2026 29er Australian Championship at Sandy Bay Sailing Club
by Amy Potter 9 Jan 10:41 UTC
4-9 January 2026
The 2026 29er Australian Championship concluded today at Sandy Bay Sailing Club, following five action-packed days and 14 races of high-quality racing.
Competition throughout the week was red-hot, with a wide range of conditions testing both local and interstate sailors. The so-called "Garda of the South" delivered plenty of excitement, along with its fair share of challenges. The final day allowed for just one race to be completed, sailed in light and fickle breezes, which reshuffled parts of the leaderboard in Race 14.
After a thrilling series decided by just 0.4 of a point, Goro Tomishima and Orlando Sadlik (NSW) were crowned the new 29er Australian Champions, also finishing as first-placed Open team overall. Congratulations to Goro Tomishima as well, who was awarded first-place Junior Skipper.
Finishing narrowly in second place were Finley Symonds and Alasdair Cameron (WA), who surged up the leaderboard on day four with three race wins and came agonisingly close to claiming the title. Rounding out the podium in third place overall were Ethan Kiu and Louis Polson, representing Tasmania and Hong Kong. Kiu and Polson also secured first-place Junior Team overall. Congratulations to all podium finishers, it has been fantastic to watch this close contest unfold over the past few days.
The Female 29er National Champions, for the second year in a row, are Mia Austin and Zara Marks (NSW), who also finished an impressive sixth overall. The first placed female skipper in a mixed crew was Cate McCoy, sailing with Josh Garner.
The top nine boats from the championship will now receive invitations to compete at the Open 29er World Championships in Kiel, Germany.
Thank-you to today's race day sponsor Willie Smith's Apple Shed & Willie Smith's Cider.
Congratulations to all competitors, race officials, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors for being part of a fantastic week of racing. Thank-you also to our partners at Derwent Sailing Squadron for their support through the use of assets and support RIB storage over the week.
It has been a pleasure hosting you all, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Full results can be found here.