Tilly takes NSW States in a close battle with Will Troop - RPAYC

The 2026 WASZP New South Wales State Championships were run from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) over the weekend of 14 /15 March. The event was run in conjunction with the annual Pittwater off the beach regatta.

The fleet headed out in the face of a poor forecast on Saturday, and a race was started in marginal conditions. After some early foiling, things faded, and the day’s only race was shortened after one and a half laps. Louis Tilly (RPAYC) restarted after an individual recall, then a navigation mistake from Will Troop (RPAYC) allowed Max Nicholson to lead to the finish, only to find he had started early. Louis was the overnight leader. After a long sail home and confirmation of the forecast, hopes were high for Sunday, as the forecast was far more promising.

A Pittwater Perfect day broke on Sunday, and race officer Ted Andersen set himself up in a steadily increasing sea breeze and sent off five excellent races, Racing was tight through the 16 strong fleet with a wide experience range, with some people in their first-ever WASZP event and others doing their final tune-up before going to the WASZP games in Pensacola next week. There were three different race winners and the results were tight in almost all placings.

The RPAYC was extremely supportive, with club officials turning out on the Rigging Lawn to chat with the WASZP sailors both before and after racing, and the club putting on an excellent prize giving in Halyards at the end of Sunday.

Max Nicholson from the Woollahra Sailing Club was first junior with Jervis Tilly getting fourth overall and first senior. The podium consisted of Mina Ferguson (also WSC) third overall and first female, Will Troop second overall and Louis Tilly being first youth and taking out his third New South Wales state championship.

Accepting the trophy, Louis thanked sponsors Zhik, Harken and Vakaros and particularly noted the support of the RPAYC saying “I would not be standing here without all that the club does for me – thank you.”

The WASZP Sailors move on to the All-Stars Invitational this week in Pensacola, USA, where Australia is being represented by Bridget Conrad and Louis. This is immediately followed by the pre-Games and Games.

Written by Media RPAYC