 3–4 October 2026 | Jervis Bay Sailing Club The Jervis Bay Sailing Club’s October Long Weekend Annual Regatta delivered an excellent weekend of sailing across varied conditions. With 52 entries across five divisions and all six scheduled races completed over the two days. The regatta brought together a diverse fleet of dinghies, skiffs and multihulls, providing plenty of action across the course. Jervis Bay once again proved a fantastic venue, with its open water and exposure to changing conditions rewarding sailors who could adapt quickly and maintain consistency throughout the series. On Saturday the regatta started with a 16-20knot northerly breeze before switching SW as the storm front came across the course late in the afternoon. Then on Sunday, Jervis Bay turned on stunning conditions with a SW breeze of 8-10knots, clocking left during the day and making for tricky and tactical sailing. Across the weekend, competitors faced the challenge of managing changing breeze and water conditions, with boat speed, tactical positioning and sound decision-making all important to producing consistent results. Completing the full six-race programme also put a premium on endurance and maintaining focus as the regatta progressed. In the combined RS Aero, Finn and ILCA division, Rob Fisher sailed Monkey Puzzle (RS Aero 9 - 4743) to a convincing overall victory, finishing on 6.5 points. The Aero 7 fleet produced a close contest for the remaining podium places. Mark Dagworthy in Off The Leash (RS Aero 7 - 4379) and local sailor Andy Wharton in Lulu (RS Aero 7 - 4375) were competitive throughout, with Dagworthy finishing second overall on 10 points and Wharton third on 12 points. Both recorded strong individual race results. Fourth place in the division went to Steph McLennan, sailing Honeybunch (RS Aero 6 - 3606). The comradery across the Aero fleet was evident throughout the weekend. thanks to Jervis Bay Sailing Club, the race officials and volunteers for delivering a great weekend of sailing Report Written by Mark Dagworthy Photos thanks to Jervis Bay Sailing Club
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RS Aero Fleet Leads the Way in Cleveland Bay The 2026 Townsville Sailing Club Sprint Series delivered three days of outstanding racing on Cleveland Bay, combining four sprint racing sessions. Competitors from Townsville, Tinaroo, Mackay and RANSA enjoyed a variety of conditions over the long weekend, testing both speed and endurance across different racing formats. The regatta schedule featured:
RS Classes taking out the top four positions The RS Aero class proved to be the strongest fleet in the division, securing the top two places overall. A consistent performance from Darryl Bentley (RS Aero 7, Sail No. 3545), representing Tinaroo Sailing Club and RANSA, rarely finishing outside the top three. Francesca Del Favero (RS Aero 5, Sail No. 2043) finished as runner-up on 30.5 points. Sailing for Tinaroo Sailing Club, Del Favero put together one of the most consistent scorecards of the series, collecting podium finishes throughout the event and recording a race win. Her performance highlighted the versatility of the RS Aero platform, with the Aero 5 rig competing successfully against larger-rigged boats and several different classes. Tight Battle for the Remaining Top Positions The contest for third place remained open until the final stages of the series. Benjamin Rankine sailing a RS Topez Vibe secured third overall on 47 points, narrowly ahead of Natalie Bentley (RS Aero 6, Sail No. 3996) on 47.5 points, which is her first regatta back after shoulder surgery. Natalie Bentley enjoyed a strong second half of the regatta, recording a race win and numerous top-four finishes. Several missed races on the opening day in the series proved costly, but her fourth-place overall finish reinforced the strength of the RS Aero fleet. Another strong performer was Diane Kelsey (RS Aero 6, Sail No. 3594) from Townsville Sailing Club. Despite