The 2026 12ft Skiff Nationals in Wellington delivered classic skiff racing: a small fleet, tough conditions, and plenty of experience on the water.
RAYC sailors featured strongly throughout the regatta. Alex Vallings and Brad Collins produced a dominant and consistent series to take 1st overall, managing conditions and risk exceptionally well. Tim Bartlett and Matt Hix finished a solid 4th, reinforcing the point that experience counts for plenty in 12s, particularly when conditions are demanding.
Further RAYC results included Graham Catley and Harry Butler in 5th, after a mixed but competitive series, and Greg Roake, sailing ASKO with Tommy Wilkinson, finishing 7th overall. After a disrupted start, the Roake/Wilkinson pairing found better form through the latter races, putting together a more consistent final day.
The regatta echoed a key theme from the event coverage: the 12ft skiff remains a challenging, rewarding class supported by sailors who simply want to keep racing them. RAYC’s results reflected that ethos, with strong performances at the front and steady commitment right through the fleet.
Read play by play from Live Sail Die
