Derwent Sailing Squadron

𝐊𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐘𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞

Entries are now open for the 2026 Knest Modular Homes Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race, marking the 20th running of one of Tasmania’s iconic offshore sailing events.

Hosted by the Derwent Sailing Squadron in partnership with the Tamar Yacht Club, the race has become a fixture of the Tasmanian sailing calendar, attracting everyone from experienced offshore campaigners to crews taking on their first offshore challenge.

Celebrating this milestone year alongside Knest Modular Homes adds another dimension to the occasion. As naming rights partner for the 20th edition, Knest Modular Homes brings a vision centred on making quality housing more accessible to more Tasmanians. That commitment to accessibility reflects one of the enduring strengths of the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race, which for two decades has provided an affordable and achievable pathway into offshore racing.

“𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯” said Knest Modular Homes Director Brett Cooper. “𝘒𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴.”

“𝘚𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘠𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘵.”

Derwent Sailing Squadron Commodore, Dr. Steve Chau said reaching 20 years was a significant achievement for an event that has become an important part of Tasmania’s offshore racing calendar.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴, 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘣𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺” Chau said. “𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘒𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦.”

Race Director Ron Bugg said the anniversary is a chance to celebrate the volunteers, clubs, sponsors and competitors who have contributed to the event’s history.

“𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦,” Bugg said. “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯. 𝘞𝘦'𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘒𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 20 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘠𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘦.”

Entries for the 20th anniversary race are now open.

ENTER NOW: https://l2h-dssinc.org.au/race-documents/



Knest Modular | TasPorts | ORC - Offshore Racing Congress | IRC Rating | Australian Sailing - Tasmania

Photo: Colleen Darcey (2025 Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race)

Race 1 of the 2026 Battery World Winter Pennant got underway in unseasonably warm conditions on the River Derwent. Race Officer Ian Ross had a real "whale of a time" trying to set a course in the highly variable breeze, quite fitting given a whale sighting during the day in the river. After approximately a 30-minute delay, a course was eventually laid and the fleet got underway.

The fickle conditions continued throughout the race, demanding constant attention from skippers and tacticians. With northerly and southerly breezes battling for dominance, crews were kept busy with mid-beat spinnaker hoists and mid-run drops as the wind shifted across the course. It was very much an "eyes out of the boat" kind of day, with those able to identify and transition into the next pressure line quickest ultimately gaining the upper hand. Despite the challenging conditions, enough breeze remained to ensure a successful opening race for the series.

In Division 1, Bad Habit making a strong debut claimed PHS honours ahead of Wargames and Guilty Pleasures VI. Wargames, skippered by Wayne Banks-Smith, enjoyed an outstanding day on corrected time, taking victory in both IRC and ORC, while Plausible Alibi finished second in both handicap categories.

Division 2 saw The Dog House continue its strong form, securing victory in PHS, IRC and ORC. Ben Coad's crew finished ahead of Flying Scud and Wings Three in the PHS standings, while IYKYK and Knest Modular Prion rounded out the podium positions in the IRC and ORC results.

In Division 3, Cool Change took out the PHS win from Joie de Vie, with Serenity completing the podium. The result gives Chris Bobbi and his crew an early advantage as the five-race winter series gets underway.

The fleet will now have a short break before returning to the water for Race 2 of the Battery World Winter Pennant Series on Sunday, 5 July, where competitors (and the Race Management team!) will be hoping for a little more consistency from the breeze.

FULL RESULTS: https://topyacht.net/publicresults/SeriesIndex?seriesId=1084

Words & Photos: Amy Potter

𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝟏

The days are getting colder, the sunlight is getting shorter, and winter has most definitely arrived. But it's not all doom and gloom, with Race 1 of the Battery World Winter Pennant set to get underway this Sunday, 14 June. A competitive fleet of 21 boats is set to hit the line for the opening race of the five-race pennant series.

Division 1 sees a mix of familiar faces and some exciting new additions to the winter fleet. Making only its second appearance in Squadron racing, the Fred Barrett designed Bad Habit, raced by the Bad Habit Syndicate, is sure to be one to watch. Joining it in Division 1 is series debutant White Knuckle Ride, which impressed earlier this year with a podium finish in the Performance Cruising division at the Crown Series Regatta in February. Both newcomers will be looking to make their mark against some established competition. Returning winter pennant regulars Wargames, Guilty Pleasures VI and Plausible Alibi are sure to keep the pressure on, while Midnight Rambler adds further depth to what is shaping up to be a highly competitive division.

