MEDIA RELEASE 5 November 2026
World champions join interstate fleet for Etchells NSW Championship
Lucky & Pep’s Etchells NSW Championship 2026
Crews from Melbourne, Sydney, Gosford and Brisbane will join the host Pittwater fleet for the Lucky & Pep’s Etchells NSW Championship 2026, hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from 20–22 November on Pittwater and Broken Bay.
With 16 boats currently listed from seven clubs, including world champions and an Australian champion, the event highlights the depth of Australia’s Etchells fleet. The interstate turnout reflects the commitment of sailors prepared to travel for close competition and the opportunity to race against some of the class’s most accomplished competitors.
Melbourne’s Chris Hampton brings an impressive record aboard Tango, representing Royal Brighton Yacht Club. The 2022 Australian champion and former NSW titleholder added the 2026 Etchells Open European Championship to his honours at Cork Week in July, winning six of eight races. Victoria’s representation also includes Thomas Kelly aboard Matilda, entered through Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
Among the leading Sydney entries is Martin Hill AM aboard Lisa Rose. Hill skippered Lisa Rose to victory at the 2018 Etchells World Championship in Brisbane, and his presence adds proven international experience to the contest for the NSW title.
Magpie is listed under Ben Lamb/James Mayoh, whose Etchells record includes world championship victories as a crew member in 2016, 2025 and 2026. His most recent success came with Magpie in San Diego in May, bringing another connection to Australia’s achievements on the world stage.
David Dunn’s Great White Hunter has already demonstrated its form on the championship’s home waters this year, winning the Etchells division at RPAYC’s Mick Hole Winter Regatta in July. That recent Pittwater success makes the CYCA entry another boat to watch.
RPAYC’s Jason Antill also brings strong recent form after finishing second at October’s Queensland Championship aboard Northern Havoc, with two race wins against the QLD fleet. Fellow local skipper Dave Taylor, entered aboard 2107 Racing, also contested the Queensland event. Justin Connell’s DOT and Martin Naef’s Karabos add to the host club’s representation.
2026 entrants
Entries listed in SailSys and checked on 5 November 2026
Boat | Skipper | Club |
2107 Racing | Dave Taylor | RPAYC |
African Queen | Jan Muysken | GSC |
DOT | Justin Connell | RPAYC |
Flirtation | Jason Antill | RPAYC |
Froth | Geoff Dilworth | GSC |
Great White Hunter | David Dunn | CYCA |
Karabos | Martin Naef | RPAYC |
Lisa Rose | Martin Hill AM | RSYS |
Local Hero | Anthony Kongats | RSYS |
Magpie | Ben Lamb/James Mayoh | RSYS |
Matilda | Thomas Kelly | RGYC |
Northern Havoc | Jason Antill | RPAYC |
Tango | Chris Hampton | RBYC |
The Cure | Ken Trevillien | RSYS |
Tranquility Base | Robert Weir | RSYS |
Waterloo Too | Noel Paterson | RQYS |
The visiting fleet extends well beyond the headline contenders. Gosford Sailing Club is represented by Jan Muysken’s African Queen and Geoff Dilworth’s Froth, while Noel Paterson’s Waterloo Too carries Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s colours from Brisbane.
Sydney’s contingent also includes Anthony Kongats aboard Local Hero, Ken Trevillien aboard The Cure and Robert Weir aboard Tranquility Base. Together with the interstate and Pittwater entries, they demonstrate the breadth of club participation that sustains the class alongside its international success.
Pittwater Fleet Captain, David Taylor, ‘On behalf of the Pittwater Etchells Fleet, I welcome all Etchells skippers and crews to RPAYC and hope we can have as good a regatta as last time in 2023.
In this regatta, we have the Vakaros Racesense System to start the fleet (kind thanks to Harken) and the Markset Bots (kind thanks to Mat Butterworth) as well as North Sails, Sail Racing and Media by Hippodrome.
Here’s to a great and competitive regatta’.
Supported by naming sponsor Lucky & Pep’s, the championship will combine three days of racing with opportunities for visiting and local crews to reconnect ashore. The programme includes registration and weigh-in on Thursday 19 November, racing from Friday 20 November, and a presentation after the final day’s racing on Sunday 22 November.
RPAYC looks forward to welcoming competitors, their crews and supporters to Newport for a championship that brings Australia’s Etchells community together.
Event information | Current entry list
Media contact
Communications & Marketing | Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
marketing@rpayc.com.au | +61 2 9998 3700
ENDS
