Race 1 of the Selden for Sailing Lion Island Series got underway in spectacular fashion on Saturday, 2 May 2026 on the sparkling waters of Pittwater. The iconic series, one of the most anticipated events on the annual RPAYC sailing calendar, drew an impressive fleet of 63 yachts spread across four competitive divisions, setting the stage for a thrilling season opener.
Race Officer Bob Rayner and the crew delivered a punctual 12:00 PM start, with the entire fleet away cleanly and courses set. Conditions were nothing short of outstanding, with a building northerly breeze greeting competitors as they powered through Pittwater and made their way towards West Head.
The building breeze proved both a gift and a challenge. Faster divisions surged forward along with amazing sailing from the VX One competitors, with crews eagerly setting spinnakers and asymmetric sails to capitalise on the downwind runs. As the fleet headed out past West Head and entered Broken Bay, they were met by long, solid ocean swells rolling in from the Tasman, a hallmark of this famous yacht race that makes the Lion Island Series a true test of seamanship and boat handling.
Navigating the swells required skill and confidence from all competitors. Crews who trimmed well and kept boat speed through the lumpy conditions were rewarded with impressive run times around the famous Lion Island, situated in the heart of Broken Bay. The return leg back through Pittwater saw close racing across the fleet, with numerous position changes as the breeze continued to build and boats jockeyed and even match raced for advantage.
Vento was the first to cross the finish line, with Condor biting at their stern under full steam.
Behind them, Thor, Bushranger, and Quantock were locked in tight, match-race-like racing conditions, crossing the line shortly after.
Down the bay was a sea of colour with the northerly providing a great run home.
With four more races to come on consecutive Saturdays throughout May, the series is shaping up to be a memorable edition. Competitors and spectators alike are already eagerly anticipating Race 2 on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
The 63-yacht fleet was divided into four divisions, catering to the full breadth of Pittwater’s racing community, from high-performance racing yachts to competitive cruising boats, sports boats, and two-handed entries. The Lion Island Series prides itself on this inclusive format, bringing together club regulars and visiting yachts in a common pursuit around one of Sydney’s most recognisable offshore landmarks.
PHS Results
In Division 1, XS Moment (Ray Hudson) claimed top honours, holding off Seeking Alpha (David Hamilton) in second, with Bushranger (Gerry Hatton) rounding out the podium in third.
Division 2 saw Sparrow (Peter Higgins) take the win, followed by Panchax – Selden for Sailing (Jan Scholten) in second and Problem Child (Greg Jacobs) in third.
In Division 3, Kindred Spirit (Angus Gordon) led the fleet home to secure first place, ahead of Gypsy Princess (Murray Glase) in second and Vittoria (Alan Reece) in third.
Division 4 honours went to VeXatious (Jervis Tilly), with Vamos (Robert Bates) finishing second and 2107 Racing (Dave Taylor) taking third.
ORC Results
Under ORC scoring, Division 1 saw Seeking Alpha (David Hamilton) rise to the top, with Vento (Campbell Letchford) finishing second and Organised Chaos (Garry Gudmunson) securing third.
In Division 2, Gezzabelle (Allen Stormon) took both line honours and the win on corrected time, ahead of King Tide (Greg O’Neill / Jenny Danks) in second and Young at Heart (Simon Grosser) in third.
Division 3 was won by Kama III (David Cunningham), with Carpe Vitae finishing second and Kindred Spirit (Angus Gordon) completing the podium.
Finally, in Division 4, Skagerak (Lauren Brewer) secured the win, followed by Pacesetter (Andrew MacPhail) in second and Ultimate Tune (John Smidmore) in third.
Series Sponsor
The Lion Island Series is proudly supported by Selden for Sailing. Selden is a world-leading manufacturer of mast, boom, and rigging systems, renowned for quality and innovation in the sport of sailing. The club extends its sincere thanks to Jan Scholten and the Selden for Sailing team for their continued generous support of Pittwater racing.
About the Lion Island Series
The Lion Island Series is one of the highlights of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s annual racing calendar. Held every Saturday throughout May, the five-race offshore series takes competitors from Pittwater out through West Head, around Lion Island in Broken Bay, and back, a course that showcases some of the most beautiful and challenging sailing waters on the NSW coast.
With up to 70+ yachts competing each week across racing, cruising, and two-handed categories, the series attracts both seasoned offshore campaigners and those new to offshore passage racing. The event is proudly sponsored by Selden for Sailing, with great weekly prizes and offers courtesy of Jan Scholten.
The prestigious Isea Trophy is awarded to the winning ORC yachts and the Basin Trophy on PHS across all divisions at the conclusion of the series.
