After three days of racing at Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast, the 2026 International Ten Rater Class Australian Championship concluded with a dramatic final day that saw overnight leader Kirwan Robb (Albert Park MYC) overcome an early stumble to secure the national title.
Robb began the final day holding a nine-point lead over fellow Albert Park sailor Andrew Reid, but the championship took an unexpected turn early in the day. A difficult start saw Robb drop into B Fleet for the opening races, allowing Reid to quickly close the gap.
Reid capitalised immediately, reducing the deficit to four points after two races and tightening the championship further with a race win in the third race of the day, leaving just three points between the two leaders. With momentum on his side and Robb recovering from the early setbacks, the title race looked wide open.
However, Robb soon regained his rhythm. Returning to the front of the fleet, he delivered a strong closing sequence of 1, 4, 4, 1, 1 across the remaining races. That run re-established his control of the regatta and allowed him to stretch the margin back out to nine points, ultimately securing the 2026 Australian Championship title.
Reid sailed an exceptionally consistent final day, posting 5, 1, 1, 6, 3, 2, 2, 3, and remained within striking distance throughout the afternoon. Despite the pressure he applied, the early opportunity created by Robb’s difficult start ultimately proved not quite enough to overturn the deficit.
Behind the leading pair, Greg Torpy (Gladstone RCYC) completed the podium in third place after another solid championship performance.
Top 5 Results
- Kirwan Robb (Albert Park MYC) – AUS 94 – Trance+ – 37 pts
- Andrew Reid (Albert Park MYC) – AUS 74 – Trance – 46 pts
- Greg Torpy (Gladstone RCYC) – AUS 25 – Trance – 63 pts
- Brett Osborn (Adelaide RCYC) – AUS 143 – Trance – 79 pts
- John Gower (Eagleby RYC) – AUS 63 – Trance – 102 pts
Category Awards were awarded to
Masters Champion: Mark Newman (Canberra MYC)
Grand Masters Champion: Graham Cowling (Paradise RYC)
The championship, hosted by the Paradise Radio Yacht Club, produced 24 races across three days at the picturesque Emerald Lakes venue. The event once again highlighted the strength and depth of the Ten Rater fleet in Australia, with tight racing throughout the fleet and a thrilling title contest that went down to the final afternoon.
With another national championship decided, attention now turns to the next major Ten Rater events on the Australian calendar.
(L-R) Mark Newman Master, Andrew Reid 2nd, Kirwin Robb 1st, Greg Torpy 3rd, Graham Cowling Grand Master