Division 2 is also shaping up to be a hot contest despite the cool conditions. Invincible, runner-up in the 2025 PHS series, is back for another crack and will no doubt be looking to go one better in the 2026 edition. Known for producing close and consistent racing, there is sure to be plenty of competition between IYKYK, The Dog House and Knest Modular Prion. With Flying Scud and Wings Three also in the mix, Division 2 once again looks set to deliver some of the closest racing of the series.

Division 3 boasts the largest fleet of the series and is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions on the river. Cool Change, Joie de Vie and Letoile return once again and are sure to provide some close racing throughout the series. Narrowly missing out on top honours in 2025, Serenity is back for more and will no doubt be looking to go one place better after also claiming the DSS Summer Pennant in Division 3. Meanwhile, the small but mighty J/24 Street Car comes into the series off the back of a divisional win in the recent Autumn Short-Handed Series and will be keen to show that it can be just as competitive in fully crewed racing. With B&G Excalibur, Hooligan, Leander, Young One and Off-Piste also lining up, there will be no shortage of contenders when the division gets underway on Sunday.

With a classic katabatic downwind race currently forecast and a chilly day expected on the River Derwent, Race 1 is shaping up to deliver some close and competitive racing. While temperatures may be low, the competition certainly won't be, with crews sure to be rugged up in their winter woollies as the 2026 Battery World Winter Series gets underway.

FULL ENTRANTS LIST: https://topyacht.net/publicresults/SeriesIndex?seriesId=1084

Words & Photos: Amy Potter (2025 Winter Pennant & 2026 KOD)

As Volunteer Week 2026 comes to a close, we wanted to share a few more photos from Thursday's Volunteer Appreciation Evening and once again say thank you to the incredible people who help make the Squadron what it is

Throughout the 2025–26 season, more than 100 volunteers have given their time across various sections of the club. From race management, rescue boats and major events like the Launceston to Hobart, to the Boat Shed, committees, Board members and everything behind the scenes. Our volunteers are truly the backbone of the Squadron.

The evening also gave us the opportunity to formally recognise two outstanding volunteers through our annual awards.

Congratulations to Mick Rowley, recipient of the Tom Stephens Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to race management and his tireless work week after week supporting racing on the water.

Congratulations also to Elizabeth Williams, recipient of the John Herbert Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution. Elizabeth’s creativity, care and quiet dedication have helped create the warm and welcoming atmosphere so many members and visitors love about the clubhouse.

Thank you again to every single volunteer who contributes to the Squadron community, we couldn’t do it without you.

𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭-𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

Today marked the final race of the Autumn Short-Handed Series. Unfortunately, the wind decided to stay in bed this morning, with the fleet greeted by very light conditions and moments of drifting throughout the race. Race Officer Gilbert Leitch was ultimately forced to shorten the course as competitors battled to find pressure across the river.

Nonetheless, we got a race in, and that wraps up another successful Autumn Short-Handed Series at the Squadron. A huge thank you goes to all competitors, volunteers and officials who made the series possible over the past few weeks.

Congratulations to today's podium finishers:

𝐃𝟏 | 𝐏𝐇𝐒 𝟐 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫
🥉 SUNDOWNER – Alice Grubb
🥈 EYE CANDY – Malo Leseigneur
🥇 GUILTY PLEASURES VI – Gary Cripps

𝐃𝟏 | 𝐎𝐑𝐂 𝐀𝐏
🥇 EYE CANDY – Malo Leseigneur

𝐃𝟐 | 𝐏𝐇𝐒 𝟐 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫
🥉 FLYING SCUD – Stephen Henley
🥈 THE DOG HOUSE – Ben Coad
🥇 STREET CAR – Russell James

𝐃𝟐 | 𝐎𝐑𝐂 𝐃𝐇
🥇 JIYUU – Peter Davis

𝐃𝟑 | 𝐏𝐇𝐒 𝟐 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫
🥈 WILD BLUE YONDER – Nathan Toomer
🥇 WINGS THREE – Peter Haro

FULL RESULTS: https://topyacht.net/publicresults/SeriesIndex?seriesId=1034

Next up is the Battery World Winter Pennant, with the first race of the series set to get underway on June 14th. We look forward to seeing the fleet back out on the water for another great winter of racing.

The presentation for the Autumn Short-Handed Series will take place as part of the November Squadron Prize Giving.

On Friday evening, we held our May Prize Night at The Squadron, with a fantastic turnout to celebrate the achievements of our members from the past racing season.

The evening included presentations of our annual Club Awards, along with the Twilight Pennant and DSS Summer Pennant prizes. Congratulations to all prize and award recipients recognised on the night.

