The 2026 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships concluded in Quiberon, France, featuring a week of intense competition amidst varying conditions. Australian 49er crew Harry Price and Max Paul entered the final day in medal contention, sitting second overall. However, a dramatic Finals Day saw them slip to sixth place by the end of racing. Their trajectory is promising, with three top-six finishes in major international regattas this year, a significant improvement from their 24th place at the previous World Championships.
Reflecting on their performance, Price expressed satisfaction with their efforts and momentum, looking forward to the upcoming Europeans. Paul echoed this sentiment but admitted disappointment at not securing a medal despite their strong position throughout the week.
Australia also showcased strong performances in the Nacra 17 fleet, with Archie Gargett and Sarah Hoffman achieving a personal-best fourth overall after winning the opening race and securing a second in the Finals. Hoffman remarked on their unexpected success in challenging conditions, while fellow Australians Brin Liddell and Rhiannan Brown finished tenth after fluctuating performances.
In the 49erFX fleet, Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot initially showed promise but were forced to withdraw due to Harding’s injury from a pitch-pole incident.
The Australian teams will next compete in the European Championships in July, followed by the Los Angeles Olympic Classes Regatta in August, which is crucial for gaining experience on future Olympic waters. The ILCA European Championships are currently underway, alongside the iQFOiL European Championships starting today in Portugal.
Nacra 17 (34 entries):
4th – Archie Gargett / Sarah Hoffman (AS Squad)
10th – Brin Liddell / Rhiannan Brown (AST)
17th – Ruben Booth / Rita Booth (AS Squad)
19th – Jake Liddell / Niamh Meehan (AS Squad)
49er (80 entries):
6th – Harry Price / Max Paul (AS Squad)
28th – Otto Henry / Shaun Connor (AS Squad)
32nd – Jack Ferguson / Jack Hilderbrand (AS Squad)
45th – Kurt Hansen / Charlie Zeeman (ASF)
68th – Daniel Links / Keizo Tomishima (ASF)
49erFX (53 entries):
25th – Laura Harding / Annie Wilmot (AS Squad)
38th – Brooke Wilson (ASF) / Evie Haseldine (AS Squad)
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