Pittwater, NSW – June 2026
Race 5 of the 2026 Seldén for Sailing Lion Island Series delivered everything sailors could have hoped for — breeze!
Unlike several earlier races this season, competitors were greeted by wind from the outset, allowing racing across all divisions to get underway on schedule. A crisp winter morning saw south-westerly winds of 12–15 knots sweep down Pittwater, setting the stage for an exciting upwind start. With crews rugged up against the chilly conditions, the fleet charged off the line before making a starboard rounding of the top mark, drawing adrenaline-fuelled calls from crews on deck and spectators alike as boats jostled for position and possibly kissing the mark.
Some crews wasted no time setting their downwind sails, while others held off in search of the perfect angle. As the fleet settled into the race, colourful asymmetric and symmetric kites were hoisted across the course. Soon, a sea of vibrant spinnakers lit up Pittwater as yachts spread from shore to shore on the run north towards Lion Island.
As yachts approached West Head, the race entered a new phase. The imposing headlands created a significant wind shadow, transforming the famous headland into a “customs arrival point”. With Lion Island clearly in sight, a procession of yachts slowed dramatically, some nearly coming to a standstill.
What had been a fast and flowing run up Pittwater suddenly became a test of patience and positioning.
Division 1 crews faced an additional challenge, incorporating the Box Head Mark into their course.
Yet the lull was only temporary. The fleet’s momentum, combined with careful sail trim and positioning, eventually carried boats clear of the shadow. Emerging into Broken Bay, the front runners and mid-fleet were greeted by a freshening westerly sea breeze of 12–18 knots.
The race around Lion Island proved equally decisive. With the breeze fluctuating and a steady ocean swell rolling through Broken Bay, many yachts slowed as they approached the western side of the island. Crews that timed the swell and maintained boat speed were rewarded, surfing forward and surging their way around to the western end of Lion Island.
By mid-afternoon, the breeze had eased slightly to 10–12 knots and backed more to a southerly-westerly, for the race home. Creating opportunities for gains and losses across the fleet. The varying pressure lines rewarded crews willing to venture in search of stronger breeze.
Against the backdrop of clear winter skies, cool temperatures hovering around 15°C and sparkling water stretching across Broken Bay, Race 5 showcased Pittwater at its absolute best.
From the opening gun to the final sprint home, the race delivered everything that makes winter sailing on Pittwater special: smart decision-making, spectacular scenery, colourful spinnakers and close racing across every division.
Race 5 concluded the Selden Lion Island Series for 2026, with one of the five races abandoned; no discards were applicable.
For competitors and spectators alike, Race 5 will be remembered as one of the standout events of the 2026 Seldén for Sailing Lion Island Series.
Overall Pointscore WINNERS
Following Race 5 of the 2026 Seldén for Sailing Lion Island Series, the provisional overall Handicap Pointscore winners in each division are:
ORC – Isea Trophy
Division 1: Seeking Alpha, David Hamilton
Division 2: Problem Child, Greg Jacobs
Division 3: Kindred Spirit, Angus Gordon
Division 4: VeXatious, Jervis Tilly
PHS – The Basin Challenge Trophy
Division 1: Seeking Alpha, David Hamilton
Division 2: Problem Child, Greg Jacobs
Division 3: Kama III, David Cunningham
Division 4: Skagerak, Lauren Brewer
Winner of the Sea Change Trophy
- Kim Williams, Rock’n Roll