Yachting News
COCK OF THE BROADWATER
Sailors are set to hit the water this Sunday, 18 January, as our annual Cock of the Broadwater kicks off the racing action. With strong fleets expected and great conditions shaping up, we’re looking forward to a competitive and exciting day of racing on the Broadwater.
Date: Sunday 18th January
Location: Hollywell Sailing Squadron
Entry: ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
TED ELKES MEMORIAL REGATTA
One of Southport Yacht Club’s flagship offshore events, the Ted Elkes Memorial Regatta launches the Australia Day long weekend. Offshore sailors are gearing up for a full weekend of racing as they honour a proud Club tradition and set the tone for the season ahead.
Date: Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th January 2026
Location: Offshore from Main Beach
Entry: ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
RL24 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – LAKE MACQUARIE
Three Southport Yacht Club RL24s travelled to compete at the RL24 National Championships, hosted by Royal Toronto Yacht Club on Lake Macquarie — an excellent sailing location that delivered strong racing conditions throughout the regatta.
A competitive fleet of 18 boats contested this year’s championship, with SYC members performing strongly across both divisions.
The Kelly family, sailing Kokomo, were the big movers of the regatta, finishing an impressive 2nd overall in the Swing Keel Division.
In the Drop Keel Division, Dodgy Vindaloo, skippered by Tim Jackman, secured 2nd place overall after a consistent series.
Also competing in the Drop Keel fleet, Argo finished 5th overall, jointly skippered by Graham Chapman and Peter Howe.
2026 OCEANIA & AUSTRALIAN ILCA OPEN & YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS
3–8 January 2026
Six Southport Yacht Club sailors travelled to Tasmania to compete in the 2026 Oceania & Australian ILCA Open & Youth Championships, hosted by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.
SYC sailors competed across multiple fleets, gaining valuable championship experience against strong national and international competition.
ILCA 4 – Gold Fleet
- 3rd – Harry Hogan (Houdini)
- 32nd – Evie McGuire (Ripple) also taking 2nd – U16 Women
- 37th – Addison Greenwood (Tanlines)
ILCA 6 – Gold Fleet
- 13th – Jackson Black (214416)
ILCA 6 – Silver Fleet
- 1st – Ava Wilson (The Flash)
ILCA 7
- 40th – Myles Wilson (TBA)
A strong championship for the Club, highlighted by Ava Wilson’s fleet win, Harry Hogan’s podium finish, and Evie McGuire’s 2nd place in the U16 Women category.
2026 MUSTO AUSTRALIAN OPTIMIST CHAMPIONSHIPS
8–15 January 2026
Southport Yacht Club sailors are competing at the 2026 Musto Australian Optimist Championships, racing against top young Optimist sailors from both national and international fleets.
With the final days of racing kicking off today, we are eagerly following our sailors as they close out the regatta.
SYC sailors competing across the fleets include:
- Jack Sturm (Super Mario)
- Jozee Fowler
- Henry Campbell (Sailfish)
- Jack McGuire (Hijacked)
- Lyla Greenwood
- Flynn Hammel (Ocean Spirit)
65th HERON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
5–10 January 2026 | Lake Macquarie, NSW
The 65th Heron National Championships were held at Wangi Amateur Sailing Club on Lake Macquarie, with Southport Yacht Club represented by Michael Spies and Junior Commodore Teagan Mitchell.
Sailing Maritimo, the pair finished an impressive 8th overall, completing a consistent and well-sailed regatta against a competitive national fleet.
2025–26 16FT SKIFF AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
4–11 January 2026
Southport Yacht Club was represented at the 2025–26 16ft Skiff Australian Championships, with strong results delivered across the fleet.
In the Handicap Division, Angus Weatley, skippering Avlinear, claimed 1st overall, securing the handicap championship.
2026 Skelcon Australian 16ft & 13ft Skiff Championship (4-11 January 2026). Photo by Beau Outteridge
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUMMER ON THE LAKE
One of Southport Yacht Club’s signature summer events, Summer on the Lake is just around the corner. Sailors, families and the wider community can look forward to a relaxed day on the water, free sailing experiences, and a vibrant lakeside atmosphere as we celebrate summer at the Club
Time: 9:00am – 6:00pm
What’s on: Free sailing experiences, free SUP, live DJ, pop-up bar and VIP packages available
Free Sailing – Book here:
https://southportyachtclub.com.au/2026-summer-on-the-lake/
SYC ACADEMY
Oxenford Sailing – by Ashlea Kernahan
Our Summer School Holiday Sailing program has been in full swing since December at the Oxenford Watersports Centre, with fantastic participation across the holiday period. As we quickly approach the final weeks of the school holidays, it has been great to see sailors of all ages building confidence on the water, developing new skills, and enjoying their time sailing with the Academy team.
Preparations are now well underway for the Academy’s largest and signature event, our Discover Sailing experience, Summer on the Lake. This flagship community event continues to grow year on year, with over 800 people taking part in sailing alone last year, and many more joining us to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, live music, and the relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Summer on the Lake – Event Details
Time: 9:00am – 6:00pm
What’s on: Free sailing experiences, free SUP, live DJ, pop-up bar and VIP packages available
Free Sailing – Book here:
https://southportyachtclub.com.au/2026-summer-on-the-lake/
Looking ahead, we are also gearing up for the first Learn to Sail term of 2026, kicking off on 31 January. Our popular Kids Learn to Sail program is already over halfway booked, with strong demand continuing as families lock in activities for the new year.
Our Adult Learn to Sail courses continue to perform exceptionally well, with programs regularly selling out more than a month in advance. March is already over halfway booked, reflecting the continued growth and interest in adult sailing pathways across the Academy.
Upcoming Academy Programs
Kids Learn to Sail – 2 for 1 Promo
7 sessions
Cost: $415
Book here:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/southportyachtclub/items/575466/calendar/2026/01/?full-items=yes
Teens Learn to Sail
7 sessions
Cost: $365
Book here:
https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/320489
Adult Learn to Sail – March Course
Dates: 1st, 8th & 15th March
Cost: $415
Book here:
https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/326257
65th HERON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, NSW – Happening now!
Southport Yacht Club is proud to be represented by Club veteran Michael Spies and Junior Commodore Teagan Mitchell at the 65th Heron Nationals on Lake Macquarie this week! – Invitational Race & Crew Helming Races – perfect weather & heaps of fun! Aside from the top 3 place awards for std course sailed for the Invitational, plenty of prizes up for grabs for youngest crew, heaviest team, best capsize, furthest travelled, More updates to follow. Thanks to Ilza Mitchell for the photos
NATIONALS (HOBART) – Happening now!
SYC is proud to be represented by Evie McGuire and Addison Greenwood, who are competing in the ILCA Nationals (ILCA 4) in Hobart. Follow the official coverage from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania here:
https://ryct.org.au/2026-ilca-oceania-australian-championship/
80th ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART
Southport Yacht Club congratulates all Members who raced in the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart this past week. The race tested the fleet and caused many retirements, affecting many of our boats and crew aboard Hutchies Yeah Baby, Maritimo 100, Maritimo Katwinchar, Wild Thing 100, Yendys, Trouble & Strife and Ocean Crusader’s J-Bird to name just a few! The challenging conditions also made for a ‘small boat race’, (something Michael Spies had been hoping for!), with Min River claiming the Tattersalls Cup with an Overall win on IRC.
Philip Bell’s She and Rod West’s Esprit managed to finish the race, with She achieving 4th overall on PHS, and Esprit 12th!
Phillip says this is their best result in 12 years. Rod has said his crew put in a fantastic effort, and as the highest handicapped yacht in the fleet, they could not have done much better… “unless we could have avoided the 3 hour parking lot at Tasman Island”.
Skippering Flying Fish Arctos was fellow Club Member Drew Hulton Smith on his 7th Hobart, and achieved 3rd in PHS Division 1.
SAIL BRISBANE 2025
RQYS’s 4 Day Sail Brisbane regatta 2025 wrapped up in Brisbane on Saturday! SYC was well represented with fantastic performances from all our sailors. The Squad also achieved a number of podium finishes, including:
- Daniel Thompson & Lincoln Hortz achieved 2nd overall in Mixed Cats onboard their Nacra 4.5 ‘Hot n Spicy’
- Jasper Moore achieved 3rd in Optimist Green Fleet
- Jack McGuire achieved 1st in Optimist Open Fleet
- Lyla Greenwood achieved 3rd in Optimist Open Fleet
Full Results: https://www.rqys.com.au/event/sail-brisbane-2025/
SYC Squad members representing the Club included:
- Flynn Hammel – Ocean Spirit
- Henry Campbell – Sailfish
- Jack Sturm – Super Mario
- Jozee Fowler – Barracuda
- Addison Greenwood – Tan Lines
- Evie McGuire – Ripple
- Finntin Griffin – Jet Boat
- Keira Ruch – Fasta Pastya
- Matthew Sinnamon – Slippery Too
- Max Latter – Kraken
- Teegan Mitchell – Frostier
- Bentley O’Sullivan – Knot Stoppin
- Joe Thompson – It’s a Breeze
- Leo Sparshott – Reprobate
- Stirling Kelly – Tornado
Thanks to Ilza Mitchell for the photos of our Squad performing well at RQYS
INSHORE & TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS RACES & FESTIVITIES!
Twilight Thursdays:
Head to the Southport Yacht Club Twilight & Offshore Facebook Group for all the photos from the final 2025 twilight Christmas race and party!
Inshore Wednesdays:
Wednesday 17th December – Christmas Fun Race!
