Newcastle Sets Sail for Australian Yachting Championship Showdown

SailFest Newcastle - IRC fleet. Photo Credit: Salty Dingo

Newcastle is gearing up to host one of offshore yachting's premier events, the Australian Yachting Championships, from 5 to 7 April. The prestigious regatta, hosted by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) in conjunction with Australian Sailing, will be part of the fastgrowing SailFest Newcastle, which boasts a heritage dating back to 1845.

---

A highlight will be the highly competitive TP52 division, featuring 11 entries, including Geoff Boettcher's Secret Men's Business from Adelaide and Marcus Blackmore's newly built Hooligan. Fresh off winning the Pallas Capital Gold Cup Act 1, David Doherty's Matador, along with podium finishers KOA and Quest, will take strong form into the nationals.

At least 11 other entries, like the Middle Harbour Yacht Club trio Nine Dragons, Soozal, and Sydney 36 Stormaway, will vie for IRC handicap honours. Nine Dragons will face a close battle with Royal Prince Alfred's LCE Old School Racing, both near-identical DK46 sisterships from 2004. Newcastle locals Tom Braidwood's JPK 10.8 Saltwater Wine and Joe De Kock's Farr 40 KD1 will duel for hometown glory.

The racing program includes windward leeward courses off Newcastle's beaches and a passage race on 6 April with an in-harbour start marked by firing Fort Scratchley's cannon at 11:30 am, giving foreshore spectators a front row view.

"It's fantastic bringing the sailing community together here. These events are special for the camaraderie developed at the Club afterwards. We deliver great sailing and hospitality, and it's excellent to share that with more sailors this year," said NCYC CEO Paul O'Rourke.

Adding to the festival atmosphere will be the historic Cock of the Harbour race by Port Hunter 16ft Skiffs displaying "a colourful, chaotic beauty." Free kids' try-sailing from 9am-12pm on 6 and 7 April lets families join the fun.

With entries still open across divisions, the stage is set for an exciting Australian Yachting Championships that will showcase Newcastle's stellar sailing conditions and hospitality.