Newport, NSW. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is delighted to confirm the ten skippers accepted to compete in the 32nd HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship, to be held 19–23 November 2025 on the beautiful waters of Pittwater, NSW.
This World Sailing Grade 3 youth match racing event will feature four days of intense competition, with crews of four or five racing RPAYC’s Elliott 7 performance keelboats for the prestigious Rockin’ Robin Perpetual Trophy.
For the latest updates, Notice of Race, and media coverage, visit www.rpayc.com.au/harken-international-youth-match-racing-championship.
Daniel Kemp (RPAYC) returns to defend his title, while Ethan Fong (RNZYS), who finished runner-up in 2024, will be back in pursuit of the coveted trophy. Kemp’s team will see a few changes this year, with Louis Tilly, the 2024 NSW/ACT Youth Sailor of the Year, now skippering his own RPAYC team, adding an exciting local rivalry to this year’s championship.
2025 Team Line-Up sees a mix of Australia’s and New Zealand’s leading youth match racing clubs; the confirmed skippers include:
- Daniel Kemp (AUS) – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater
- Louis Tilly (AUS) – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater
- Ben Crafoord (AUS) – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Sydney
- Mia Lovelady (AUS) – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Perth
- Ethan Fong (NZL) – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland
- Zach Fong (NZL) – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland
- Sam Scott (NZL) – Point Chevalier Sailing Club, Auckland
- James Hayhoe (RSYS) – The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
- Robbie Woodridge (RNZYS) – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland
- Harriet McLachlan (RSYS) – The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
About the Event
Since its inception in 1992, the HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship has developed into one of the world’s most respected youth (under-23) sailing competitions, serving as a proven pathway for future professional sailors. Many past competitors have gone on to represent their nations in the America’s Cup, SailGP Series, World Match Racing Tour, and the Olympic Games.
Event Schedule & Format
- Wed, 19 Nov: Registration, weigh-in, and practice racing
- Thu–Sat, 20–22 Nov: Match racing rounds
- Sun, 23 Nov: Finals and Presentation & Team Dinner at RPAYC
Event Details
- Boats: RPAYC Elliott 7s
- Location: Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater, NSW
- Organising Authority: Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
- Naming Rights Sponsor: Harken Australia
RPAYC is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Harken Australia, whose support has helped make this event a cornerstone of youth match racing development both nationally and internationally.