Dodgy Vindaloo
Mysterimg Skud 
Sea Biscuits
- Jack McGuire has been selected for the QLD Teams Racing squad for Nationals in Hobart.
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Lyla Greenwood received Most Improved.
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Flynn Hammel was awarded Sportsmanship for his positive attitude and encouragement on and off the water.
UPCOMING SYC SPECIAL EVENTS
SOLO TRANS-TASMAN CHALLENGE 2026
Entries now closed – 23 Contenders!
Entries now closed – 23 Contenders including 7 Australians!
The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge, the only single-handed ocean yacht race in the Southern Hemisphere, will finish here at Southport Yacht Club (SYC) in 2026. First held in 1970, the race has long been recognised as a unique test of seamanship, skill, and endurance. The 2026 edition will be the 16th running of the event. Traditionally raced from New Plymouth, New Zealand, to Mooloolaba, Australia, the course has been updated and will run from Opua, Bay of Islands, to Southport.
The Opua Cruising Club is the official Organising Authority for the event, with support from Southport Yacht Club. Commodore Terry Dunn of Opua Cruising Club described the Challenge as “a testament to seamanship and resilience” and highlighted its role in strengthening the maritime bond between New Zealand and Australia. Thirteen yachts have already confirmed for the 2026 race – five from New Zealand and four from Australia – ensuring a true trans-Tasman contest. Kiwi sailors have won the last two editions, while the most recent Australian victory was in 2010.
SYC Member Peter Elkington has entered the challenge with his boat Pacman.
For more information visit the website at https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/
GCCM GOLD COAST MACKAY YACHT RACE 2026
EOI is now open for 2026 with 15 boats already on the List! Indicate your intention to race now before the early bird, and help grow this race’s momentum across Australia.
SYC ACADEMY
Oxenford Sailing – by Ashlea Kernahan
We are now in Week 3 of our School Holiday Sailing program at Oxenford Watersports Centre, with our Teens Learn to Sail Holiday Program also running Monday to Friday. Over the past two weeks, we have welcomed more than 195 children on the water, with fantastic participation across all programs. It has been great to see sailors building confidence, developing new skills, and enjoying their time on the water. We are very excited to welcome all of our January sailors as we sail into the new year.
Our December Adult Learn to Sail group will finish up this Sunday before the Academy breaks for Christmas. Thank you to all participants for a great course, and we look forward to seeing many continue their sailing journey.
The January Adult Learn to Sail course will commence on January 2nd at the Hollywell Sailing Squadron, marking the first time this program has run from Hollywell and offering participants the opportunity to experience open-water sailing on the Broadwater.
Meanwhile Our past Adult Learn to Sail participants are getting ready to take the next step with our Better Sailing (Intermediate) program, which will kick off at the Hollywell Sailing Squadron for the first time. This course is designed for sailors who are ready to build confidence in stronger winds, refine boat-handling skills, and develop navigation and race-day techniques as they progress beyond the beginner level. The program will run on Sundays 4th, 11th and 18th January.
Teen Cadet Holiday Program
Our Teen Cadet sailors will kick off the new year with the RS Quest Sailing Holiday Program, running 5–9 January. Sailors will spend the week sailing our RS Quest dinghies across the Broadwater, focusing on teamwork, confidence, and open-water skills.
Sailor of the Week – Elise Slaven
This week’s Sailor of the Week is Elise Slaven from our Tackers 1 program. Elise has made fantastic progress on the water, showing growing confidence and skill throughout the week. We are excited to see her continue her sailing journey as she moves into Tackers 2, well done, Elise!
Upcoming Programs
School Holiday Sailing
Monday- Friday | 8th December – 23rd January | Full day & Half Day sessions available
Cost: Half day $65, Full Day $95
Fun, hands-on sailing for kids of all levels during the Queensland private school holidays.
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/southportyachtclub/items/575498/calendar/2025/12/?full-items=yes
Adult Learn to Sail – January Course Hollywell
Saturday January 3rd , 10th , 17th at Hollywell Sailing Squadron
Cost $415pp
Learn the fundamentals of sailing across three Saturdays — no experience required.
https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/306494
Better Sailing (Intermediate)
Dates: Sundays 4th, 11th & 18th January at Hollywell Sailing Squadron
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: $500 (payment plans available, includes race fee and temporary membership)
Outcome: Better Sailing Certificate (Australian Sailing)
Prerequisite: Start Sailing 1 & 2 Certificate
Book here: https://www.oxenfordwatersportscentre.com.au/events/319956
RACING RESULTS 2025/2026
SYC Special Events:
Club Division Results:
- Offshore Division Results
- Thursday Twilight Offshore Series Results
- Thursday Twilight Results
- Inshore Division Results
- Off the Beach Catamarans Division
- Off the Beach Dinghies Results