CYCA and RFBYC partner to host Australia's premier match racing events
by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 5 Jun 21:55 NZST
CYCA & RFBYC Partner © CYCA / Darcie Collington
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club are pleased to announce a joint partnership between the two Clubs to host Australia's premier match racing events in January each year.
The two premier match racing events, CYCA's Helly Hansen International and the RFBYC's Warren Jones International will both be conducted back-to-back in January each year. Both events will have a World Sailing Grade 2 match race status for competitors under the age of 25.
The new partnership will see both Clubs work together to build stronger competition from around the globe, using the CYCA's fleet of Elliott 7m keelboats and Swan River Sailing's fleet of Foundation 36 yachts.
"We are excited for a new joint partnership between two of Australia's leading Yacht Clubs. The CYCA and RFBYC will work together to build a successful series which will bring together some of the world's top match racing teams." commented CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes.
Helly Hansen International | Hosted by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
The Helly Hansen International will be contested from Monday 19 to Friday 23 January 2026 on Sydney's iconic Harbour. The CYCA is renowned for hosting world class events including the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as well as the 2022 Open and 2023 Youth Match Racing World Championships.
The 'Joy Ride' Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the winning team at a prize-giving on Friday 23 January. The trophy is in recognition of CYCA and Australian Sailing Umpire, Gary McPike, who made a significant contribution to the discipline of match racing and to the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy.
The Helly Hansen International uses the CYCA's fleet of ten Elliott 7m keelboats with crews of four or five with a weight limit of 350kg.
Warren Jones International | Hosted by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
The Warren Jones International will then follow from Monday 26 to Friday 30 January 2026 on Freshwater Bay. Spectators and supporters will enjoy the excellent hospitality and viewing from Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club which overlooks the race course, with guests treated to a Gala Luncheon on Friday 30 January as the Finals Series is contested.
The Warren Jones trophy is one of the most prestigious match racing trophies in the world and was gifted by the Australia II Jubilee Committee, who was awarded the New York Yacht Club's trophy in recognition of Australia II's achievement as being the 'greatest benefit to the sport in 150 years of the America's Cup'. Warren Jones became one of Australia's leading businessmen and community leaders and made a fabulous contribution to the sport as the Team Manager of the 1983 Australia II America's Cup syndicate campaign.
"We are delighted to see the Warren Jones and the Helly Hansen International push for new standards in match racing events. We expect to see some great competitors travel to Perth and Sydney for these fantastic regattas." Commented RFBYC Chief Executive Officer and Warren Jones Committee Member Andy Fethers.
The Warren Jones Regatta features the largest boats for match racing in Australia - the Foundation 36 yachts with five or six for male crews or seven for all female crews.
The series will also allow international competitors to enjoy both Sydney and Perth, with Australia Day celebrations on Monday 26 January in Perth where competitors can enjoy the festivities and firework display on the Swan River.
The Notice of Race for both events are now available on each Club's website with competitors encouraged to express their interest to compete as early as possible.