09/09/2026
Race Officer Clare Cope understands how much invisible work goes into delivering fair and seemingly effortless racing. Joining the World Championship team offered her the opportunity to lead and learn alongside people at the top of their craft.
The event also unites two important parts of Clare’s life. As a psychologist, she is fascinated by how teams perform under pressure. As a Race Officer, she sees those principles in action on the water and behind the scenes.
Clare describes herself as “calmly enthusiastic”: focused, encouraging and always ready to keep things light. She believes patient teamwork is the foundation of speed, accuracy and high performance.
Her ideal sailing conditions are pure Goldilocks: not too light, not too strong, but just right. Given the chance to sail anywhere tomorrow, she would choose the Galápagos.
Her sailing bag contains layers for whatever the forecast gets wrong, while the emergency snacks are already hidden aboard. Music control goes to somebody else:
“Given the chance, I’d play the cheesiest sailing songs ever recorded — which is precisely why the job goes to someone else.”
Clare’s favourite sound is the starting signal, when all the preparation culminates in one glorious moment. After racing, she wants a cold drink, a hot shower and a bowl of chips.
“Once I’ve got a salty chip in hand, we can talk about anything.”
Has she ever blamed the wind for something that was really her fault?
“Of course. It’s wildly unpredictable. Nothing to do with me.”
The Epigen J24 World Championships 2026 is shaping up to be something special.
Sandringham Yacht Club,
Melbourne
November 2026
Www.j24worlds2026.com
USA J/24 Class Association Musto
