Small boats dominate
The 30- and 40-footers are setting the pace in the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore as 26 yachts prepare for the 260-nautical-mile Tollgate Islands Race, starting Friday 16 October.
Port Stephens 20th
Sail Port Stephens will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, with entries now open for 11 days of racing across three weeks from 12 April to 2 May.
Gloss innovation
Awlgrip has expanded its innovative Gloss Finish Primer into North America and Asia-Pacific, offering superyacht builders and refit yards a more efficient coating system that reduces application time and VOC emissions.
Olympic opening
The Australian Sailing Team has introduced the next generation of female sailors to Olympic-class racing through a 49erFX Experience Camp at Lake Macquarie.
Middle Sea showdown
The 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race is shaping up as a compelling battle for line honours, with defending champion Black Jack 100 facing seven former round-the-world racing yachts and unpredictable Mediterranean conditions.
Celestial champions
Sam Haynes and Tom Woods have secured national titles at The Yacht Sales Co. Sail Paradise 2026, with Celestial and Saltwater Wine crowned Australian Yachting Champions on the Gold Coast.
Prepare for boot 2027
Next year’s boot Düsseldorf will bring an expanded program of watersports, paddling and adventure activities to Hall 12, with a larger indoor pool, new canoe course and more opportunities for visitors to get on the water.
GGR breakaway
Damien Guillou and Pat Lawless have broken clear of the chasing fleet in the 2026 McIntyre Golden Globe Race, as unpredictable conditions in the Atlantic begin to reshape the solo round-the-world contest.
Botin 41 underway
McConaghy has commenced construction of Swing, a new Botin 41 racing yacht designed by Botin Partners and engineered for high-performance inshore racing.
Sponsor returns
Sydney Brewery has renewed its partnership with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), supporting the club’s 2026/27 Twilight Series and the 81st Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Solely sailing
Australia’s largest Sail Expo returns to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Newport on 17 and 18 October, bringing together an extensive display of sailing yachts, marine equipment and services on Pittwater.
Porto new home
The Ocean Race will establish its long-term global headquarters in Porto, Portugal, under a landmark partnership that will also see the city host the start of three editions of the round-the-world race through 2040.
Sailing on show
Australia’s largest dedicated sailing show returns to Pittwater this month, with Sail Expo 2026 bringing yachts, marine equipment and the sailing community together at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
Showdown in Paradise
The Yacht Sales Co Sail Paradise 2026 is set for a major weekend of racing on the Gold Coast, with the regatta incorporating the Australian Yachting Championships for the first time.
Storm struck
Tropical Storm Gonzalo has brought a major weather test for the McIntyre Golden Globe Race fleet, with solo skippers facing winds above 30 knots, sudden shifts and seas potentially reaching five metres near Cabo Verde.
Sailing legacy
Four Australian catamaran sailors spanning two generations have been recognised with Barranjoey Pins, linking the country’s high-performance sailing legacy with its emerging Olympic talent.
