The RS21 continues to strengthen its position as a leading keelboat platform, with the boat selected for the 2026 Australian Youth Match Racing Championship.
Hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club in partnership with Australian Sailing, the championship will take place from 22-25 October 2026 and will see the country’s top young match racing sailors compete in the fleet of six RS21s.
As a World Sailing Grade 3 Youth event, the championship provides another significant endorsement of the RS21’s growing role in Australian sailing. Designed to deliver close, tactical racing while remaining accessible and easy to manage, the RS21 has become an increasingly popular choice for clubs investing in youth pathways, match racing programmes and one-design competition.
“The timing of this championship couldn’t be better for Australian match racing,” said Australian Sailing CEO Malcolm Page OAM.
We’re seeing tremendous momentum in the discipline, from Cole Tapper’s recent success on the international stage through to the announcement of an Australian challenger for the America’s Cup for the first time in more than 25 years through Team Australia Challenge. These achievements demonstrate the depth of talent that exists within Australian sailing and the opportunities available to young sailors who choose to pursue match racing.
The Royal Geelong is an ideal venue to showcase Australia’s emerging match racing talent and inspire future champions.”
Up to 12 teams of sailors under the age of 23 will be invited to Geelong to race head-to-head. The event will place the RS21 at the centre of youth match racing development in Australia, giving the next generation of sailors the opportunity to hone their boat handling, teamwork and tactical decision-making skills in a modern keelboat platform.
RS Sailing’s Head of Commercial, Michiel Geerling, commented: “With increasing recognition from clubs, class associations and national authorities, the RS21 continues to prove itself as an ideal platform for developing sailors and delivering competitive racing at every level. The selection of the RS21 fleet for Australia’s premier youth match racing championship is another achievement in the class’s growing success story across the country.”
Read the press release on Australian Sailing for full event details, entry information and additional comments from Royal Geelong Yacht Club and Australian Sailing.
Article by RS Sailing
Images by Tidal Media Australia
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