Sail Illawarra set to make waves at Port Kembla Sailing Club
by Stephen Watts 3 Aug 14:44 PDT
27-29 November 2026
Port Kembla Sailing Club is excited to announce the inaugural Sail Illawarra 2026 regatta, to be held on the last weekend of November, bringing together sailors from far and wide for a weekend of competitive racing, great hospitality and community spirit.
The event will kick off on Friday 27th with the unique Norfyx Technology Dash 4 Cash Time Trial giving sailors a chance to test themselves in a race unlike any other. Competitors will compete against the clock over a single lap, with all results adjusted using Australian Sailing yardsticks to determine one overall winner across all classes. Competitors can choose when to post their lap, any time between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Sailors may choose to enter just the time trial for $25, or the whole weekend for $95.
The Dash 4 Cash Time Trial is proudly sponsored by Norfyx Technology, with a $250 cash prize awarded to the overall winner, $100 for second and $50 for third. Because it's a yardstick race, it could be won by a foiling Moth or a Heron.
The action continues on Saturday and Sunday with the Kembla Klassic fleet racing, on triangle and windward-leeward courses across multiple divisions. The format is designed to provide exciting, competitive racing for a wide range of off-the-beach dinghy and catamaran classes. Several classes will be using the event for their state championship or part of a travellers' trophy series. There will be cash prizes for each division. More details are available in the Notice of Race.
The Port Kembla Sailing Club President said the expanded event from the well-known Kembla Klassic has become the showcase regatta for the Illawarra sailing community.
"Sail Illawarra is about bringing sailors together for a weekend of quality racing and great social activities in one of the region's best sailing venues. We're looking forward to welcoming competitors from throughout the Illawarra and beyond for our flagship annual event."
Competitors and visitors will enjoy a full social program throughout the weekend, including:
- Pizza night on Friday evening
- BBQ dinner on Saturday night
- Breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday mornings
- Free camping at the club grounds
Visitors to the regatta will also have access to the club's excellent facilities, including:
- Expansive rigging area
- Sandy beach for launching
- Generous on-site parking
- Hot showers and amenities
- Canteen serving food and refreshments throughout the event
- Licensed bar open during evening functions
With competitive racing, cash prizes, great facilities and a welcoming sailing community, Sail Illawarra 2026 promises to be an outstanding addition to the NSW sailing calendar.
Event Details
Event: Sail Illawarra 2026
Venue: Port Kembla Sailing Club
Date: 27th to 29th of November
Friday: Norfyx Technology Dash 4 Cash Time Trial
Saturday & Sunday: Kembla Klassic Fleet Racing
Accommodation: Free camping available at the club, local motels and caravan parks, Airbnb.
Port Kembla Sailing Club welcomes sailors, families and supporters to join in a weekend of racing, camaraderie and celebration on the shores of the Illawarra.
For further information, NOR and entry details, visit Port Kembla Sailing Club's website and social media channels.