The closing weekend of the inaugural LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup delivered thrilling on-water battles across both the TP52 Australia and Super 40 fleets, showcasing the classic Sydney Harbour curveballs, including ferries, tankers, and various racing boats.
On the leaderboard, Hooligan completed a clean sweep on IRC with twelve bullets, achieving ten firsts, a second, and a third on TPR. Little Nico secured the top position on PHRF, while Botany Access excelled on ORC out of the nine races for the Super 40’s.
Competitors praised the rating systems for their accuracy, which they believe helps both fleets evolve. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Race Management, led by Denis Thompson and his team, effectively navigated challenging conditions to ensure races proceeded smoothly, particularly on the final day. Recognition was also given to TP52 Class President Craig Neil and Terry Wetton for their organisational efforts in this first-time event.
Hooligan’s success was particularly poignant as it marked the last regatta for the boat and owners Marcus Blackmore and Caroline Furlong. Malcolm Page, long-time Hooligan, commented, “It’s obviously quite an emotional day, it’s the end of an era for Marcus.” Helm of Hooligan, Katie Spithill, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were really grateful that the wind played ball for the two races today to be able to get two more wins under the belt for Marcus, and having Caroline on the water to watch us was amazing.”
Spithill added, “It’s been a long time without a complete picket fence, so it was a pretty nice day.” Page, a dual Olympic champion, quipped, “I don’t think it’s ever happened to me before.”
Peter White’s First Light finished as runner-up in both divisions, even with helm-coach Gordon Maguire and tactician James Wilkie taking over for the final day. Third overall in the division was Mark Spring’s Highly Sprung, which included several youth from the CYCA’s Youth Sailing Academy, featuring tactician Cole Tapper.
In the Super 40 class, Little Nico, skippered by Mitch White, won PHRF, finishing seven and a half points ahead of Michael Ritchie’s Revolver. Justin Brownbill’s Botany Access secured third, just three points behind Revolver after the nine-race series. In ORC, Botany Access clinched the title by three points from Little Nico, edging ahead after winning two passage races on Saturday. Micheal Fountain’s Bushranger rounded out the podium.
Mitch White expressed satisfaction with the Super 40 fleet’s evolution over its eight years, noting, “Craig and Terry invited us to join the TP52 race course this past year, and we couldn’t be happier.” Brownbill from Botany Access remarked, “We’re like best mates, but not out on the race course,” highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit. He added, “Today has been tough sailing, but we are really happy to be alongside the big boats.”
White was optimistic about the future, saying, “Next year we’re going to have fifteen boats, so it’s going to be absolutely amazing sailing.”
VIDEO: LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup – LIVE Day 3
VIDEO: LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup – LIVE Day 4
The LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup was a pioneering event, combining the grand prix racing of the TP52 class with the Super 40 class. Racing took place over two weekends, October 11-12 and 25-26, 2025, with results calculated across both weekends to determine the champions in four divisions.
Page, also CEO of Australian Sailing, stated, “The concept of the Australian Cup is a wonderful idea. Sailing is probably hurting a little bit in Australia, so we’ve got to keep the pedal to the metal. I think bringing the two fleets together was an awesome idea, and I hope everyone gets together and really pushes that along for our sport in Australia.”
Thanks to naming rights sponsor LGT Wealth Management for their support of the new double-header, and a shout-out to Zhik for six years of backing the TP52 class, along with newcomers Hancock & Hancock for their involvement.
Nic Douglass – Content Manager || TP52 Association Australia
#Sailing #AustraliaCup #TP52 #Super40s #SydneyHarbour #BoatRacing #sailorgirlhq
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