World Champion sailor and Olympic coach Jon Emmett officially kicked off the social program at the Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian National Championship 2026, delivering an inspiring Mindset Masterclass on Sunday 18 January. Held in the Racing Lounge at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, the session set the tone for the championship on the eve of racing, which began on 19 January.
Competitors were given a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most accomplished sailors and coaches of the modern era, gaining valuable insight into the mindset, preparation, and decision-making processes that define champions at the highest level of the sport.
Jon’s coaching pedigree is exceptional. He famously mentored Lijia Xu to Olympic gold at Weymouth 2012 and guided Tuula Tenkanen to a top-five finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Proving his competitive edge remains as sharp as ever, Jon added another world title to his name in2025 by winning the ILCA 6 Masters World Championship.
Jon is also racing at the championships, competing in an RS Aero 6. This year’s Nationals are already record-breaking, with 114 entries, marking the largest RS Aero fleet ever assembled in Australia – on par with participation numbers typically seen at major European events.
“It’s so good to be here with the Aeros,” said Jon, who has travelled from Great Britain for the event. Highlighting the accessibility of the RS Aero class, he added, “Modern boat, light design. I can just fly in, charter, and be on the water. I’m really looking forward to an exciting championship.”
For Jon, this regatta is about more than just results. His goal is to enjoy the experience, learn the local conditions, and use the event as valuable preparation before returning to the same venue in a year’s time for the Salty Dingo RS Aero World Championship 2027. That event is already making RS headlines, with charter demand breaking records more than a year in advance.
The learning continues beyond the racecourse. Jon will also feature at the event’s Aviso Specialty Breakfast of Champions on 20 January, where author and podcaster Rob Hartnett will interview a panel of world-class sailors, including:
- Ben Austin (AUS) – 49er Olympian and World Champion
- Peter Barton (GBR) – Current and two-time RS Aero World Champion
- Jon Emmett (GBR) – ILCA Masters World Champion and Olympic gold-medal-winning coach
- Rhett Gowans (AUS) – Two-time RS Aero World Champion
Follow all the action on the RS Aero Facebook page, and keep up to date with results from the Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian National Championship as the racing unfolds.
