Louis Tilly and his Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) team have secured victory in the 2026 HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship, triumphing over Ethan Fong from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in the final held on Pittwater. This win brings the Rockin’ Robin Perpetual Trophy back to the host club.
Sailing alongside teammates Heidi Bates, William Troop, Oliver Ross, and William Hough, Tilly added the HARKEN title to the Australian Youth Match Racing Championship he won in Geelong just a month prior, marking an impressive streak of successes for the RPAYC team.
In the final, both finalists finished their respective round-robin matches with identical records of 15 wins out of 18, achieving an 83% winning rate. Fong had previously won both encounters against Tilly in the round-robin phase, but Tilly reversed that outcome when it mattered most. He reached the finals by defeating RNZYS skipper Robbie Wooldridge in a 2-0 semi-final victory.
Fong’s runner-up finish marks his third consecutive second-place result at HARKEN, following defeats in the finals in 2024 and 2025. The competitive spirit of the championship was palpable, with a total of ninety matches conducted over four days, featuring ten teams from five yacht clubs across Australia and New Zealand.
Reflecting on the championship, Tilly expressed gratitude towards his teammates and coach, stating, “Winning at home is something else. There’s honestly no other feeling, and we’re just so happy to have come away with the win.”
The event showcased the high level of sailing talent in youth match racing, with participants gaining invaluable experience. RPAYC newcomers Ash Napper and Sophie Hart also took part, alongside other talented skippers. The championship was a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young match racers.
Ted Anderson, the RPAYC Race Officer, noted the exceptional standard of sailing throughout the regatta, highlighting the strong competition among all teams. The successful completion of the championship was made possible thanks to the support of Harken Australia, race management teams, and numerous volunteers.
For Tilly and his crew, this victory not only adds to their accolades but also signifies a memorable conclusion to four days of intense competition on their home waters.
Images: Credit DownUnderSail
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View the 2026 HARKEN International Youth Match Racing page HERE
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