Light and shifting winds tested the international fleet during the Invitation Race before sailors from 10 nations gathered at Sandringham Yacht Club for the official opening of the 2026 J/24 World Championship.
Port Phillip delivered a challenging introduction to the Epigen J/24 World Championship on Friday 6 November, with unstable conditions forcing race officials to reset the course before the fleet could complete its Invitation Race.
The racing was followed by a Welcome to Country, traditional smoking ceremony and Parade of Nations, bringing together competitors from across the international J/24 community ahead of the first championship races.
Shifting winds test the J/24 fleet
The day began with moderate north-northwesterly winds, but conditions became increasingly variable as midday approached.
A substantial wind shift prompted the Race Committee to postpone the start under the AP flag, relocate the course and complete a full reset.
When racing eventually got underway, competitors faced a one-nautical-mile course set on a bearing of 170 degrees, with the breeze at approximately five knots.
Temperatures ranged between 18 and 21 degrees under partly cloudy skies, which cleared later in the day.
The light conditions placed a premium on accurate starting, boat speed and tactical decision-making.
Vakaros RaceSense tracking highlighted just how fine the margins were. Gyosyu recorded the closest start, crossing just 0.06 metres behind the line at the starting signal, while Jet recorded the day’s highest speed at 6.6 knots.
The Invitation Race provided an opportunity for crews to refine their boat handling, teamwork and tactical approach before the championship’s points racing began.
Ten nations gather for opening ceremony
Following the racing, attention shifted ashore as sailors from Argentina, Australia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and the United States came together at Sandringham Yacht Club.
The opening ceremony began with the Haileybury College Choir performing I Still Call Australia Home, followed by a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Boon Wurrung Elders.
The ceremony carried a message of coming together and remaining together as family, reflecting the friendships and camaraderie that have developed within the international J/24 class.
Competitors and guests were invited to walk through the smoke before the Australian National Anthem was performed.
The raising of the Australian and J/24 class flags formally marked the opening of the championship regatta site.
Parade of Nations welcomes international fleet
The Haileybury Pipes and Drums Band then led the Parade of Nations, with flag bearers and competitors making their way to the Foredeck for the formal welcome.
Speakers included Sandringham Yacht Club Commodore Cath Furey, Federal Member for Goldstein Tim Wilson MP and America’s Cup-winning skipper John Bertrand AO.
Race officials and members of the international jury were introduced, while Ireland’s reigning world champions, Team Head Case, welcomed fellow competitors and reflected on the challenge of defending their title on Melbourne waters.
The ceremony also acknowledged championship naming sponsor Epigen, Peerless Industrial Systems and the many partners and volunteers supporting the event.
Strong winds forecast for opening championship races
After Friday’s light and unstable conditions, the fleet was preparing for a very different challenge on Saturday 7 November.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast south-westerly winds of 15–25 knots, tending southerly later in the day, with seas building to between one and 1.5 metres during the morning.
A 90 per cent chance of showers and the possibility of small hail added to the prospect of a demanding opening day.
The contrast between Friday’s light-air Invitation Race and Saturday’s forecast stronger winds highlighted the range of conditions competitors can expect on Port Phillip.
Championship points racing was scheduled to begin on Saturday 7 November, with the Epigen J/24 World Championship continuing through to 11 November at Sandringham Yacht Club.
For official notices, results and further information, visit j24worlds2026.com.
Source: Carina Tomietto
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