McCarthy Masters the Conditions to Win Tasmanian IOM State Regatta

With strong northerly winds, unpredictable shifts and increasingly lumpy conditions, the regatta delivered plenty of excitement, spectacular downwind sailing and its fair share of equipment failures.

The day began with all ten skippers preparing to race on A rigs, but the weather had other ideas. Just as the fleet was preparing for the opening countdown, a nasty gust caused Stuart Dawes' jib boom to let go, damaging his brand-new sails. A short delay allowed his boat to be recovered and the fleet to change down to B rigs before racing finally got underway.

Alan Short wasted no time making his intentions clear, comfortably winning the opening race and setting the tone for a day where the leading boats frequently broke away from the fleet. Several races would see the winner finish as much as half a leg ahead of second place.

The northerly breeze occasionally flicked left, keeping skippers alert to the shifts, while weed in the water added another complication during the early stages.

As the wind continued to strengthen, gusting beyond 20 knots, the conditions became increasingly demanding. The lumpy water offered some exhilarating downwind sailing, with those skippers who mastered the waves making enormous gains through long, fast surfing runs. Boat handling was proving every bit as important as tactics, with places changing quickly as competitors accelerated downwind.

The morning racing was fiercely contested, with six different skippers recording victories across the opening seven races.

Alan Short claimed Race 1, followed by Nick Connor in Race 2 and McCarthy in Race 3. Kyle Stewart then found his form, recording consecutive victories in Races 4 and 5, before Ian Hey took Race 6 and Connor added another win in Race 7.

By the lunch break, the championship was perfectly poised.

After seven races, Kyle Stewart, Nick Connor and Gary McCarthy were locked together at the top of the standings on 15 points apiece. Ian “Bodge” Hey and Stuart “Stu” Dawes were also well within striking distance, leaving the championship wide open heading into the afternoon.

With the breeze continuing to build, there was plenty still to play for.

The afternoon brought even stronger conditions, and the demanding weather began to take its toll on the fleet.

Several skippers elected not to venture back onto the water, while others who continued racing encountered equipment failures that brought their day to a premature end. Broken kicking straps, jib boom fittings and other component failures highlighted just how demanding the conditions had become.

By the final five races, only five boats remained on the water.

Rig selection also became a major factor. While most of the remaining competitors opted for the smaller C rig, McCarthy and Short elected to persist with their B rigs, sailing at the upper limits of the rig's range.

Ian Hey, Stuart Dawes and Nick Connor completed the afternoon on C rigs, while McCarthy and Short demonstrated that, in experienced hands, the additional sail area of the B rig could still deliver impressive results.

Despite the challenging conditions, those still racing thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to push their boats through the waves. The strong breeze produced some spectacular sailing, particularly downwind, where well-timed surfing runs could deliver huge gains.

With the championship finely balanced at lunch, McCarthy saved his best for the final stages.

After a difficult Race 9, he produced an outstanding display of heavy-weather sailing, winning the final four races in succession to take complete control of the regatta.

Remaining on B rig throughout the day, McCarthy demonstrated exceptional boat handling and consistency, finishing with five race victories and a commanding 21 net points from the 13-race series.

It was a thoroughly deserved victory after a day that demanded plenty of skill and confidence in the heavier conditions.

Stuart Dawes secured second place overall aboard his Blitz 6, finishing on 35 points. Dawes was particularly pleased with his performance, exceeding his own expectations through an impressively consistent series. His ability to avoid costly results proved decisive, with the lowest total scores of any skipper.

Ian Hey completed the podium on 38 points, sailing a strong regatta aboard his V12. With a race victory and several second and third places, Hey remained competitive throughout the day and finished just three points behind Dawes.

The battle for fourth was exceptionally close, with Kyle Stewart and Nick Connor both finishing on 40 net points. Stewart secured fourth place on countback, having recorded three race victories to Connor's two.

Alan Short finished sixth overall and secured the Silver Fleet victory with 15 points in that division, rounding out a strong performance that began with his convincing win in the opening race.

Despite the strong winds and difficult sailing conditions, the regatta was conducted in excellent spirit, with very few penalties throughout the day.

Competitors demonstrated good awareness and sportsmanship, taking particular care to avoid close encounters in the heavier conditions. When penalties were required, they were completed promptly and without fuss.

Special thanks go to Lisa, who volunteered to undertake the Race Officer duties for the day. Managing racing in such variable conditions was no easy task, particularly when the breeze occasionally shifted completely offshore before eventually returning.

Her contribution was greatly appreciated, highlighting the importance of volunteers in making events such as these possible.

The 2026 Tasmanian IOM State Regatta will be remembered for its challenging conditions, spectacular downwind surfing, close morning battle and McCarthy's remarkable run of four consecutive victories to close out the championship.

Congratulations to Gary McCarthy on a well-earned victory, and to Stuart Dawes and Ian Hey on their podium finishes. Well done to all competitors and volunteers for making it another memorable day of Tasmanian radio sailing.