ILCA NZ Nationals: World class conditions for the world's best - Day 3
by Nick Page 17 Jan 15:19 PST
14-18 January 2026
Day 3 - NZ ILCA Nationals - Bay of Islands - January 17, 2026 © Insight Media
Another superb day of racing for the 100 boat fleet at the 2026 NZ ILCA nationals, being held in the stunning Bay of Islands.
Today we were treated to a lovely 15 knot easterly, blue skies and a nice rolling swell with choppy waves, which all combined to provide interesting beats and excellent surfing downwind. The open ocean conditions and excellent courses provided the ideal ingredients for top quality racing and all fleets delivered, all completing three competitive races today.
There is an extremely tight contest at the top of the world class ILCA 7 fleet, which enjoyed very tight racing in the leading bunch all day. Just two points now separate the top three overall. World No 1 Micky Beckett (UK) now leads after placing third in all three of todays races. One point back is overnight leader, world #5 Duko Bos (NED), who's best placing today was a second in the days last race. Star of the day was current world #3 Finn Lynch (IRL), who won the days last two races and sits just one point behind Duko overall.
Kiwi George Gautrey and Singapore's Ryan Lo make up the top five, with both still within striking distance of the leaders. Zach Stibbe is leading the U21 category and is 10th overall. He has opened up a commanding 30 point lead over second placed U21 Sam Clark, with Liam Dimock lying third in that group.
Behind the international stars there was also close racing within the ILCA 7 masters fleet. It continues to be led by Nik Burfoot (GM). He was very consistent again today and consolidated his lead over Aussie visitor Sean Atherton-Feeny (GM) who holds a narrow points margin over ex ILCA masters world champ Scott Leith (M).
In the ILCA 6 Open it was Greta Pilkington's day. She followed up a third in the first race with two bullets to close the gap on the leader, American Erika Reineke, who had a consistent day in the top bunch but could not match Greta today. Third overall is Australian visitor Frances Beebe, who won todays opening race, while ex ILCA 6 mens world champ George Lane is back up to 4th overall, leading the ILCA open mens division from Miro Luxford. A continuing impressive performance from Aaron Begic sees him 5th overall and he continues to lead the youth category from Toby Dunn and Tom Pilkington. Chloe Turner was right in the mix overall with a 5th in the first race today and solid performance in races 2 and 3 to continue to convincingly lead the youth girls from visitors Olivia Aitken (AUS) and Maja Jacob (GER).
In the ILCA 4 Nathan Soper, Ava Wu and Sofia Turner continued their battle royal. Nathan won two today and continues to lead overall from Ava, who won the days 3rd race, while Sofia remains right on their heels just a few of points further back. Oceania solidarity sailors Ellie Tapper and Kiera Dimock had solid days to be 4th and 5th overall.
In the ILCA 6 Masters defending champion Phil Wild (M) continued his domination, winning all three races from Dave Johnson (M), who is a solid second overall. Leading GM Werner Henig continues to holds onto third overall while the leading GGM's Graeme Tee has moved into 4th overall.
For the final day tomorrow, Sunday, two races are scheduled. The forecast is for strong easterlies, which if they eventuate may make getting any more racing a challenge.
Everyone in the fleet is carrying a tracker, thanks to assistance from YNZ. The tracking for all races is available to view at www.tractrac.com/event-page/event_20260113_NZILCACham/3427.
The contest results are available at Day 3 Provisional Results ILCA Nationals 2026 updated www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/13566/event