The 2026 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta commenced in a fluky light nor’easter, marking its 21st celebration. While some familiar teams dominated the scoreboard at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), others faced challenges due to the unpredictable sailing conditions.
Fareast 28R Australian Championship
After three windward/leeward races, Conrad Johnston has steered Wildling 3 ahead in the Fareast 28R Australian Championship. With two victories and a second place finish, Wildling 3 leads by three points over Paul Bradley’s Cool Runnings and Roger Gunn’s The Menace, who are tied on points.
Co-owner Steve Byrne remarked on the lighter conditions but noted the breeze performed slightly better than expected. He stated, “It was a good day… After the first race, it was consistent, and we had a lovely day out.” However, he acknowledged that race conditions are set to change with a stronger south wind forecast tomorrow.
Sydney 38 One-Design NSW Championship
Reigning champion Conspiracy, helmed by David Hudson and Peter Byford, is leading the Sydney 38 One-Design NSW Championship after securing two wins and a second, placing them five points ahead of Peter Sorensen’s Advanced Philosophy, following its opening race victory. The team on Mondo, skippered by Lisa Callaghan, is currently in third place, trailing by seven points.
The class participated in three windward/leeward offshore races but faced challenges as the starts and finishes were held in the Harbour. Tomorrow’s racing is expected to have a different dynamic.
Open Class
In Division 1, the Botin Carkeek GP42, Ambition, owned by Chris Dare, performed exceptionally well with scores of 3-1-1, pushing it to the lead ahead of Ross Hennessy’s Ker 40 Mk3, Condor, and Peter White’s JV Pac 52, First Light. Dare expressed that the tricky wind conditions made racing challenging, particularly commenting on the importance of a good start.
The three-point separation among the top crews indicates an intense battle for the top spot is likely tomorrow.
Division 2 saw success for Matt Wilkinson’s Farr 30, Foreign Affair, which achieved two wins after placing third in the first race, with Bob Cox’s Nine Dragons and David Hamilton’s Seeking Alpha closely trailing.
Wilkinson noted the difficulty in getting clear air as the smallest boat. He added that tomorrow’s forecast suggests a significantly different race experience.
Super 40s
Three windward/leeward races for the Super 40s concluded with Ambition again leading the fleet, achieving a 1-3-1, maintaining a lead over Edward Cox’s Ker 40, Minerva, by three points.
Super 30s
In the Super 30s, Peter Girdis and his Mini AMC, Blue Peter, came out on top with a scoreline of 3-4-3, edging out the competition with Guy Irwin’s Farr 30, Clewless, and Peter Woodhead’s Melges 32, XC3SS.
Girdis highlighted the variable and shifty conditions which challenged both crews and the race committee. He is eager to continue improving in anticipation of the next day of racing.
VX-One One Design
The VX-Ones had three windward/leeward races, where Jervis Tilly’s VeXatious dominated with three victories, followed closely by Gary Cassidy’s Let’s Dance and Dave Hyde’s Rapture.
Historic 18s
The Historic 18s set sail with a pursuit start on the Harbour. Jerry Tickner captained The Mistake to victory, finishing ahead of Yendys by just under four minutes. Tickner described his satisfaction with the race, noting the winds and sunlight made for a pleasant day of sailing.
For full results, photos, and more information, please visit: https://www.shr.mhyc.com.au
Di Pearson/MHYC media
#MiddleHarbourYachtClub #MHYC #SydneyHarbourRegatta #SailingAustralia #NautilusMarineInsurance
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
