Final Winter Interclub Series at Hunters Hill Sailing Club
by Thomas Jacobsen 30 Jun 02:20 PDT
28 June 2026
The 2026 Winter Interclub Series concluded on Sunday at Hunters Hill Sailing Club, capping off another highly successful winter season. Across the three-event series, 130 Optimist sailors took part, comprising:
- 39 Green Fleet
- 47 Intermediate Fleet
- 44 Open Fleet
The strong participation highlighted the continued growth of the Winter Interclub Series and the enthusiasm for junior sailing across Sydney.
Two windward-leeward races were completed in light winds, with competitors enjoying another memorable day on Sydney Harbour. Once again, Sydney Harbour ferries worked seamlessly with race officials, slowing to allow the fleet to cross safely while passengers waved encouragement to the sailors.
The three-event Winter Interclub Series, hosted by Hunters Hill Sailing Club, Woollahra Sailing Club and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, has provided an outstanding winter racing program for developing Optimist sailors while continuing to strengthen junior sailing across Sydney.
Overall Winter Interclub Series Results:
Open Fleet
1 Luca De Giosa - Hunters Hill Sailing Club
2 Emma Tomkins - Hunters Hill Sailing Club
3 Sijia Deng - Hunters Hill Sailing Club
Intermediate Fleet
1 Max Hughes - Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
2 Miles White - Hunters Hill Sailing Club
3 Jasmine - Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
The organisers extend their sincere thanks to the volunteers, race officials, safety boat crews, coaches and parents from Hunters Hill Sailing Club, Woollahra Sailing Club and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Their dedication throughout the series made it possible to deliver three successful events for Sydney's young sailors.
The Winter Interclub Series once again demonstrated the strength of Optimist sailing in New South Wales, with consistently high fleet numbers, quality racing and outstanding support from clubs, volunteers and families throughout the winter season.
The organisers also acknowledge the generous support of the Winter Interclub Series sponsors: NB Sailsports, BoatCrewGear.com, Rooster, Vaikobi, White Bay 6 Marina Park, Ronstan and North Sails. Their continued commitment to junior sailing helps provide valuable opportunities for young sailors and plays an important role in the ongoing success and development of Optimist sailing across New South Wales.
The organisers would also like to wish the Australian sailors travelling to compete in Europe fair winds. Best wishes to Emma Tomkins, Luca De Giosa, Sijia Deng—who concluded her Optimist sailing career at this event—and Seb Tucker. We wish them every success as they represent Australia on the international stage.