The 2026 International Ten Rater Australian Championship got underway today (5 March) at Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast, with competitors greeted by near-perfect sailing conditions for the opening day of racing.
An easterly breeze at the top end of the A-rig range for a lot of the time provided ideal conditions for the powerful Ten Rater yachts, allowing the fleet to stretch their legs across the Emerald Lakes course. Close tactical racing was the theme of the day, with eight races completed as sailors quickly settled into championship mode.
At the end of Day 1, Andrew Reid (AUS74, Albert Park MYC, VIC) leads the championship after an impressive and consistent performance sailing his Trance design. Reid secured four race wins from the eight races sailed and sits on 8 points nett, giving him a slender but clear advantage heading into Day 2.
Start of Race 1A
Hot on his heels is clubmate Kirwin Robb (AUS94, Albert Park MYC, VIC) sailing a Trance+, who sits in second place on 11 points. Robb showed strong pace throughout the day and appears to be Reid’s closest challenger, with the pair beginning to open a gap on the rest of the fleet.
In third place is Steve Sedgmen (AUS30, Canberra MYC) sailing a Sanga, who sailed a steady series including several podium finishes to remain well within striking distance of the leaders.
Queensland’s Greg Torpy (AUS25, Gladstone RCYC) sits fourth overall, also sailing a Trance, while Phil Page (Lake Macquarie RYC) produced an excellent opening day to hold fifth place. Page’s performance is particularly noteworthy as the Grand Master skipper is mixing it comfortably with the front of the fleet after eight completed races.
Behind the leading group, the fleet remains tightly packed with Brett Osborn (Adelaide RCYC), John Gower (Eagleby RYC), Andrew Holly (Northern Mariners) and Rob Nowak (Albert Park MYC) all within reach of the top five as the championship progresses.
Start of Race 1B
While eight races were sailed, it should be noted that Race 8 remains subject to protest, meaning the overall standings may change once the protest process is completed.
Current Top 10 After Day 1
- Andrew Reid (Albert Park MYC) – 8 pts
- Kirwin Robb (Albert Park MYC) – 11 pts
- Steve Sedgmen (Canberra MYC) – 21 pts
- Greg Torpy (Gladstone RCYC) – 22 pts
- Phil Page (Lake Macquarie RYC) – 27 pts
- Brett Osborn (Adelaide RCYC) – 29 pts
- John Gower (Eagleby RYC) – 30 pts
- Andrew Holly (Northern Mariners) – 36 pts
- Rob Nowak (Albert Park MYC) – 37 pts
- Mark Newman (Canberra MYC) – 42 pts
With two days of racing still to come, the championship is shaping up as a two-horse race at the front, with Reid and Robb establishing an early advantage over the chasing pack.
Looking ahead to Day 2, the forecast suggests similar conditions to today, with an easterly breeze expected once again and the possibility of some showers. If the breeze delivers as predicted, competitors can expect another full day of fast and tactical Ten Rater racing.
Racing continues tomorrow at Emerald Lakes, with the championship scheduled to conclude on 7 March.