🏆 Ediss Boyes Youth Encouragement Award – Olive Hooper
Olive Hooper enjoyed an exceptional season, highlighted by winning the International Cadet Australian Championship along with multiple state and youth titles. As Tasmanian Team Captain, Junior Commodore at Sandy Bay Sailing Club, and an Assistant Instructor, Olive demonstrated outstanding leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication both on and off the water.

🏆 Seamanship Award – Glenn Myler & Duncan Hine
Glenn Myler and Duncan Hine were recognised for an outstanding display of seamanship during the 2025 Melbourne to Osaka Race on Alive. Taking on a 5,500 nautical mile offshore challenge two-handed aboard a 66-foot racing yacht required exceptional skill, endurance, and decision-making in demanding conditions. Their safe completion of the race, combined with an outstanding result, made them worthy recipients of this award.

🏆 Outstanding Women’s Achievement Award – Erini Marios
Erini Marios had a standout season across multiple classes, delivering strong performances at both state and national level. Highlights included podium finishes at the SB20 Nationals, first female at both the SB20 and VX One Nationals, and first female at the SB20 Tasmanian Championships.

🏆 Graham Blackwood Award – Jonathon Rees
Jonathon Rees was recognised for his significant contribution to sailing through his work as an Australian Sailing National Umpire and National Judge on-water jury member, along with his ongoing support behind the scenes. From race documentation and protest processes to rules advice and event support, Jonathon’s knowledge and dedication made a valuable impact on the sailing community.

🏆 Commodore’s Award – Joe De K**k
Joe De K**k was recognised for an outstanding year across both offshore and inshore sailing. His achievements included a divisional win in the Sydney to Hobart, strong performances in major local offshore races, and victory at the Sailing League Asia Pacific Final. Joe’s success reflected both his exceptional sailing ability and his ongoing contribution to the sport, making him a worthy recipient of the Commodore’s Award.

Thank you to all who helped make the night a success. A special thankyou to MC Vice Commodore Colleen Darcey, for making the evening lots of fun!

We look forward to doing it all again in November.

Photos: Phil Mason

𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝟑 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

An absolute cracking morning greeted competitors for Race 3 of the 2026 Autumn Short-Handed Series at the Derwent Sailing Squadron. The fleet was welcomed with an 8–10 knot north-westerly breeze that gradually softened throughout the race, once again delivering near-perfect conditions for short-handed racing.

Race Officer Gilbert Leitch said he aimed to provide competitors with some variation in course styles this week, mixing things up from the windward/leeward racing seen in the opening races of the series. With the breeze becoming increasingly variable after the first lap, the decision was made to shorten the course.

On the water, Eye Candy skippered by Malo Leseigneur had a standout morning, taking victory in both Division 1 PHS 3 Handed and Division 1 ORC AP. In the PHS results, Guilty Pleasures VI skippered by Gary Cripps finished second ahead of Tenacity skippered by Vaughan Lynch, while in ORC AP, Midnight Rambler skippered by Edward Psaltis claimed second and Plausible Alibi skippered by Damon Wecker rounded out the podium.

Division 2 PHS 2 Handed Spinnaker honours went to Street Car skippered by Russell James, ahead of Cool Change skippered by Chris Bobbi and Serenity skippered by Graham Hall. In Division 2 ORC DH, Knest Modular Prion skippered by Donovan Oak claimed the win from The Dog House Sailing skippered by Ben Coad and Jiyuu skippered by Peter Davis. In Division 3 PHS 2 Handed Non-Spinnaker, Alley Oop 7 skippered by Matt Williams took the win ahead of seasoned short-hander Peter Haros aboard Wings Three.

With just one race remaining and no discard in the series, the overall standings are shaping up for a thrilling finale next week. In Division 1 PHS, Guilty Pleasures VI continues to lead, with Eye Candy now just two points behind after a strong performance today. Division 2 is even tighter, with Russell James on Street Car rocketing to the top of the leaderboard by a single point following solid results in Races 2 and 3. Cool Change sits just one point further back on 11 points, while Knest Modular Prion rounds out the top three on 12 points. In Division 3, experienced short-hander Peter Haros aboard Wings Three leads by three points over Nathan Toomer’s Wild Blue Yonder.

With the series finale set for next week, competitors will need one more strong performance to secure overall honours. Let’s hope for another beautiful day of sailing as we look forward to seeing how the 2026 Autumn Short-Handed Series wraps up!

FULL RESULTS: https://topyacht.net/publicresults/SeriesIndex?seriesId=1034

Words & Photos: Amy Potter