Japan’s Gekko, skippered by Kohei Ichikawa, has claimed the 2026 CTO J/24 Pre-Worlds Regatta on countback after a closely fought four-race series on Port Phillip, finishing level on points with Ireland’s Headcase.
The 29-boat international fleet faced two very different days of racing, with Saturday bringing thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds before Sunday’s light and shifting breeze tested competitors and race management.
Gekko finished on 13 points alongside Cillian Dickson’s Headcase, but secured the title after winning the final three races of the series. Headcase finished runner-up and was the leading Corinthian entry.
Australian skipper Nick Chapman completed the podium aboard Wildfire with 23 points, ahead of American Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet on 25 points and Sean Kirkjian’s Checkmate on 30.
Thunderstorms disrupt opening day
Saturday’s racing began in challenging Melbourne conditions, with rain, lightning and a significant wind shift sweeping across Port Phillip.
At 2.02pm, Fawkner Beacon recorded a westerly gust of 63km/h (34 knots), underlining the strength of the weather system moving through the race area.
Lightning forced race management to abandon a race and send the fleet ashore. Once conditions improved, the course was reset and racing resumed, allowing two races to be completed.
Kurt Dammeier’s Amuse Bouche took the opening race ahead of Headcase and Bangor Packet.
Gekko then began its winning streak in Race 2, finishing ahead of Checkmate and Wildfire.
Race Officer Steve Aulich described the difficult conditions and the decision to bring the fleet ashore.
“There was more lightning — very frightening … We started, but we abandoned, and then we got into shore. People are very wet, but happy.
“We got them back out after we reset the course, and away we go. So, a wonderful sail for the second race — conditions, 20 knots or so.”
Light winds test patience on Sunday
After Saturday’s wild conditions, Sunday presented the opposite challenge as the breeze disappeared across Port Phillip.
The postponement flag, AP, was displayed and many competitors returned to Sandringham Yacht Club, taking advantage of the delay to carry out maintenance and boat preparation.
At 12.50pm, the Bureau of Meteorology’s Fawkner Beacon station recorded calm conditions, with both wind speed and gusts at zero.
The Bureau’s 10am forecast had predicted west to south-westerly winds of around 10 knots, shifting south to south-easterly later in the afternoon.
Eventually, a southerly breeze filled in and the fleet returned to racing, with two further races completed.
Gekko continued its impressive form, winning both Races 3 and 4 to finish the regatta with three consecutive victories.
Headcase recorded a fifth and a second on Sunday, leaving the two boats tied on 13 points overall.
Aulich said the fleet had initially encountered light and shifting conditions before a more settled breeze arrived.
“We waited around and had scones and coffee … Those that hung around were greeted with a good six-to-eight-knot southerly. It was glorious conditions and bright sunshine.”
With Gekko and Headcase fighting for the overall title on the final leg, Aulich described “a close finish” and “a sensational end to what’s been a very successful two days.”
Gekko takes the title on countback
Three race wins proved decisive for Ichikawa and his Japanese crew, with Gekko taking the overall title despite finishing level on points with Headcase.
Dickson’s Irish team finished second overall and claimed the leading Corinthian position.
Chapman’s Wildfire was the highest-placed Australian entry, finishing third in the international fleet.
Final overall results – CTO J/24 Pre-Worlds 2026
| Pos. | Yacht | Skipper | Country | Points | Race results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gekko | Kohei Ichikawa | JPN | 13 | 10, 1, 1, 1 |
| 2 | Headcase | Cillian Dickson | IRL | 13 | 2, 4, 5, 2 |
| 3 | Wildfire | Nick Chapman | AUS | 23 | 6, 3, 8, 6 |
| 4 | Bangor Packet | Tony Parker | USA | 25 | 3, 6, 9, 7 |
| 5 | Checkmate | Sean Kirkjian | AUS | 30 | 4, 2, 14, 10 |
Headcase was the leading Corinthian entry.
J/24 World Championship next
The Pre-Worlds provided the international fleet with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Port Phillip race area ahead of the Epigen J/24 World Championship.
Registration and measurement are scheduled for 4–6 November, followed by the invitation race and Opening Ceremony on Friday 6 November.
Championship racing will take place from 7–11 November 2026, with Sandringham Yacht Club hosting the international fleet.
For official notices, results and further event information, visit j24worlds2026.com.
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