Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC) is pleased to announce that 12 skippers have now been confirmed for the Grade 2 2026 Warren Jones International Match Racing Regatta for Under 25-year-olds, further cementing the event’s reputation as one of the world’s premier pathways for emerging match racing talent.
The confirmed fleet brings together an exciting mix of overseas, interstate and local competitors, representing leading youth sailing programs from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Great Britain. With many teams already boasting international success on the World Match Racing Tour and other Grade 1 events, the 2026 regatta promises world-class racing on Perth’s iconic waters.
Reigning champions Cole Tapper (CYCA, NSW) return to Perth determined to defend their Warren Jones title. Since their victory at the 2025 regatta, Tapper and the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy team have enjoyed another outstanding season, claiming back-to-back Governor’s Cup titles in July and securing two wins at the US Grand Slam Series in August. Their 2026 campaign begins at the WMRT Final in China, followed by the WMRT Match Cup Macao and the CYCA Helly Hansen International, before returning to Perth as one of the regatta favourites.
Also representing the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy is Ben Crafoord, leading a well-established crew with several seasons of racing together across the Australian youth circuit. The team arrives with strong momentum after finishing second at the Australian Open Match Racing National Championship in Hobart, supported by a highly experienced crew that includes Youth Match Racing World Champion Chelsea Williams.
New Zealand will once again be strongly represented, led by Josh Hyde (RNZYS – Waitemata Racing), currently ranked world number one in youth match racing. Hyde’s team enjoyed a standout 2025 season, winning both the Hardy Cup in Sydney and the Toyota New Zealand Youth Match Racing Championship, alongside impressive fourth-place finishes at both the Warren Jones Regatta and the Governor’s Cup.
Joining them is Ethan Fong’s Quest Racing (RNZYS), a tight-knit team formed through the RNZYS Youth Training Program. After a year and a half sailing together and a string of strong results across New Zealand and Australia, Quest Racing is looking forward to returning to Perth and continuing their upward trajectory.
Hayden Smith (Smiths Racing, RNZYS) also returns with a team of youth sailors drawn from across New Zealand, eager to reunite and build on their previous Warren Jones experience.
Adding European flair to the fleet is Matias Rossing (from Royal Danish Yacht Club, Denmark), whose sailing résumé spans everything from high-intensity match racing to demanding 600-mile offshore races. Having formed his own match racing team with close friends, Rossing brings versatility and international experience to the regatta.
Great Britain will be represented by Zac West (Sail + Racing, RSYS). Founder of Sail+, a consultancy and racing team designed to bridge the gap between youth and professional sailing, West has competed extensively on the World Match Racing Tour, finishing ninth at the 2024 Final and securing podium finishes at Grade 1 events. The 2026 Warren Jones will mark West’s final youth regatta, adding further significance to his Perth campaign.
From New South Wales, Daniel Kemp (RPAYC Youth Development) returns for his second Warren Jones appearance as skipper. Kemp’s crew, graduates of the RPAYC Youth Development Program, arrive as the new Australian Youth Match Racing Champions, eager to build on the experience gained at the 2025 regatta.
Western Australia will be strongly represented at the 2026 Warren Jones International, with three teams flying the burgee of host club Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, alongside one team from Royal Perth Yacht Club. Together, these crews showcase the depth, quality, and growing strength of youth match racing talent in Western Australia, with local sailors lining up against some of the best emerging match racers from around the world on home waters.
Marcello Torre (Gage Roads Sailing Team – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club) will proudly represent RFBYC, his home club and host of the Warren Jones International Youth Match Racing Regatta. A familiar face at the event, Torre has competed in several Warren Jones Regattas, gaining valuable experience both locally and internationally along the way.
The 2026 regatta will mark Marcello’s final Warren Jones appearance, as he ages out, adding extra motivation as he aims to finish his Warren Jones campaign on a high at his home club.
Mia Lovelady (Miami Race Team) leads an all-female Perth-based team competing in their third Warren Jones campaign. Representing RFBYC, the team is focused on racing hard, gaining experience, and learning from some of the world’s best young match racers.
Also flying the home club burgee is Angus Cameron (Team Full Send), a highly respected and dedicated sailor with strong results in the 29er class and teams racing. Alongside his close-knit crew, Cameron views the Warren Jones as a key opportunity for growth, learning, and connection within the international sailing community.
Rounding out the local challenge is William McAullay (Royal Perth Yacht Club), relatively new to the match racing scene and enthusiastic about developing his skills while delivering competitive racing against an elite fleet.
With 12 skippers confirmed, the 2026 Warren Jones International which will run from 26 – 30 January, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet. The blend of returning champions, rising international stars, and talented local crews highlights the event’s continued role as a cornerstone of youth match racing worldwide.
The event gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the Warren Jones Foundation, whose ongoing commitment underpins the success of this regatta. The Club also sincerely thanks Packer & Co, Austal, Okeland, Pelagic, Gage Roads, PowerDive, Gill Australia, and D’Orsogna for their valued sponsorship and contribution to the 2026 Warren Jones International. In addition, RFBYC is proud to acknowledge its partnership with Swan River Sailing, who once again provide the Foundation 36 fleet, ensuring consistent, high-quality racing and reinforcing the regatta’s standing as a world-class Under 25yrs match racing event.
RFBYC looks forward to welcoming teams, officials, supporters and spectators to Perth for another outstanding celebration of high-performance youth sailing.
Event Website: www.warrenjonesregatta.com
For further information and updates, please visit the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club website.
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