Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is set to host three NSW Championships in different classes over the next three months, starting with the 2026 Finn NSW Championship this weekend on Pittwater. Several competitors are travelling from interstate to participate ahead of February’s Australian Championship.
Triple Olympian Anthony ‘Nocka’ Nossiter, a six-time winner and reigning NSW title holder, is regarded as the benchmark in the class. He shared his thoughts on the unique conditions of sailing at Pittwater, comparing it to European waters and highlighting the variety in sailing conditions.
Nossiter expressed excitement about the social aspect of the event, mentioning his expectation to reconnect with friends from the Finn community after racing.
Ian McKillop, a four-time Championship winner, will also compete fiercely, noting that his clubmates Matt Visser, Chris Links, and James Mayjor are strong contenders as well. While he acknowledges the potential home advantage of sailing on familiar waters, he cautions that Pittwater can be tricky.
Visser comes from a sailing legacy, with his late father being a two-time Olympian and America’s Cup sailor. Links, with his background as a shipwright, brings a comprehensive understanding of the sport. He has previously achieved significant success, including multiple national titles and Olympic campaigns.
Mayjor has also had notable results, including winning the 2004 Etchells Worlds, highlighting the calibre of talent within the Finn class. The class continues to attract new and younger sailors, including Sam Ede and Lewis Davies from Victoria, who are eager to make their mark.
Ede’s entry into the class was inspired by a school friend’s encouragement, while Tim Ede, Sam’s father, is also contesting the Championship. Both fathers and sons have received guidance from seasoned sailors like Rob McMillan, fostering their growth in the sport.
On Friday afternoon, up to two practice races will be held, followed by three races each day on Saturday and Sunday, commencing from midday. The racing will take place on windward/leeward courses on Pittwater to determine the new NSW champion.
Many participants are also preparing for the 2027 Finn Australian Championship, which will occur in February at Twofold Bay Yacht Club in Eden on the NSW South Coast. Although the Finn is no longer an Olympic class, it remains popular in Australia and worldwide, having produced numerous champions excelling in various sailing disciplines.
The Finn NSW Championship is organised by RPAYC in collaboration with the NSW Finn Class Association. For further information, please visit: https://rpayc.com.au/int-finn-class-nsw-championship/
By Di Pearson/RPAYC media
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