Australian Team Confirmed for 2026 DF95 Global Championship
The Australian DF Radio Sailing Association (ADFRSA) has announced the team selected to represent Australia at the 2026 DF95 Global Championship, to be held on Theewaterskloof Dam near Cape Town, South Africa, in October 2026.
Selection was determined through the ADFRSA ranking system, with DF95 skippers earning points through participation and performance in National, State and Regional ranking events conducted between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025. The ranking process ensures Australia is represented by its strongest and most consistent performers on the national stage.
ADFRSA would like to acknowledge and thank all skippers who participated in ranking events throughout the qualification period. These events not only help identify our leading sailors but also strengthen the DF racing community by bringing competitors together from across the country. The opportunity to travel, compete on different waterways, exchange knowledge and enjoy the camaraderie that radio sailing provides is an important part of what makes the DF classes so successful.
The Association also extends its sincere appreciation to the many volunteers, State representatives and local clubs who dedicate countless hours to organising and running these events. Their efforts provide the foundation for competitive racing throughout Australia and allow us to recognise National, State and local champions each season. Organising successful events requires significant commitment, and the Australian DF community continues to benefit from the dedication of these volunteers.
The 2026 DF95 Global Championship will be contested on South Africa's spectacular Theewaterskloof Dam, located near the town of Villiersdorp in the Western Cape. Approximately 90 minutes from Cape Town, Theewaterskloof is the seventh-largest dam in South Africa, covering some 48 square kilometres when full. Renowned for its excellent sailing conditions, stunning mountain backdrop and expansive open water, the venue regularly hosts a variety of water sports and will provide a world-class setting for the world's best DF95 sailors to compete.
From the ranking events and championships conducted throughout the qualification period, ADFRSA is pleased to announce the following sailors have been selected and have accepted the entry conditions established by our International Class Association (DFICA):
- Nick Jerwood (WA)
- Chris Dance (VIC)
- Andrew Donkin (WA)
- Phil Burgess (NSW)
- Garry Wall (VIC)
- John Wyatt (NSW)
- Nicolas Leluan (QLD)
- Peter Newman (VIC)
- Peter Turcich (SA)
- Bruce Quail (WA)
- Bruce Robins (WA)
- Gary Metcalfe (QLD)
- Brian Schneider (WA)
- Cameron Clark (QLD)
This team represents the largest Australian contingent ever accepted to compete at a DF Class Global Championship, highlighting both the growth and strength of DF racing across the country.
While there is still considerable planning and preparation to be completed before the team heads to South Africa, we wish all selected sailors every success in their preparations and competition.
Please join us in congratulating the Australian team. These sailors will proudly represent not only themselves, but also their clubs, states and the wider Australian radio sailing community on the world stage.
We look forward to following their journey to Cape Town and wish them fair winds, close racing and great success at the 2026 DF95 Global Championship.