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Racing has wrapped for the day at the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Finals, with an outstanding effort from all ...
31/03/2026

Racing has wrapped for the day at the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Finals, with an outstanding effort from all teams seeing 15 races completed in challenging conditions.

Shifting winds and a strong tide tested even the most experienced crews, making for tight, tactical racing throughout the day.

Derwent Sailing Squadron currently leads the standings, with Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and Cercle Nautique Calédonien close behind heading into finals racing.

We return tomorrow from 10am at Honeysuckle Wharf for what promises to be a decisive day on the water.

City of Newcastle

The Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final commenced today on Newcastle Harbour, following yesterday’s storm force ...
31/03/2026

The Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final commenced today on Newcastle Harbour, following yesterday’s storm force wind warning that resulted in the postponement.

While conditions had eased, competitors were met with a complex and highly tactical racecourse, as overcast skies combined with shifting breeze and a strong outgoing tide added to the test.

Set against the dynamic backdrop of the Port of Newcastle, the fleet initially spread across the course as teams searched for pressure. As the day progressed, racing tightened significantly, with close-quarters manoeuvring and fast-paced sprints to the finish line becoming a defining feature of the opening day.

For the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club team, the intensity of the format and strength of competition were immediately apparent.

Natalie, sailing with skipper Art Bell, said the regatta presented a unique challenge.

“It’s really tough racing. The level of competition is extremely high, and the course and format are quite different to what we’re used to. It makes for a physically demanding event,” she said.

Competitors from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club also emphasised the challenges.

“The wind was very shifty, and you had to constantly reassess your positioning after every mark rounding,” they said. “The short-format racing really pushes you to make quick decisions and back your team.”

Among those adapting quickly were the team from Derwent Sailing Squadron, featuring Tom and Grace Stearnes alongside Joe de K**k.

“We originally planned to do the Pittwater-Coffs race this weekend which would have been largely one tack,” Tom said. “Today has been the complete opposite, with constant manoeuvring and pressure changes across the course.”

After 15 races on Day 1, Joe de K**k’s Novocastrian-Tasmanian team leads the standings. However, strong performances from Cercle Nautique Calédonien and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club ensure the competition remains tightly contested.

With variable conditions and a highly competitive international fleet, the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final is set to deliver another compelling day of racing as teams continue their push for the title.

The team from Derwent Sailing League have taken the day!Heading into the finals, Joe de K**k's team needed one win to se...
31/03/2026

The team from Derwent Sailing League have taken the day!

Heading into the finals, Joe de K**k's team needed one win to secure their victory, and in the first race, it looked out of reach after a penalty on the start line forced them to tack and gybe.

However, the team had energy to spare after a 12km Hill to Harbour run this morning which slowly caught them up to the rest of the fleet and narrowly beating the team from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club by a hair.

City of Newcastle

Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Finals and SailFest Newcastle have come to a close as we presented prizes to our t...
31/03/2026

Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Finals and SailFest Newcastle have come to a close as we presented prizes to our teams.

Jessica Campbell from Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club took first place for female skipper.
Angus Cameron and his team from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club took first place for under 23s.

Overall, results are:
Joe de K**k's Derwent Sailing Squadron team - first
Angus Cameron's RFBYC team - second
Arthur Bell's NCYC team - third
Pierrick Oghino's team from Cercle Nautique Calédonien - fourth
Jesse Frisch's team from Whitsunday Sailing Club - fifth
Jessica Campbell's NCYC team - sixth

Thank you to our dedicated race officials and onwater support vessels who delivered high quality racing with a fast turn around, and thank you to the teams, especially those who travelled far, for participating. Finally, thanks to Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club for supporting the event and City of Newcastle for the incredible sailing destination.

Excitement was rife in Newcastle Harbour today as competitors started their day completing a 12km Hill to Harbour and be...
31/03/2026

Excitement was rife in Newcastle Harbour today as competitors started their day completing a 12km Hill to Harbour and being first on the scene for a vessel fire, before the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final entered its closing stages.

After a shifty day on the water yesterday, the wind settled into a more predictable pattern, giving competitors a more even playing field for the final day.

“We are pretty new to sailing together and this format, so we’re happy with how we performed. We were up against some very experienced crews,” said Jesse Frisch, skipper of Whitsunday Sailing Club.

After 24 races in the Qualifying Round, the top four teams advanced to the Finals. Qualifying winners Derwent Sailing Squadron carried one win into the decider, needing just one more to secure the title.

Following a short recess, the final got underway with a congested start line in the closing seconds. All boats launched cleanly, however a brush with the mark forced Derwent into a penalty turn.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club took an early lead, closely followed by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and Cercle Nautique Calédonien.

Joe de K**k quickly closed the gap, making gains through the fleet. By the final gate, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club held a narrow half boat length lead, setting up a drag race to the finish. In a final push, de K**k edged ahead by less than a boat length to claim the win and the title.

“It’s a pretty awesome crew, and they can do some incredible things,” de K**k said. “After racing was cancelled on Friday, we even had time for a few drinks at the Club and signed up for the Hill to Harbour run.”

