Shape Shifter goes back-to-back: 2026 Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Nationals at Maraetai
by Gareth Howard - Elliott 5.9 Association 18 Mar 12:42 AEDT
Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Nationals - Maraetai Boating Club - March 12–14, 2026 © Elliott 5.9 Assoc
The 2026 Burnsco Elliott 5.9 National Championships will be remembered for the range of conditions and an outstanding display by the defending champions.
Hosted by the Maraetai Boating Club from March 12–14, the regatta tested the fleet across the entire wind spectrum, from "too much" to "just enough."
The event also highlighted the unique versatility of the class; with boats easily trailered to great sailing locations from as far as the deep South, the Elliott 5.9 continues to prove it can deliver top-tier racing anywhere in the country.
The opening day saw the Hauraki Gulf putting on a bit of breeze. With winds gusting consistently in the high 20s, the Race Committee made the prudent call to keep the fleet ashore. While frustrating for the crews eager to get started, it set the stage for a big second day of racing.
With the pressure on to catch up on the schedule, the fleet was greeted by moderate conditions and a breeze that steadily clocked left throughout the second day.
Six races were successfully banked in a tough session of high-intensity racing.
The story of the day was the recovery of Shapeshifter. After an OCS in the very first race, the defending champions put on a clinical display of composure to climb back into contention, taking three race wins.
Revelry, with Derek Scott on the tiller, proved to be the model of consistency, while R&R, the nine-time champions, showed why they are the class benchmark by starting the regatta with a 1-2-1.
After the first day, this left Shapeshifter and Revelry tied on 9 points and the ever-present R&R sitting 1 point further back on 10 points.
The final day brought some "big breeze", with three races completed in conditions approaching 25 knots. A defining feature of the regatta was the relentless toe-to-toe battle between the top three: Shapeshifter, Revelry, and R&R.
While Shapeshifter secured their title with two more wins on this final day, the racing was incredibly tight between these three throughout the regatta. In the building breeze, these three boats were inseparable, often crossing the finish line within a single boat length of each other. The winner was frequently not assured until the final gybe into the finish line.
Racing was eventually called off on the final day, with nine races completed out of the scheduled 12, as the breeze continued to build and solid gusts over 25 kts were recorded on the course.
The intensity of racing wasn't limited to the podium. Bloodline, Zoot Allures, and Dirty Circus were able to break the stranglehold of the top three and take out podium finishes, including Bloodline securing a win in the eighth race to secure fourth place overall.
Throughout the entire fleet, the level of one-design competition was always present. Because the boats are so closely matched in performance, there was nowhere to hide; many crews commented on how difficult it was to maintain consistency and simply hold their lane in such a tight fleet. This close-quarter racing is a hallmark of the class, where any small error in trim or tactics is immediately punished by the pack.
The Ranking Trophy was awarded to NYX, skippered by Sam Scott. These former class youth boat graduates proved they have successfully transitioned into top-tier contenders. The official class youth boat, Class Act, also showed immense potential. After keel issues sidelined them on the first day of racing, Robbie Wooldridge and his crew came out firing on the final day with two 5th-place finishes in the heavy stuff.
The South Island contingent earned massive respect for the long haul north. The South Island Champion, Eagle, led by Dan Meehan, finished as the top "mainlander" in 9th overall, with Retro finishing in 11th.
The regatta concluded with a standout prize-giving BBQ on the Maraetai Boating Club deck. Overlooking the harbour, the atmosphere was a perfect reflection of the class: fiercely competitive on the water, but a tight-knit community off it. A huge thanks goes to the PRO, Grant, and the entire volunteer team for managing a difficult weather window with such professionalism.
The fleet now looks ahead to the Traveller Series, a five-regatta series located at various locations throughout the North Island. With all the top boats from the nationals expected, along with a few additional boats, it should be another tightly fought series.
Nationals Results: www.sailwave.com/results/MSC%20Elliot%205-9%202026.htm
Follow results and pictures online www.facebook.com/elliott5.9 and for more information on the Elliott 5.9 Class Association visit www.e59.org.nz
A full list of previous National Champions can be found online here elliott59.weebly.com/nz-national-champions.html
About The Elliott 5.9
The Elliott 5.9 emerged in the early 1980’s as a high-performing trailer yacht and continues to deliver competitive one-design racing in a welcoming fleet of world-class sailors and novices alike. The boats started a revolution with their well-balanced and cost-effective design, and quickly became the boat of choice for top club training schemes and a breeding ground for NZ’s America’s Cup, Ocean Race and Olympic champions.
Sailed by a crew of three, the Elliott 5.9 remains a low-maintenance sailboat with an efficient single spreader fractional rig, a well-balanced sail plan and a practical deck layout. Whether sailing among mixed-trailer yachts, sportsboat fleets, or in a one-design setting, the 5.9 is celebrated for its responsiveness and outstanding value.