The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron proudly hosted the 25th Anniversary Hardy Cup International Youth Match Racing Regatta (U23) last week, welcoming elite youth teams from across Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America for four days of high-intensity match racing on Sydney Harbour. The prestigious World Sailing Grade 3 event continues to honour the legacy of Sir James Hardy AO OBE, a lifelong RSYS Member, America’s Cup legend, and passionate supporter of youth sailing.
Sailed from 16–19 February 2026 in Elliott 7 keelboats, the regatta delivered tight tactical racing against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
This year’s Silver Jubilee edition delivered some of the closest racing seen in recent years. Across multiple round-robin stages, teams demonstrated exceptional boat handling and tactical precision in a wide range of conditions. This was highlighted by a clinical finals performance from New Zealand’s Ethan Fong and crew, who went on to win the 2026 title.
Overall placings
- Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL) — Ethan Fong, Lucas Day, Maddie Rist, Harry McMullen, Alissa Marshall
- Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL) — Josh Hyde, Noah Malpot, Wilbur Stanley, Luca Smith, Rye Brady
- Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (AUS) — Daniel Kemp, Louis Tilly, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity
- Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL) — Robbie Wooldridge, Teaghan Denney, Leo Jeffery, Marin Armstrong-Wills, Apikera Baker
- Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (AUS) — James Hayhoe, James Hopkins, Michael King, Katina Casimaty, Jemma Hopkins
- Del Rey Yacht Club (USA) — William Stratton, Eddie Kliem, Matei Meglic, Lucca Farrel, Oliver Keeves
- Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (AUS) — Craig Wright, Ben Crafoord, Nick Livermore, Charlie Watts
- Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS) — Xavier Bates, Hugo Ralph, Drina Bucktin, George Elms
- Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (AUS) — Massimo Henderson, Jessica Ellis, Issy Payne, Harriet McLachlan, Olivia Lee
Full race-by-race scores and round-robin data are available via Match Racing Results.
A milestone year for one of Australia’s most prestigious youth match racing events
Since its inception in 2001, the Hardy Cup has played a central role in developing future champions – many of whom have gone on to helm at Youth Worlds, SailGP, World Match Racing Tour events, and the America’s Cup pathway programs.
The 2026 edition celebrated 25 years of youth development, continuing the Squadron’s commitment to delivering world-class race management, officiating and coaching support.
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Commodore, Russell Taylor, highlighted the importance of the Hardy Cup as a “proving ground” for tomorrow’s match-racing talent, reinforcing the Squadron’s long-standing leadership in youth sailing excellence.
Looking ahead to the future of the Hardy Cup
The Squadron extends its congratulations to all competitors and their supporting clubs for a spectacular week of racing. They look forward to welcoming teams back in 2027 as the Hardy Cup continues to build its reputation as a launchpad for emerging international match racing talent.
Teams, clubs and supporters can revisit full scores and round-by-round data via Match Racing Results: www.matchracingresults.com/2026/hardy-cup
Further event information, history, and past winners are available on the RSYS Hardy Cup page: www.rsys.com.au/hardy-cup
Catch up with footage from throughout the week via the Squadron’s social channels:
Facebook: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Instagram: rsys1862
#HardyCup #YouthSailing #MatchRacing #SydneyHarbour #RSYS #RoyalSydneyYachtSquadron
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