 races in the Qualifying Round, the top four teams advanced to the Finals. Qualifying winners Derwent Sailing Squadron carried one win into the decider, needing just one more to secure the title.
Following a short recess, the final got underway with a congested start line in the closing seconds. All boats launched cleanly, however a brush with the mark forced Derwent into a penalty turn.
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club took an early lead, closely followed by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and Cercle Nautique Calédonien.
Joe de Kock quickly closed the gap, making gains through the fleet. By the final gate, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club held a narrow half boat length lead, setting up a drag race to the finish. In a dramatic final push, de Kock edged ahead by less than a boat length to claim the win and the title.
“It’s a pretty awesome crew, and they can do some incredible things,” de Kock said. “After racing was cancelled on Friday, we even had time for a few drinks at the Club and signed up for the Hill to Harbour run.”
Event organiser Mark Turnbull OAM said the finale captured the spirit of the event.
“The final race had everything. Tight racing, pressure moments and a finish that could not have been closer,” Turnbull said. “It’s a credit to the teams and a great showcase for sailing on Newcastle Harbour.”
Overall standings saw Joe de Kock (Derwent Sailing Squadron) first, Angus Cameron (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club) second and first Under 23, Arthur Bell (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club) third, Pierrick Oghino (Cercle Nautique Calédonien) fourth, Jesse Frisch (Whitsunday Sailing Club) fifth, and Jessica Campbell (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club) sixth and first women’s skipper.
The winning teams will now progress to the World Finals in Germany this August.
For more information, visit sailing-championsleague.asia or sailing-championsleague.com
