MEDIA RELEASE – 22 March, 2026
Optimist Sailors Take on Pittwater at RPAYC
135 junior ‘Opti’ sailors from more than 15 clubs where welcomed by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club to compete in the NSW Optimist Sate Championship 2026. Three Fleets were represented with competitors in the Open, Intermediate and Green Fleets, with strong representation from Woollahra SC, Hunters Hill SC, RPAYC, Georges River SC, Royal Sydney SC and many others. The RPAYC Commodore, Robert McClelland, welcomed the junior sailors and parents, highlighting how sailing can be a sport for life, and noting how the Optimist Class has continued to grow since 2003.
Saturday, day one of the NSW Optimist State Championships, was a test of patience, with a very light and shifty easterly breeze keeping sailors, coaches and race officials on their toes. Green Fleet was first to hit the water after a delayed start under AP. Whilst the Intermediate and Open Fleets were held ashore waiting for a suitable race breeze to settle.
With the breeze in the ‘small pond’ ranging from 0-5knts and constantly moving, Race Office and Commodore, Robert McClelland, still managed to complete 3 races for the day to the much delight of competitors and the flotilla of on-lookers.
Unfortunately, no races were held for the Intermediate and Open Fleets for the day. With the fleets de-rigging and heading back home early, awaiting Sunday, day 02, where they would need to complete at least two races for a series result.
Koa Holland (RPAYC), named Green Fleet’s “Boat of the Day” on day one, showed confidence in the tricky Pittwater conditions aboard “Nauti Buoy”. Reflecting on his sailing, Koa said the key was trusting his own judgement, waiting for the right angles and a little pressure to come through. Even in a light and shifty breeze, he described it as some of his best racing. After a standout day on the water, Koa celebrated in fitting style with a bit of gunwale surfing.
Still soaked during his post-race interview, Koa laughed that he had not actually jumped in the water at the end, but had fallen in while trying to do a “froggy” on the side of the boat.
Sunday, day 2 of the NSW Optimist Championship on Pittwater, delivered another demanding day, as the fleets worked through shifty and unpredictable breezes across the two course areas. Green Fleet saw the AP & L Flag flown as the Committee Vessel went in search of better winds in the ‘small pond’.
Once settled, the Green Fleet made the most of the conditions, successfully finishing three races for the day and completing a full series for the weekend. The junior sailors showed great enthusiasm and resilience, working their way around the course while learning to read Pittwater’s shifty breeze and building their confidence with every start.
By early afternoon, the Green Fleet had returned to shore for their presentation, marking the end of their weekend’s racing. At the presentation, the Commodore congratulated all the sailors on their efforts and thanked the parents and volunteers who supported the fleet throughout the regatta. Despite the tricky weather across the weekend, the young competitors embraced the challenge and enjoyed a fantastic introduction to championship racing on Pittwater.
Conditions on the Intermediate and Open courses were more difficult; taking a lot longer for a suitable race course to be established, by 2.00pm both the Open and Intermediate Fleets were ready for Race 1 of the Series, with both starts held under a Black Flag start, meaning any boat inside the starting zone during the final minute before the start would be automatically disqualified from that race. The rule added an extra layer of pressure and discipline on the line, forcing sailors to balance timing and positioning carefully.
The Open Fleet managed to complete three races during the day. Once underway, the fleet spread across the course searching for pressure across Pittwater’s wide waters, with lead groups emerging on each beat and tactical choices proving decisive.
The Intermediate Fleet also fought through the north easterly breeze, but was only able to finish two races before the race time cut-off, as the start time (1530hrs) was reached.
A Challenging but Rewarding Weekend
By the end of Day 2, the championship had delivered everything Pittwater is known for: mixed breezes, wide open water and conditions that tested sailors’ sailing knowledge and boat skills. Across all fleets, the competitors showed determination and sportsmanship, supported by a dedicated race management team and a large group of coaches, parents and volunteers on the water. With racing now complete, the 2026 NSW Optimist Championship finished on a high, giving every sailor valuable experience, lasting memories and plenty to be proud of after a hard-fought weekend on Pittwater.