missing the last race, Kelsey steadily improved across the event to finish seventh overall with 71 points. Growing Strength of the RS Aero Class The 2026 Sprint Series confirmed the RS Aero as one of the premier classes racing in North Queensland. The fleet featured Aero 5, Aero 6 and Aero 7 rigs, showcasing the class's ability to cater for sailors of different sizes and experience levels while maintaining highly competitive racing. Particularly notable was the strong representation from Tinaroo Sailing Club, whose Aero sailors occupied first, second and fourth places overall. The continued collaboration and competition between Townsville and Tinaroo sailors have significantly strengthened the fleet and raised the standard of racing throughout the region. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….......................................... Looking Ahead: Mission Beach Regatta and Sail Bowen With the Townsville Sprint Series now complete, attention turns to two of North Queensland's premier sailing events: Mission Beach Regatta and Sail Bowen. At Mission Beach, sailors can expect a very different challenge from the protected waters of Cleveland Bay. The open-water course regularly produces longer legs, ocean swell and highly variable breeze patterns along the Cassowary Coast. These conditions favour sailors who can combine boat speed with tactical decision-making and precise boat handling. For the Aero fleet, the lightweight and responsive nature of the class should make for exciting racing in the sea breeze conditions often experienced at Mission Beach. The fleet will then look towards Sail Bowen, one of the most highly regarded regattas on the North Queensland calendar. Bowen's reliable trade winds and spectacular Whitsunday backdrop have historically provided some of the best dinghy racing in the state. The event attracts strong competition from clubs across Queensland, offering the RS Aero sailors an opportunity to benchmark themselves against some of the region's best competitors. Consistent performances from Francesca Del Favero, Natalie Bentley, Diane Kelsey, and Simon Wilks also suggest the RS Aero fleet will be well represented at the front of the results sheets. The growing competition of the RS sailors from Tinaroo Sailing Club and Townsville Sailing Club has become one of the highlights of North Queensland dinghy racing and will add another layer of interest to the upcoming events. After a successful Sprint Series, expectations are high that the RS Aero fleet can continue its momentum through the remainder of the season. If the Townsville results are any indication, the class is poised to remain one of the standout performers on the North Queensland regatta circuit, with Mission Beach and Sail Bowen providing the next opportunities to showcase the speed, versatility and competitiveness of the RS Aero. Report written by Darryl Bentley Photos thanks to: Kretchie Photography & Your View By Emma Thomas (Viola Star, 6 rig) Conditions: Nor’easter on Repeat (15–21 kts) Two days, six races, and one very reliable Nor’easter. Breeze sat between 15–21 knots, with a classic course delivering long upwinds, a punchy but manageable chop, and that now legendary reaching leg that had a few of us in the fleet whooping like kids on a rollercoaster. Compared to the Blairgowrie Nationals, the chop was positively polite, though I still managed to get flattened by a beam-on wave while threading a tight lane upwind on Day 1. Lightweight Aero karma. The Start: Clean Lines… Until They Weren’t For most of the regatta, the start lines were civilised and relatively chilled. But by the final races, the fleet’s competitive instincts kicked in. The line tightened, elbows came out, and two boats went OCS in one race, which I will happily admit helped me to my best result of the weekend. Key Moments: The Reach Heard Around the Fleet The course was simple: long legs and a downwind that rewarded commitment. But the reach… oh, the