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With over 110 entries already confirmed across the two classes, the championships are shaping up to be one of the largest DF events ever held in Australia. The DF65 fleet alone is expected to exceed 60 boats, ensuring large heats and intense racing throughout the week.

Sailors from across the country will converge on Grahamstown Dam to compete for national honours in two of the most popular and accessible one-design classes in radio sailing.

One of the key storylines heading into the championships will be Nick Jerwood (WA), who achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the DF65 and DF95 Australian Championships in 2025. Jerwood will return in 2026 aiming to defend both titles — a challenge that will be anything but straightforward given the depth of talent expected on the start line.

Both classes are renowned for tight, tactical racing, where consistency and race management often prove just as important as outright speed. With identical boats placing the focus squarely on sailing skill, competitors will need to be at the top of their game across the entire regatta.

While Jerwood will start among the favourites, the fleets will feature many of Australia’s strongest DF sailors. Nicolas Leluan, Nick Taylor, Mike Jefferys, Andrew Donkin, Steven Findlay and Daniel “Bergs” Bergman are just some of the highly competitive sailors expected to be pushing hard for podium positions.

Adding an exciting new dimension to this year’s championships will be the introduction of an Interstate Challenge.

For the first time at the DF Nationals, three sailors from each state will be randomly drawn from a hat to form a state team. At the conclusion of the event, the scores of the three team members will be combined, with the state achieving the lowest total score crowned Interstate Challenge winners.

The format is expected to add an extra layer of camaraderie — and rivalry — as sailors will not only be racing for individual honours but also for state pride.

Located just outside Newcastle, NSW, Grahamstown Dam has played host to a number of radio sailing events. Its large open water area and reliable breeze make it an ideal location for national-level competition, regularly delivering challenging conditions and exciting racing.

With a full week of sailing planned across the two classes and expected to exceed 110 competitors, the event promises to deliver large-scale racing, fierce competition and an outstanding national championship atmosphere.

Full event details, entry information and event updates are available on the official event website:  aryanationals.com