Cole Tapper crowned back-to-back winner of Warren Jones International Match Racing Regatta
by Alex Dare 31 Jan 05:01 PST
27-30 January 2026
Cole Tapper and his team Jack Frewin, Max Brennan, Tim Howse and Kieran Bucktin (L-R) - 2026 Warren Jones International Regatta © Alex Dare - Tidal Media Australia
Cole Tapper and his team Max Brennan, Jack Frewin, Tim Howse and Kieran Bucktin from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia sailed a stellar Finals Day to claim back-to-back Warren Jones wins.
The team sailed a consistent and strong regatta, but the win didn't come without its challenges on Day 1, "it's been a really big week for us, we lost our bowman Hamish with a broken thumb" Tapper said.
Despite the setback the team managed to secure Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club local Kieran Bucktin who put his hand up to join the team for the remainder of the regatta.
"It wasn't a small task, so we learnt through the week. We definitely got close to death, especially in the Semi's" he said.
Thursday afternoon saw Tapper down 0-2 to Matais Rossing in the Semi Finals in a best to three wins format which required Tapper to come out of the gates swinging on Friday afternoon to secure his spot in the Final.
In class fashion, Tapper came back on Friday afternoon scoring three wins in the Semi Finals and secured his ticket to the Final against Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club local Marcello Torre.
Building on his momentum in the Semi Finals, Tapper and his team put on a show against Torre to seal the deal as back-to-back champions in just two matches.
For regatta results, head to www.warrenjonesregatta.com/2026results.
For more information about the regatta, head to www.warrenjonesregatta.com