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Racing was conducted in challenging conditions, with light and trying winds during the morning sailing before a more settled and fuller breeze developed in the afternoon. Combined with temperatures reaching 35 degrees, the conditions proved demanding for both skippers and equipment over the course of the day.

A full programme of 13 races was completed, allowing for two discards, with consistency across the series playing a key role in the final standings.

Paul Jones (AUS 48) claimed the overall win on 20 points nett, recording six race wins across the regatta. The result provides a strong start to Jones’ 2026 campaign as he prepares to represent Australia at the upcoming IOM World Championship.

Second place went to Brad Quiggin (AUS 49) on 25 points nett. Sailing a recently launched V12, Quiggin remained in contention throughout the series and finished strongly, recording wins in R12 and R13 to secure second overall.

Ben Taylor (AUS 70) completed the podium on 27.7 points nett, also sailing a newly launched V12. Taylor’s result was built on consistency across the full race schedule, remaining close to the leading group throughout the event.

Fourth overall was Paul Morrish (AUS 178) on 39 points nett, highlighted by a notable mid-series improvement that included three consecutive race wins in R8, R9 and R10. Andrew Holly (AUS 00) rounded out the top five on 65 points nett.

The fleet featured a mix of established and newer IOM designs, reflecting the ongoing development within the class and the competitiveness across a broad range of boats. With multiple sailors recording race wins and close points throughout the field, the opening round underlined the depth of the NSW IOM fleet.

Round 1 marks the first points of the 2026 NSW IOM GP Series, with competitors now turning their attention to the remaining rounds of the season.