reach. A reach so addictive it should probably come with a warning label. A few sailors who had quietly planned to skip a race or two ended up staying out purely to blast down that reach again. I couldn’t stop whooping, much to the amusement of Crosbie on Bow Caddy beside me. The Aero grin is real. Downwind, the hot topic was the S curve: by-the-lee, carve up, ride the wave, repeat. When I managed to string one together, I could see the gap closing between me and the mid fleet pack. That acceleration is addictive. Lessons Learned: Vang, Cunno, and Salty’s top tips My personal breakthrough came courtesy of Gary Ratcliffe and Craig (“Salty”) Greenhill. Gary pointed out that I was reaching around upwind with far too little mainsheet tension. Salty then jumped on his boat, Too Salty, behind me pre race and gave live coaching as I worked upwind. It’s one thing to know the theory. It’s another to feel what “enough vang and cunno” means when the boat suddenly stops misbehaving and starts tracking like it’s meant to. Then pulling enough main sheet on is possible. That feedback changed my entire regatta, and my confidence. I was able to hike the boat flatter than I have before, and I started to get in the mix as a result. Fun & Social: Cheeky Dog Debriefs Off the water, the Aero fleet did what it does best: share knowledge, share laughs, and share food and drinks at the Cheeky Dog. Ben Austin and others ran an informal debrief after Day 1, breaking down how they handled the conditions and where the big gains were. The generosity of the top sailors is a defining feature of this class. So grateful to our sailors for helping others find their way. Results: Yardstick Top 3 congratulations goes to: 1. Ben Austin 2. Graham Baxendale 3. Gary Ratcliffe Full Results - https://app.sailsys.com.au/.../series/5658/pointscore... I met Ben on Day 1 and joked that he’d be first and I’d be last, and could he please not lap me. He just smiled, but thankfully he didn’t pass me. I just got to admire his downwind technique while I was still beating upwind. I finished 18th of 21, which is real progress for me one year into owning my Aero (and learning to sail a singlehanded dinghy). Final Thoughts Sail Port Stephens proved why it’s considered one of Australia’s best dinghy venues: reliable breeze, open water, and a fleet culture that blends competition with camaraderie. All rigs racing together on handicap kept things tight and tactical, and the social scene next door at the Cheeky Dog rounded out the weekend perfectly. And yes, I got my first ever 12th place in an Aero regatta on Race 6, thanks to a clean race, no swims, my best upwind of the weekend, and a couple of OCS gifts from the universe. Photo Credit: Sail Port Stephens The inaugural RS Aero QLD State Championships wrapped up at Lake Tinaroo over three days of racing, delivering a fantastic mix of conditions and a great showcase of the growing Aero fleet across Australia. Overall Results Travis Wadley (Aero 7) Francesca Del Favero (Aero 5) Tim Waugh (Aero 7) Female Results Francesca Del Favero (Aero 5) Diane Kelsey (Aero 7) Leesa Gray (Aero 6) The event itself showcased everything that makes Tinaroo a special venue — racing just metres from the club, with a unique format allowing sailors to return ashore between races and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. A huge thank you to Tinaroo Sailing Club, the volunteers, and event organisers for delivering such a well-run regatta, along with supporting sponsors Rooster Sailing Raceboats and Salty Dingo A fantastic event and a great step forward for the RS Aero class nationally. Photo Credit: Ria Murray Photography The 2024 Rooster Australian RS Aero Championship was held in Mount Martha between 12 and 15 January 2024. The competition across the 4 rig sizes was of a very high standard, with some top ticket domestic & international sailors competing across all rig sizes, with positions being separated at times by mere seconds.
