Australian Yachting Championships
IRC | Derwent Sailing Squadron | January 3–5, 2025
I had the opportunity to race aboard Tenacity, a highly competitive Mills 41 owned by John Lawrie and skippered by Vaughan Lynch, during the 2025 Australian Yachting Championships (IRC) on Hobart’s iconic Derwent River. Tenacity’s reputation as a proven campaigner is well established, including multiple Rolex Sydney to Hobart starts with a crew noted for precision, discipline and tactical excellence.
I served as mast person for this regatta. In this role I was responsible for controlling the halyards and top sails, coordinating hoists and drops, and ensuring clean, efficient sail changes—critical components when racing upriver and across the shifting breezes of the Derwent.
Being part of Tenacity’s crew, even for a brief period, presented a rare learning environment: surrounded by sailors operating at the highest club and championship level, I was able to observe how experience, preparation and clear communication translate into split-second execution under pressure.
The team on board functioned like a well-oiled machine. Every manoeuvre—whether a tack through the river’s tidal bands, a hoist in light air or a gybe in river chop—was carried out with precision and decisive timing. The professionalism and calm control demonstrated by the crew deepened my appreciation for coordinated teamwork, situational awareness and the importance of role clarity in high-stakes racing.
Racing on Tenacity reinforced my understanding of the demands of fleet-racing at championship intensity, particularly in the Derwent’s notoriously fickle conditions. The level of skill and communication required to keep sails flat, speed optimised and systems aligned during close-quarters competition provided valuable insights that I have since applied to other high-performance racing contexts.
Being entrusted with the mast position alongside this experienced group was both humbling and highly educational. It further strengthened my competencies in sail handling, race rhythm and execution under pressure, and enhanced my ability to integrate quickly into a performance-driven crew environment.
Blogs
Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster
Sailing down the coast on Rushour during the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore performance. Heavy Bass Strait and Southern Ocean conditions tested endurance, decision-making, and watch management, while the multihull’s record-breaking pace reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing, and protecting both crew and craft over a long, exposed passage.
Belle – IY60
Racing offshore on Belle, a 60-foot IY60, was a high-intensity test of big-boat handling. Loads, sail changes, and manoeuvres demanded precision, anticipation, and clear communication. The ORCV Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness, adaptability, and crew coordination, giving valuable experience in managing a large offshore yacht under pressure while maintaining speed and control.
QuiXotic
QuiXotic is a well-sailed X-41, but what stands out most is the crew. Andrew Middleton and the team create a positive, easygoing environment on board, focused on enjoying the racing and sailing well together. It’s a boat where good company and good sailing go hand in hand.
Rushour
On Rushour, I completed the 430nm Southport to Sydney qualifying passage, involved in all aspects of high-performance multihull sailing. From helming in varied conditions to managing asymmetric spinnaker trim and watch rotations, this experience built the discipline and confidence I carried directly into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
Fast Forward – Sydney 38
Faster Forward isn’t just a respected Sydney 38; for me, it represents the heart of sailing culture. After the Melbourne to Hobart, I was adopted into this tight-knit team, learning that success is built as much through shared dinners and crew camaraderie as it is through miles on the water.
Alex Team Macadie
Alex is a boat with a massive reputation, especially for its legendary double-handed feats. Racing with Jock MacAdie provided a firsthand look at how this Hart 14 has stayed competitive for decades. It’s a platform built on grit and offshore history, where the focus is always on high standards and coastal discipline.
Wings
The 1,100nm delivery of Wings from Hamilton Island to Sydney was a lesson in persistence. Most of the trip was spent punched into 18 to 25-knot headwinds and heavy seas. It was a great chance to get some serious hours on the helm at night and see how offshore routing actually works in the real world.
Unprecedented
Sailing out of Safety Beach on this modern Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was a shift in perspective. Lighter and more responsive than most cruiser-racers, the boat is purpose-built for efficiency. Managing the running backstays and highly loaded rig highlighted the technical precision needed to keep such a performance-focused platform moving at its best.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2024
The Whitsundays definitely showed their teeth during the 2024 regatta. Working the bow on a Hanse 430E, I spent the week wrestling with 30-knot gusts and complex island tides. It was all about staying one step ahead of the next sail change while navigating the narrow, choppy channels that define racing in this part of the world.
Hot Chipps
Club racing on Port Phillip Bay provided the perfect introduction to the Dehler 46 platform. Spending time on this versatile yacht was great preparation for a later coastal delivery, offering hands-on experience with its systems and deck layout. Assisting with a new mainsail setup also gave me a more technical look at the boat’s performance beyond just pulling ropes during a race.
Arcadia
Sailing on this Archambault 40RC across club and ORCV races has been a masterclass in team efficiency. PJ and the crew operate with a calm, quiet precision that makes even complex sail changes look routine. It’s a great environment to observe how a cohesive team relies on clear roles and consistent repetition rather than noise to maintain performance under pressure.
It’s not just sailing
Racing the Dufour 40 near the Yarra River mouth keeps us on our toes. Beyond the technical challenges of Port Phillip Bay, sailing with Peter’s team highlights the social side of the sport. Post-race drinks in the galley are as vital as the racing, cementing the camaraderie that makes club sailing worthwhile.