2026 ILCA Oceania Solidarity Squad Aims for Fair, Safe, and Fun Competition in Upcoming Championship

In a world punctuated by the fierce competition, the Oceania Solidarity Squad, assembled for the 2026 International Laser Class Association (ILCA) Championship, stands as a beacon of fresh perspective and sportsmanship. Gathering from New Zealand and from various corners of Australia, the squad congregated in Hobart for their inaugural day of preparation for the 2026 Oceania and Australian Open and Youth Championships. Here, their primary directive was underlined: fair, safe and fun competition should guide every nautical mile they tackle.

The principal race officer, Colin Dods, impresses this ethos upon them, reminding that the squad’s purpose goes beyond individual glory. He encourages them to invest in their collective sailing experience, forming lifelong friendships and fostering a love for sailing that transcends scores and titles.

Racing in boats with significant Olympic heritage on the River Derwent, each team member benefits from the equal playing field provided by identical ILCA dinghies. Recognizing that single-handed sailing is often a solitary endeavor, encouragement to communicate, learn from one another, and share the same experience, creates a team spirit that is rarely found in such events.

Within this inspiring context, the 2026 ILCA Oceania Solidarity Squad continues to prepare for the Championships. They do so reminding us that fair competition, safe practices, and above all, fun, constitute the backbone of sport at its finest.