Conditions were varied. Early in the regatta the winds were lighter, and the breeze joined us later bringing some new challenges to all on the water. As always, the sailing was spectacular for sailors and spectators alike, and the catering this year was a true highlight. As always, following the races, the leaders shared their experiences in an informal training session (‘Tips & Tricks’), which was accompanied by delicious food and drinks. Mount Martha was the perfect venue, providing a stunning backdrop for the sailing. T There were 57 competitors, including international competitors from the UK and Japan. Thank you to Mount Martha Yacht Club and its huge team of volunteers. It was a brilliantly run regatta from start to finish. Special thanks to Sandra Davis for her photos. Podium results were as follows: RS aero 5:
RS aero 6:
RS aero 7:
RS aero 9:
28 sailors from NSW, VIC, SA & WA travelled to Largs Bay Sailing Club in South Australia for the RS aero Australian national championship, the first national regatta for 3 years, and the first to have the new 6 rig. The regatta was held over 4 days, with 10 races scheduled, all were completed over a variety of conditions including 38-degree days with light breeze where the fleet was accompanied by dolphins, to strong 20 knot plus winds and tricky swell on the final day. For the first time at a national regatta, we ran a buddy system where sailors of differing abilities and from different clubs were paired together to compare tactics and build friendships. This is a fantastic initiative which we hope to carry on. As is now customary, at the end of every race day we met in the bar to have a debrief from sailors from each fleet to discuss what they had done well, and not so well over their races. We also hand out daily prizes of Aero chocolate bars to sailors nominated by competitors for their on-water antics. Largs Bay Sailing Club ran a great event, with excellent race management and facilities. Special shout outto all their volunteers and to Maria Luisa Coulson for loaning her camera, and Michelle Thomson & Hayley Dillon for taking photos. Big thanks to our regatta sponsor Rooster Sailing Australia & Sailing Raceboats Pty Ltd for helping out on-site for the event. Congratulations to all competitors. Full results can be seen here. 5 Rig Results  6 Rig Results  7 Rig Results  9 Rig Results  Congratulations to all competitors at the NSW state championships. Unfortunately the second day of racing was cancelled due to the strong westerly breeze guessing in the mid 30 knots. Many thanks to BYRA Bayview Yacht Racing Association Sailing Club for hosting us, Mindy Meehan for organising and Simon Reffold for being the race officer.    Off the back of receiving such a glowing report of the inaugural Sail Bellarine regatta in 2021, the Victorian RS Aero Class decided to incorporate their 2022 Victorian State Championships within the 2022 Sail Bellarine regatta hosted by Indented Head YC.
Unfortunately, we had a few sailors pull out prior to the regatta due to Covid & injury, nevertheless we saw a fantastic turnout with 30 x RS Aero’s in attendance, making us the biggest class. We had three NSW entries & a few from rural Victoria (Portland & Inverloch), thanks for making the trip! Day 1’s forecast ensured we would get the 3 allocated races in. We saw a windy 15-22 knots, whilst the sun was out for the duration of the time, the wind seemed glacial at times. Throughout the day the fleet saw large wind oscillations, mixed with big bands of pressure funneling down the racecourse. Ian ‘Biggles’ Johnson & Megan Ridgway managed to start each race with a clean pair of heels, thereafter using their superior upwind boat speed to lead the fleet in most instances. These two sailors where respective club house leaders after Day 1 in the Aero 5 & 7 fleets. At the conclusion of Day 1, in the Aero 7 fleet, the race was on for 2nd place it seemed, with four sailors within one point of each other. Peter Milne & Gary Ratcliffe used their upwind boat speed to secure solid days, whilst Michael O’Brien & Rhett Gowans chipped away, sailing consistently around the course to ‘stay in touch’. Biggles was deservedly leading the hungry chasing pack, with it all to play for on the penultimate day of racing. Megan used her racing knowledge & big fleet race experience to manage the Aero 5 fleet, at times giving the Aero 7’s a run for their money! The most impressive aspect to come away from Day 1, was how the Aero fleet as a whole handled the challenging conditions. Two years ago, the majority of the Aero fleet wouldn’t have taken covers off their boats, fast-forward to 2022 and we had the fleet successfully manage the conditions, get around the race course with minimal capsizes. A real credit to the fleet’s growth & improvement! 3 races on Day 1 meant extremely sore bodies on Day 2! With some stretching & a few coffees in everybody’s system the sailors were raring to go for the final two races. A lighter forecast for Day 2 offered some respite for the weary sailors, with a decreasing breeze starting at 15 knots, decreasing through the day to 5-8 knots. A lighter breeze saw the racing condense and become much tighter, this was highlighted on the final race where we had 15 Aero’s round the bottom mark within 10 seconds of each other! On Day 2 it was imperative to get off the pin-end cleanly if you wanted to be racing at the top-end of the fleet. Those that tacked early on to get on ‘the long port tack’ did best. With lots of lead changes and aided by the discard, the final standings changed hands in the Aero 7’s, whilst the 5’s stayed the same. At the conclusion of Day 2, Megan Ridgway won her second Aero 5 State Championships, with a very tidy 4 points, Diane Vukelic came 2nd & Fiona Ekins came 3rd, pipping Laurie Hoffman by 1 point. In the Aero 7’s, Rhett Gowans sailed a consistent last day to jump into the lead, winning his 4th Victorian Aero 7 State Championships in the process, Ian ‘Biggles’ Johnson came 2nd, behind by one solitary point, with the New South Welshmen Gary Ratcliffe rounding out the podium. Thanks to Indented Head YC, St Leonards YC & Portarlington YC on running a great regatta, we look forward to supporting this regatta in the future. LINK TO RESULTS The RS Aero Victorian State Championships 2019 were held at Mount Martha Yacht Club over March 9, 10 and 11. The series a total of twenty-five entries with 20 sailors from Victoria, 4 from NSW and 1 from SA competing in the 5, 7 and 9 rigs.
