Royal Akarana Yacht Club was proud to host the 2026 New Zealand Keelboat National Championships on the Waitemat?, a light wind, competitive regatta across two days of racing.
RAYC was represented by boats skippered by Sally Garrett and Ella Arnold, both delivering strong performances in a demanding fleet. Sally set the early pace, winning the opening race and leading overall after Day 1. She finished the regatta fourth overall and claimed first in the Women’s Division, showing consistency across the series.
Ella Arnold, skippering the RAYC Youth team, competed confidently against experienced open-division crews. Her team remained in contention through the early races, reflecting solid race management and leadership, and highlighting the strength of youth keelboat sailing at RAYC.
Elsewhere in the fleet, Ethan Fong claimed the overall title after a strong comeback, with Luke Cashmore topping the Open Division and Josh Hyde 3rd overall, and 2nd Youth sailor.
Crews:
