Congratulations to Sylvia Carlson on her performance at The Kitchen Maker 2026 Australian O’pen Skiff Championships, sailed on Sydney Harbour from 19–24 January 2026 and hosted by Manly Yacht Club. Competing in the O’pen Skiff class for the first time, Sylvia went straight into the National Championships, having never previously sailed the class. Racing in a fleet of 83 sailors from across Australia and New Zealand, she achieved an excellent result, placing 3rd Female in the Silver Fleet.

The championship was sailed in demanding conditions, with highly variable wind directions, significant gusts, and choppy seas — all while racing alongside congested fleets on the same course. Silver Fleet racing was particularly close, with minimal points separating the top finishers across the series. Following the Nationals, Sylvia is qualified for the O’pen Skiff World Championships, to be held in December 2026.

(Photo credit: Marg’s Yacht Photos)