The fleet contained a broad range of age and experience with Tabitha Stevenson, Michelle de Blaquiere and Tim Bardon bringing their experience from other classes and jumping into an Aero for the first time. Seven of the 10 programmed races were sailed in light, moderate and heavy conditions. The first day started with a slight breeze and a smoke covered Port Phillip Bay. Everyone was keen to get out and get the sailing underway. By the time they reached the starting area the wind began to fade, and the race committee made the wise decision to send us back to shore to wait for the smoke to lift and the breeze to fill in. The afternoon brought champagne conditions with two races sailed in eight to 12 knot south westerly breeze. Michelle de Blaquiere and Lachlan Hartnett traded first and second places in the 5s. Rhett Gowans and Michael O’Brien signalled their clear intention with two firsts in the 7s and 9s respectively. Day two started where day 1 left off and built to a solid 18 to 22 knot south-westerly and 3 races completed. With triangular courses set there were spectacular reaches and plenty of surfing, with plenty of centreboards coming up for air at the gybe mark. Lachie and Michelle continued to trade places in the 5s; Rhett notched up another bullet before breaking his tiller, opening the door for both Nick Collis-George and Chris Brain to lead the 7s home. In the 9s Simon Reffold had two great races to get home ahead of Michael O’Brien, with Michael taking the last race. There was plenty of action out on the course with the rescue boats kept very busy. Benson Or earned the most intrepid sailor prize. Having bottled at least a dozen times and a smile cemented on his face, it took some convincing to get him into the rescue boat. Once on board and watching Rhett sail his boat home Benson gave a detailed commentary of what he needs to learn. The last day was light and lumpy with left over sea from the night before, about 8-12 knots of breeze and a mix of overcast sky, heavy rain and bright sunshine. The 5 fleet mixed things up with Tabitha Stevenson winning a race. Rhett, sporting a new tiller, reclaimed his place at the front of the 7s but it wasn’t enough to make up for his bad luck on day 2, and Michael gave the 9s a sailing lesson taking out both races. MMYC, a volunteer only club, put on an excellent regatta, with Simon Reffold saying, “I attend regattas all over the world, every year – and…this one was a little bit special.” Ian Gould, commodore of MMYC, took some of the best RS Aero photographs around. LINK TO VIEW & DOWNLOAD PHOTOS Results: 5 Rig 1. L Hartnett 2. M de Blaquiere 3. V Stefani 7 Rig 1. C Brain 2. N Collis-George 3. R Gowans 9 Rig 1. M O’Brien 2. S Reffold 3. G Attrill The 2018 Nationals were over four days in Port Stephens, NSW. The wind was strong on all days, 18 or more knots each day. Racing was scheduled for the mornings to avoid the stronger afternoon breeze.
Results: 5 Rig 1. Chris Brain 2. Victoria Land 7 Rig 1. Rhett Gowans 2. Michael O'Brien 3. Nick Collis-George 9 Rig 1. Simon Reffold Full Results Yachts and Yachting Article |
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