Get Set for All the Action: 2026 ILCA Oceania Solidarity Squad Prepares for Fair, Safe, and Fun Racing

It’s time to unfurl the sails! The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) Oceania Solidarity Squad, an assembly of sailors from New Zealand and across Australia, has made a powerful start to 2026. They gathered at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania to chart their course for the anticipated Oceania and Australian Open and Youth Championships. The day kicked off with a refreshing welcome session where event organisers and sponsors set the tone for the championship’s vision.

Peak racing official, Colin Dods, shared his three-fold mission to offer the sailors the very best of sailing experiences. He emphasised that the racing would be fair and safe, yet filled with fun and camaraderie. The racing, he promised, would instill a love for sailing and foster lifelong friendships between the competitors.

The championship stands out for its heritage, thanks to Jo and Nick Ogden, the owners of the principal sponsor, Performance Sailcraft. Sharing the rich lineage of the ILCA boats, they motivated the racers to strive for excellence. The ILCA 4 boats trace their design back to two Canadian designers, Ian Bruce and Bruce Kirby, achieving Olympic gold with Ben Ainslie at Sydney in 2000. For the young squad, sailing these boats was not only about competing but also about gaining experience, sharing information, and growing as a team.

The hopeful squad includes Harper Spacey (NSW), Keira Dimock and Ellie Tapper (NZ), Matilda Tarring (QLD), Zahli Smith (SA), Cordelia Davey (TAS), Kate Edwards (VIC), and Seraphina Townson (WA). With the support of Australian Sailing Coach Indy Cooper, the young sailors are poised to make waves at the championship, creating fantastic memories, challenging themselves, and forming lasting friendships. Here’s to good luck and smooth sailing to all participants of the 2026 ILCA Oceania Solidarity Squad!