Australian Youth Match Racing Championship confirmed for Geelong 2026
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), in conjunction with Australian Sailing, will host the Australian Youth Match Racing Championship on 22 to 25 October 2026.
The Championships will be a World Sailing Grade 3 Youth event. Teams will complete in the RGYC’s fleet of six RS21 keelboats. Up to twelve youth teams under the age of 23 years, with a crew of four to five, will be invited to compete under the watchful eye of a highly accredited team of International and Australian Umpires.
Photo Credit: Royal Geelong Yacht Club
“The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is thrilled to be working with Australian Sailing to bring this event to Geelong,” remarked RGYC Commodore Paul Buchholz. “Australia has a proud history in Match Racing, none more so than the historic win by Australia II, with her winged keel, to wrestle the America’s Cup from the New York Yacht Club way back in 1983. To see this discipline of our sport make its way to Geelong with the stars of the future will be a huge boost for youth sailing in Victoria.”
The Championship will consist of an optional practice day (21 October) followed by four days (22 to 25 October) of action packed, 1 on 1 match racing. The season calendar will also feature an open-aged lead-in regatta on 12 and 13 September, allowing sailors to test their mettle on local waters and in the RS21 keelboats, adding to the match racing program for the 2026-2027 summer.
“The timing of this championship couldn't be better for Australian match racing," said Australian Sailing CEO Malcolm Page OAM.
"We're seeing tremendous momentum in the discipline, from Cole Tapper's recent success on the international stage through to the announcement of an Australian challenger for the America's Cup for the first time in more than 25 years through Team Australia Challenge. These achievements demonstrate the depth of talent that exists within Australian sailing and the opportunities available to young sailors who choose to pursue match racing.
“We're delighted to partner with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club to deliver this championship. With its outstanding facilities, strong sailing community and commitment to youth development, Geelong is an ideal venue to showcase Australia's emerging match racing talent and inspire future champions.”
Photo Credit: Royal Geelong Yacht Club
Supporting the delivery of the regatta is RGYC’s multi-level Victorian Sailing Centre, providing dorm-style accommodation for up to 48 competitors and officials, state-of-the-art facilities, training rooms, offices and multi-purpose spaces.
Commodore Buchholz noted RGYC’s ongoing investment in the future of sailing in Victoria. “Our Club has invested heavily in both vessels and facilities in recent years to bring world-class events such as the Australian Youth Match Racing Championship to Geelong. We look forward to welcoming all competitors, coaches and officials in October.”
Applications for entry are now open via regatta website.
