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The championship promises to deliver a fascinating test of radio sailing skill, with light winds anticipated throughout the four-day regatta. The challenging conditions are expected to place an even greater emphasis on patience, precision and the ability to find every available puff of breeze.

With 64 sailors entered, the Australian championship will bring together a strong field of experienced One Metre competitors, including a number of sailors with impressive records on the national and international stage.

Among the favourites will be defending champion Sean Wallis, who is chasing a remarkable sixth consecutive Australian Championship victory. Wallis has established himself as the sailor to beat in the class, but the expected light conditions could make this year's title one of his toughest challenges yet.

A strong contingent of Australian sailors will be looking to end Wallis's run, with Paul Jones, Aaron Farrar, Garth Halton, Alex Scapens, Glenn Dawson and Doug Allen all expected to feature prominently in the battle at the front of the fleet. Rob Nelson of New Zealand will also add international strength to an already competitive field.

The championship also has a significant trans-Tasman flavour, with seven sailors travelling from New Zealand to compete. Six will represent NZL, while one sailor will compete under the French flag, adding further international interest to the event.

One sailor with particularly strong motivation will be Phil Pryde (NZL). Pryde narrowly missed out on victory in last year's Eddie Cowell Perpetual Regatta, held on these same waters, and will be keen to go one better when racing gets underway this week.

The Eddie Cowell Perpetual Regatta forms an integral part of the championship program, adding another layer of history and prestige to an event that has become an important fixture on the Australian One Metre calendar.

With light and variable winds forecast, competitors can expect a very different challenge from simply sailing fast. Small shifts in pressure, subtle changes in wind direction and tactical positioning are likely to prove decisive, while maintaining concentration over four days of racing will be critical.

For the Sunshine Coast Radio Sailing Club, hosting the Australian Championship represents an opportunity to showcase the region's excellent radio sailing facilities while welcoming competitors from across Australia and overseas.

Racing begins on Thursday 20 August and continues through Sunday 23 August, when the new Australian champion will be crowned—while the Eddie Cowell Perpetual Trophy winner will be decided at the conclusion of the qualifying series.

With 64 sailors, an international field and a forecast that promises to test even the most experienced competitors, the Sunshine Coast is set for four days of compelling One Metre radio sailing.

Live results will be published on the event website https://aryanationals.com