Headcase turns two-point deficit into J/24 Worlds title at Sandringham Yacht Club
by Carina Tomietto 11 Nov 07:56 UTC
4-11 November 2026
Headcase win the 2026 Epigen J24 Worlds © Tidal Media
Headcase of Ireland has won the Epigen J/24 World Championship at Sandringham Yacht Club, turning a two-point deficit into a 12-point overall victory after three final-day races.
Port Phillip tests every crew
The championship opened in demanding conditions, with winds of 20 to 30 knots and big seas. Broaches, breakages and retirements tested crews early in the series. Vakaros tracking recorded a top speed of 14.9 knots for Amuse Bouche on the opening day.
The following days brought a very different test: first a mid-teens breeze, then light, shifting air below five knots. The conditions rewarded crews who could adapt their handling and keep reading the bay as the breeze changed.
Race 8 was abandoned on Tuesday, so three races were sailed on the final day. Checkmate held a two-point lead over Headcase after seven races, but Headcase's 1-3-2 scoreline across the final three races secured the title by 12 points. Haywire finished third.
Ten nations, every generation
Thirty-eight teams representing 10 nations competed in the Open fleet, alongside Corinthian, Youth and Women's divisions. The range of experience was just as broad: the youngest sailor was 14, while one competitor was over 80.
The championship brought sailors together across generations and national teams, with close one-design racing placing the emphasis on the whole crew and the decisions made on the water.
The ten competing nations were Argentina, Australia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and the United States.
A welcome on and off the water
The opening ceremony featured a Parade of Nations and a Welcome to Country, including a smoking ceremony led by Boon Wurrung Elders. Each race day began with a briefing from race management, previous-day footage and tips from Australian sailing legend John Bertrand AO.
On returning to shore, competitors collected refreshments before gathering on the club's foredeck for the daily debrief. "Boat of the Day" and "Ding of the Day" helped turn the day's racing into a lively exchange of stories among crews.
The onshore programme included Halloween on the dock, lawn bowls and a Melbourne Cup gathering at Brighton Beach Hotel. Around 30 young sailors from different nations also met over dumplings in Melbourne's Chinatown.
On 11 November, the fleet paused at 11am for the Last Post and a minute's silence. Remembrance Day is observed in Australia to remember those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Championship results
Headcase (Ireland) won the overall title on 21 net points, ahead of Checkmate (Australia) on 33 and Haywire (Australia) on 45. Headcase also won the Corinthian division. Saltine (USA) was the leading Youth team, while Kaotic (Australia) won the Women's division. Headcase won Race 8; Gekko (Japan) won Races 9 and 10.
Full results can be found here.
Instagram reels can be found here.
j24worlds2026.com