49er and 49erFX Australian Nationals 2025 at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club

49erFX Australian Nationals at Lake Macquarie © Lanee Beashel

After a nearly four year gap since the last 49er Nationals were awarded, and six years since the last 49erFX Nationals were awarded, the 2025 titles for the 49er and 49er FX finished on 17 November 2025.

The Australian 49er Champions for 2025 are Harry Price and Max Paul finishing 2 points clear of second placed Otto Henry and Sean Connor, with a second point gap to 3rd placed Jack Ferguson and Jack Hildebrand.

The Australian 49erFX Champions for 2025 are Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot finishing on 13 points, 6 points clear of Brooke Wilson and Evie Haseldine. In 3rd place, a further 13 points behind were New Zealand sisters Nicola and Rebecca Hume.

The conditions at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club (SLMASC) did not disappoint, with total of 12 out of the planned 14 races held. Sailors enjoyed the relaxed environment and a regatta dinner at sponsor, The Bay Hotel Motel. Organisers also appreciate sponsorship for the event from MarkSetBots, Vaikobi and Robert Oatley Wines.

Although there is always more that could be done to focus on Sustainability at the regatta level, the MarkSetBots saved considerable fuel, and therefore greenhouse gas emissions, through reducing the number of mark laying boats needed on water. Each bot has its own rechargeable battery and is operated via an app and remote control, and can be controlled by the Race Officer. Thank you to our Race Officer, Chris Attwood for mastering the technology to learn how to operate the MarkSetBots effectively, and all the other volunteers that made the event happen.

49er Australian Nationals at Lake Macquarie - photo © Lanee Beashel

Meanwhile back to the racing - on Day 3 (16 November 2025), despite predictions of a westerly, the race track experienced a light to moderate easterly, starting around 12 knots and dropping to about 5 knots by the end of the day. A late change in wind direction, resulting in the need to move the top mark, meant that the Race Committee was able to fit in 3 races, rather than the preferred 4 for the day.

In the 49er, the lighter conditions saw a change in the leaderboard for Day 3, with a 1st, 1st and 2nd placing Otto Henry and Sean Connor on equal points, but ahead on a count back from previous leaders Harry Price and Max Paul. Price and Paul did not have the best day with a 4, 2 and UFD. Jack Ferguson and Jack Hildebrand remained in 3rd with a 5th, 3rd and 4th on Day 3.

The lighter conditions made for very close racing keeping the Race Committee on their toes with some very close finishes, with the whole fleet finishing within a couple of minutes of the leaders.

On Day 3 in the 49erFX, Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot continued to dominate with a 2nd, 1st and 1st to put them 7 points clear of second placed Brooke Wilson and Evie Haseldine with a 1st, 3rd and 2nd on Day 3. New Zealand sisters, Nicola and Rebecca Hume retained 3rd place with a 3rd, 6th and 4th.

Day 4 brought the gusty westerly, more typical in winter on Lake Macquarie. The protected location of the sailing club was deceptive, as the race track had strong and gusty winds, with a substantial number of waves making it challenging conditions for sailors and support boats alike.

One race was held in these conditions with an estimated 25-30 knots across the whole race area.

Less experienced 49er and FX sailors struggled with many not starting within the time period, or not finishing.

However, the experienced campaigners took advantage of the conditions, with Harry Price and Max Paul securing the win, which was the deciding race for them to take the title ahead of Otto Henry and Sean Connor who finished 4th. Jack Ferguson and Jack Hildebrand finished second to be clearly in third place overall.

In the 49erFX, the conditions proved challenging with less than half the fleet completing the race within both the starting and finishing windows. Although Brooke Wilson and Evie Haseldine came in 1st, it was not enough to claim to title from 2nd placed Laura Harding and Annie Wilmot.

49er Australian Nationals at Lake Macquarie - photo © Lanee Beashel

Overall the regatta showcased the amount of talented young Australian sailors sailing in these Olympic skiff classes. Amongst the sailors were two 2024 Olympians Sean Connor and Evie Haseldine, now both sailing with new partners. In addition, there were a number of highly accomplished sailors amongst the group including Youth America's Cup team, representative, past 29er World Champion and 29er top 10 ranked team members.

The future looks bright for 49er and 49er FX sailing in Australia. There were several sailors still in their teens competing with the youngest being 16. Many teams are heading to Sail Melbourne later in November, and will be back at SLMASC for two more regattas in January 2026. The 49erFX regatta will be held from 9-11 January 2026, and the 49ers from 16-18 January 2026.

Thank you to SLMASC for hosting, and the 9er Class Association for driving the reinstatement of the event.

49erFX Australian Nationals at Lake Macquarie - photo © Lanee Beashel

49er Results: (penalties: AUS 966 race 5: 2, 2 - 6.0 points, arb)

49erFX Results: