Condie Returns to Winning Ways at 2026 NSW Marblehead Championship

Despite a handful of late withdrawals, thirteen skippers from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT assembled to contest the prestigious title.

Before racing commenced, competitors observed a minute's silence in memory of Colin Court's father and long-time Illawarra Radio Yacht Club member Kevin Costello, both of whom had recently passed away.

Saturday morning began with a frustrating wait as a light south-westerly struggled to establish itself. Patience eventually paid off as a gentle south-easterly filled across the course, allowing the championship to get underway in pleasant winter sunshine.

What followed was twelve races of high-quality Marblehead competition. While the fleet enjoyed close tactical racing throughout the day, it was former Australian Champion Scott Condie who quietly began to stamp his authority on the regatta.

Sailing his proven Grunge design with trademark precision, Condie was in superb touch from the outset. He claimed eight race victories across the sixteen-race championship and remarkably never finished lower than fourth in any race he counted. His ability to convert good starts into race wins while avoiding costly mistakes steadily opened an unassailable lead over the chasing pack.

Sunday morning again tested the patience of competitors and race officials. A complete lack of breeze was compounded by a persistent line of floating weed stretching across the course, forcing Principal Race Officer Bruce Benoit to delay proceedings while assessing the conditions.

Eventually the familiar south-easterly arrived, allowing racing to resume. Additional time was provided between races to enable skippers to clear weed from fins and rudders, and despite the difficult conditions the close racing continued. Four more races were completed before the weed once again overwhelmed the course. Following consultation with competitors, a unanimous decision was made to conclude the championship after sixteen races, ensuring the event finished while fair racing was still possible.

Condie's return to the winner's circle proved one of the stories of the weekend. Finishing with an outstanding nett score of just 15 points, he secured the 2026 NSW Marblehead Championship by a commanding 20-point margin, underlining that class and experience remain difficult to match.

Victorian skipper Lincoln McDowall produced another polished performance to finish runner-up aboard his F6, while Andrew Reid, also sailing a Grunge, completed the podium after featuring consistently amongst the race leaders throughout the championship.

The racing behind the podium was equally competitive, with just eleven points separating fourth through seventh positions. Mark Newman, Jimmy Mee, Mark Grogan and John Wyatt were all regular contenders for race wins, highlighting the depth of the fleet and ensuring every race remained fiercely contested.

Congratulations go to all competitors for producing an excellent standard of racing under often challenging conditions. The NSWRYA also acknowledges Principal Race Officer Bruce Benoit and the dedicated volunteers from Illawarra Radio Yacht Club, whose efforts ensured another successful State Championship despite the weather and weed presenting significant challenges throughout the weekend.

Race report by Bruce Benoit, adapted by ARYA Ed.