After a nearly four year hiatus since the last 49er Nationals and six years for the 49erFX Nationals, the 2025 Australian titles concluded on 17 November 2025. The Australian 49er Champions for 2025 are Harry Price and Max Paul, finishing with a two-point lead over Otto Henry and Sean Connor. Jack Ferguson and Jack Hildebrand claimed third place, finishing a further two points back.
In the 49erFX class, Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot emerged as champions with a total of 13 points, six points ahead of Brooke Wilson and Evie Haseldine, while New Zealand sisters Nicola and Rebecca Hume secured third place, 13 points behind the leaders.
The event at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club (SLMASC) saw 12 out of 14 scheduled races successfully completed. Sailors enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere complimented by an event dinner at The Bay Hotel Motel. The regatta was made possible with support from sponsors including MarkSetBots, Vaikobi, and Robert Oatley Wines.
A focus on sustainability was highlighted through the use of MarkSetBots, which significantly reduced the carbon footprint by cutting down the number of motorboats required to lay marks on the course. The bots, operated via an app by Race Officer Chris Attwood, showcased innovative technology while saving fuel and emissions.
During Day 3 of racing (16 November), lighter conditions prevailed, with an easterly wind starting at 12 knots and dropping to around 5 knots. Otto Henry and Sean Connor gained momentum with a strong performance, scoring first in two races. Meanwhile, Price and Paul faced challenges, placing fourth in one race. The tight finishes kept the Race Committee engaged throughout the day.
In the 49erFX, Harding and Wilmot maintained their lead with consistent finishes, while Wilson and Haseldine also performed well to keep in contention.
Day 4 brought gusty westerly winds, typical for Lake Macquarie in winter. The challenging conditions resulted in only one race being held, with experienced sailors like Price and Paul utilising the tough winds to secure the championship title. Conversely, several less experienced competitors struggled with the conditions.
Despite the challenges, the regatta highlighted the remarkable talent among young Australian sailors, featured two 2024 Olympians, and included several promising teen competitors. Many teams are now preparing for Sail Melbourne later in November and look forward to returning to SLMASC for upcoming regattas in January 2026, including the 49erFX regatta from 9-11 January and the 49ers from 16-18 January.
The regatta underscored the potential for the future of 49er and 49erFX sailing in Australia, emphasising the depth of talent competing in these Olympic skiff classes.
Results from the 2025 Australian 49er and 49erFX Nationals are available at https://9ernsw.ourclubadmin.com/docs/27/Provisional_Results_Day_4.pdf
#SailingAustralia #49erNationals #49erFX #LakeMacquarie #YouthSailing #SailMelbourne
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