This idea was hatched at the RPAYC hosted Hansa Worlds in 2025 to allow Skud 18 sailors a unique opportunity to experience the Match Racing format for the first time. The organisers strategically hosted the regatta during the week following Auckland SailGP 2026.
Linda Buchan and crew Arthur Spithill represented RPAYC as the only NSW team at the event hosted by Ponsonby Sailing Club (Race Management) together with RNZYS ( hospitality) and Sailability Auckland who provided four matched boats with new sails together with excellent dockside infrastructure. The high performance Skud 18 is based on the 49er with modifications to improve stability to suit sailors with various physical limitations. Typically sailed with a disabled skipper and an able-bodied crew with main, jib, gennaker and optional trapeze (as used on Pittwater). They are an exciting (and sometimes frightening) boat which readily planes downwind.
Ten crews from New Zealand, Australia and the United States competed head-to-head over three days showcasing close tactical duels and strong international competition.
“ It was a significant opportunity and a genuine honour to compete in the world’s first international match racing regatta for the SKUD 18class, alongside leading crews from New Zealand, Australia and the United States. It was personally rewarding, my first time sailing overseas, and the learning curve was steep, almost vertical!” said Linda.
Arthur commented, “I was up against much younger crews, many were YD sailors from RNZYS. After 4 days in strong winds the shore team offered me the chair crane to get out of the boat after the final race, which I steadfastly declined! Linda did an amazing job and it is always a great pleasure to sail with her.”
Logistically a Swiss draw format was used across the regatta as change overs on the water were not possible for disabled sailors who needed the chair crane at the Sailability base nearby. The same team was raced three times then came back ashore to allow sailors to swap in and out of the boats. The 20 knot plus winds and 3 knot tide certainly kept things interesting, with the purpose of damage deposits quickly proving invaluable for organisers.
The event was overall won by Graham Hook & Darrell Smith. It was impossible to allow for the varying abilities of the crews and the event was more about participation than trophies.
Our congratulations to the 2026 podium finishers:
1st Place & Champions: Graham Hook & Darrell Smith – TBBC – NZL
2nd Place: Naomi Ooue & Joe Thompson – SYC – AUS
3rd Place: Neil Rowsthorn & Jack Wallace – SYC – AUS
– Linda Buchan and Arthur Spithill