Paul Jones Crowned Inaugural IOM Oceania Champion at Lake Pegasus
Christchurch, New Zealand:
Australia’s Paul Jones has claimed victory at the inaugural IOM Oceania Championship, sailed on the scenic waters of Lake Pegasus in Christchurch, New Zealand. The event brought together 66 competitors from nine nations — Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Chile, Ireland, the United States, Canada, China, and France — marking a historic first for the International One Metre (IOM) class in the Oceania region.
The championship offered a true test of skill and endurance as sailors faced a wide range of conditions. Competitors experienced everything from light, shifting breezes to stronger winds that required some to sail B rigs, and occasionally even C rigs as gusts increased. Light wind periods slowed racing at times, with only limited rounds possible on certain occasions, prompting organisers to utilise the reserve day to ensure the qualifying series could be completed.
After ten rounds of close racing, the fleet was split into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper divisions for the two-day finals. Heading into the Gold Fleet finals, Jones held a slender five-point advantage over fellow Australian Sean Wallis and local contender Ian Vickers, setting the stage for an exciting showdown among some of the sport’s best sailors.
The finals delivered competitive and tactical racing, with Jones stamping his authority on the event by fending off every challenge and extending his lead. In the final round, Ian Vickers took the race win to secure second overall, but it was not enough to challenge the dominant Australian. Spain’s Guillermo Beltrí sailed consistently to move into third, while Sean Wallis finished fourth and Rob Nelson (NZL) rounded out the top five.
Throughout the event, competitors faced a mix of chilling temperatures, passing rain, and variable winds, which made every day on the water a challenge. Staying warm and focused proved essential, and those who managed both were rewarded with strong results. Despite the tough conditions, the event was widely praised for its excellent organisation, professional race management, and friendly atmosphere.
A huge amount of credit goes to the Pegasus Radio Sailing Club, supported by the New Zealand IOM Class Association and New Zealand Radio Yachting Association, whose volunteers ensured smooth race operations and fair competition throughout. Their dedication and attention to detail helped deliver a successful and memorable first edition of the IOM Oceania Championship.
Looking ahead, plans are already in progress for the next IOM Oceania Championship, which is scheduled to be held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia in late 2027. Organisers and competitors alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to race on Australia’s iconic waters and continue building the profile of IOM sailing across the region.
Final Top Five:
1) Paul Jones (AUS)
2) Ian Vickers (NZL)
3) Guillermo Beltrí (ESP)
4) Sean Wallis (AUS)
5) Rob Nelson (NZL)
Full results available at iomoceania.com