Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Finals - Overall
by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club 29 Mar 02:57 PDT
27-29 March 2026
Excitement was rife in Newcastle Harbour today as competitors started their day completing a 12km Hill to Harbour and being first on the scene for a vessel fire, before the Sailing Champions League Asia Pacific Final entered its closing stages.
After a shifty day on the water yesterday, the wind settled into a more predictable pattern, giving competitors a more even playing field for the final day of racing.
"We are pretty new to sailing together and this format, so we're happy with how we performed. We were up against some very experienced crews," said Jesse Frisch, skipper of Whitsunday Sailing Club.
After 24 races in the Qualifying Round, the top four teams advanced to the Finals. Qualifying winners Derwent Sailing Squadron carried one win into the decider, needing just one more to secure the title.
Following a short recess, the final got under way with a congested start line in the closing seconds. All boats launched cleanly, however a brush with the mark forced Derwent into a penalty turn.
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club took an early lead, closely followed by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and Cercle Nautique Calédonien.
Joe de Kock quickly closed the gap, making gains through the fleet. By the final gate, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club held a narrow half boat length lead, setting up a drag race to the finish. In a dramatic final push, de Kock edged ahead by less than a boat length to claim the win and the title.
"It's a pretty awesome crew, and they can do some incredible things," de Kock said. "After racing was cancelled on Friday, we even had time for a few drinks at the Club and signed up for the Hill to Harbour run."
Event organiser Mark Turnbull OAM said the finale captured the spirit of the event.
"The final race had everything. Tight racing, pressure moments and a finish that could not have been closer," Turnbull said. "It's a credit to the teams and a great showcase for sailing on Newcastle Harbour."
Overall standings saw Joe de Kock (Derwent Sailing Squadron) first, Angus Cameron (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club) second and first Under 23, Arthur Bell (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club) third, Pierrick Oghino (Cercle Nautique Calédonien) fourth, Jesse Frisch (Whitsunday Sailing Club) fifth, and Jessica Campbell (Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club) sixth and first women's skipper.
The winning teams will now progress to the World Finals in Germany this August.
Race by race results available here.