Event organiser Mark Turnbull OAM said the finale captured the spirit of the event.

“The final race had everything. Tight racing, pressure moments and a finish that could not have been closer,” Turnbull said. “It’s a credit to the teams and a great showcase for sailing on Newcastle Harbour.”

Overall standings saw Joe de K**k (Derwent Sailing Squadron) 1st, Angus Cameron (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club) 1st Under 23, and Jessica Campbell (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club) 1st women’s skipper.

The winning teams will now progress to the World Finals in Germany this August.

SailFest may be wrapped up, but City of Newcastle is just getting started.From world-class harbour racing to long lunche...
29/03/2026

SailFest may be wrapped up, but City of Newcastle is just getting started.

From world-class harbour racing to long lunches, live music and sunset drinks by the water, the weekend was a reminder that Newcastle delivers both on and off the water.

If you joined us, you’ve had a taste. If not, consider this your sign.
Discover more with Newcastle, Australia.

The C**k of the Harbour is underway and the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final is back after a recess.City of N...
28/03/2026

The C**k of the Harbour is underway and the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final is back after a recess.

City of Newcastle Newcastle, Australia Earp Distilling Co. Heineken

SailFest weekend 2 is underway with the SAILING Champions League - Asia Pacific Finals. C**k of the Harbour from Stockto...
28/03/2026

SailFest weekend 2 is underway with the SAILING Champions League - Asia Pacific Finals. C**k of the Harbour from Stockton at 2pm

City of Newcastle Newcastle, Australia Earp Distilling Co. Heineken

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club has made the decision to cancel racing on Day 1 of the Sailing Champions League Asia Paci...
27/03/2026

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club has made the decision to cancel racing on Day 1 of the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Finals 2026, with severe weather conditions impacting Newcastle Harbour.

SailFest, host of the SCL, was set to deliver a high-energy weekend of inshore racing in Elliott 6s, welcoming teams from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. However, a Bureau of Meteorology Storm Force Wind Warning for the Hunter Coast has resulted in the suspension of on-water activity for Friday.

Forecast conditions include winds building to 30–45 knots, with gusts of up to 50 knots offshore.

While Newcastle is known for producing exciting and challenging sailing, the safety of competitors, officials, volunteers and club assets remains the highest priority. In line with established safety protocols, racing operations are suspended under Storm Force conditions, with the decision made early to provide clarity for travelling teams.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club skipper Angus Cameron said safety was the right call.

“It’s disappointing not to race today, but these are serious conditions. Everyone’s here to compete, but safety comes first, and we’re looking forward to getting out there as soon as we can.”

Cercle Nautique Calédonien skipper Pierrick Oghino said his team remained eager.

“We arrived ready to race and had a great feel for the harbour yesterday. The conditions today are strong, but that’s sailing. We’re excited for the weekend ahead.”

Local skipper Arthur ‘Art’ Bell said the delay would build anticipation.

“It’s frustrating, but it’s pretty wild out there so it makes sense. We’ll reset and be ready to go tomorrow.”

Attention now turns to Saturday and Sunday, with racing expected to proceed subject to conditions easing below storm-force thresholds.

With a full fleet assembled, the Elliott 6 format promises fast, close-quarters racing on Newcastle Harbour, with short races and quick turnarounds keeping spectators engaged.

SailFest Newcastle Regatta is proudly supported by City of Newcastle, helping showcase the harbour as a premier sailing destination. Spectators can catch the action from the Honeysuckle foreshore.

Sailfest Newcastle Regatta is back this weekend ⛵From 27–29 March, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club plays host to a high-en...
26/03/2026

Sailfest Newcastle Regatta is back this weekend ⛵
From 27–29 March, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club plays host to a high-energy weekend of inshore racing, bringing colour, competition, and camaraderie to the harbour.

The Sailing Champions League - Asia Pacific Final headlines the action, with teams travelling from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific to go head-to-head on Newcastle Harbour, a true showcase of fast, tactical racing in a spectator-friendly format.

Joining the weekend, the iconic C**k of the Harbour returns on Saturday, hosted by Port Hunter 16ft Sailing Skiff Club, with racing set just off Queens Wharf from 2pm.

SCL Director Mark Turnbull said, “Our racing series bring together teams from across the Asia-Pacific, and City of Newcastle provides the perfect backdrop - vibrant, welcoming, and built for world-class competition.”

Regatta Director Jack Buchan added, “SailFest is all about bringing people together on the water and along the waterfront. It’s competitive, it’s social, and it showcases everything that makes sailing in Newcastle, Australia so iconic.”

There’s also something for the next generation of sailors. Kids aged 6–12 can take part in free Try Sailing sessions at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club on Saturday and Sunday from 9am–12pm.

Catch the action all weekend from the Honeysuckle precinct with fast boats, close racing, and a front-row seat to one of the most exciting formats in sailing.

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Wickham, NSW
2293

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+61249408188

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