The 2026 International A Class Australian Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at Illawarra Yacht Club, with Sydney’s Daniel Weizman delivering a commanding performance to secure the national title after two days and 24 races of high-quality competition.
Unlike the closing stages of Day 1, which saw the fleet battling overcast skies and a strong 15–20 knot southerly breeze on B rigs, Day 2 dawned under bright sunshine and far gentler conditions. Racing resumed with Race 12 in a light south-westerly breeze, allowing competitors to return to their A rigs and showcase the full potential of their boats in the lighter air.
As the day unfolded, temperatures climbed and the breeze gradually swung to the forecast north-east prior to lunch. This sea breeze then settled in for the remainder of the championship, building steadily to 10–15 knots in the afternoon. The strengthening conditions provided some spirited racing, with tight mark roundings and tactical duels across the fleet as the championship reached its conclusion.
At the front of the fleet, however, there was no denying Daniel Weizman. Sailing his Sword design, Weizman was the benchmark throughout the regatta, finishing with an outstanding nett score of 28 points. His consistency was remarkable, recording 14 race wins and rarely finishing outside the top two, leaving no doubt about his deserved championship victory.
Behind him, the battle for the minor podium placings was intense. Frank Russell, sailing his UFO Mk2, secured second place on 45 points after a strong and consistent series, while Tasmania’s Kyle Stewart rounded out the podium in third with 70 points. Both sailors delivered excellent performances, but neither could quite match Weizman’s relentless pace.
Further down the leaderboard, South Australia’s Chris Juttner sailed an impressive regatta to finish fourth overall and claim the Grand Master title, while Tasmania’s Lisa Blackwood added to her remarkable record by taking out the Master division honours. Blackwood showed her class throughout the series, including several race wins, and finished seventh overall against a highly competitive fleet.
The regatta attracted 13 competitors from across Australia, representing New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and beyond. Illawarra Yacht Club provided an outstanding venue, with a wide range of conditions across the two days testing every aspect of sailing skill — from light-air finesse to heavy-air boat handling.
With 24 races completed and a deserving national champion crowned, the 2026 A Class Australian Championship will be remembered as a superbly run event featuring exceptional racing, changing conditions, and a dominant performance from one of the country’s finest radio sailors.
Winners (L-R): Chris Juttner, Frank Russell, Daniel Weizman, Kyle Stewart, Lisa Blackwood