TAS IOM States Thrilling Finish

Hosted by the Risdon Brook Radio Yacht Club (RBRYC), the championship attracted 17 competitors for two days of racing in some of the most unpredictable conditions imaginable. Despite constantly shifting winds and numerous course changes, race officials managed to complete an impressive 24 races across the weekend.

Saturday's opening 11 races provided an early indication of just how demanding the championship would become. With winds regularly changing direction and strength, competitors were continually adjusting to the conditions as race officials worked to maintain suitable courses.

Wilson, sailing his Viss (AUS 14), established himself as one of the leading contenders with consistent results, while Rod Jackman and Gary McCarthy also made strong starts to the championship.

Jackman was particularly impressive early, winning the opening two races sailing his K2 before adding another series of strong finishes. McCarthy, sailing his GC24, also demonstrated excellent speed, collecting four race wins during the opening day.

Wilson's consistency kept him firmly in contention, while Blackwood, sailing her V12 (AUS 35), remained within striking distance despite finishing Saturday in fourth position.

With 11 races completed, the championship remained wide open heading into Sunday.

An earlier start on Sunday initially brought a welcome northerly breeze, but it was not long before the wind returned to its unpredictable ways.

Race officials Stu Dawes and Phil Jackman faced the difficult task of setting courses as the breeze swung through virtually every direction of the compass. With 16 buoys positioned around the sailing area, numerous course configurations were available, although the rescue boat was eventually required to reposition marks as the wind shifted further east.

The constantly changing conditions tested every aspect of the competitors' sailing abilities, from identifying wind shifts and finding passing opportunities to surfing waves and adjusting rigs as the breeze increased.

Wilson continued his strong form, particularly in the lighter conditions early in the day, but it was Blackwood who mounted the biggest challenge.

Starting Sunday in fourth overall, Blackwood produced an outstanding series of results, winning five of the day's 13 races and recording numerous other podium finishes. Her remarkable consistency steadily reduced Wilson's advantage and brought the championship down to the final stages of racing.

Wilson responded with three race victories of his own on Sunday, but Blackwood's charge ensured there would be little separating the pair when the final scores were calculated.

Behind the leading two, Jackman and McCarthy found the going more difficult as the day progressed, while Ray Joyce, sailing his Britpop!, enjoyed a strong finish to the championship. Joyce collected two victories on Sunday and moved closer to the leading group, eventually finishing fifth overall.

Jackman did enough to secure third place, an encouraging result after experiencing electrical problems with his boat in recent events.

One of the more memorable moments of the championship came at the start of the final race, when Wilson became accidentally entangled with another competitor, costing him valuable time at a critical stage of the event.

The sailor involved later approached Wilson to apologise, concerned that the incident may have affected the championship outcome.

Wilson's response summed up the spirit of the weekend:

"Don't worry about it mate. I've had a great weekend."

It was a fine example of sportsmanship, particularly with the championship still so close and every point potentially making the difference.

After 24 races, Wilson emerged as the 2026 Tasmanian IOM State Champion, finishing with a score of 56.8 points.

Blackwood's exceptional Sunday performance brought her to within just 1.2 points of the title, finishing second on 58 points. Her recovery from fourth overnight was one of the standout performances of the championship.

Jackman completed the podium in third with 75 points, followed by McCarthy on 92 points and Joyce on 98 points.

Completing 24 races in such variable conditions was an excellent achievement for the organising club and its volunteers.

Race Officers Stu Dawes and Phil Jackman worked tirelessly throughout the weekend, supported by Peter Webberley, Phil Turnbull and David Woolley, along with numerous club members and competitors who assisted with measuring, buoy setting, rescue boat operations and other duties.

The club also acknowledged photographers Tristan Price and Grant Wise for capturing the weekend's racing.

While the constantly changing breeze made life difficult for both competitors and officials, it also produced a championship that rewarded consistency, adaptability and good decision-making.

For Wilson, the victory was a fitting reward for two days of excellent sailing, while Blackwood's remarkable Sunday comeback ensured the championship remained in doubt until the very end.

With just 1.2 points separating the leading two after 24 races, the 2026 Tasmanian IOM State Championship proved to be one of the closest finishes of the weekend's state championship racing.

Thanks Kyle Stewart for news information.