The Salty Dingo RS Aero Australian Championships 2026 delivered everything the RS Aero Class has come to expect from a premier Southern Hemisphere national championships: big fleets, world-class sailors, emerging youth talent, strong female representation, and classic Port Phillip Bay conditions.
Hosted by Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, the regatta attracted 114 RS Aeros across four rig sizes, making it one of the largest RS Aero championship events ever held in Australia. Over several days of racing, competitors were tested across a range of conditions, with tactical racing, tight margins, and consistent pressure rewarding precision and composure.
Across all divisions, the depth of competition highlighted the continued growth and strength of the RS Aero Class in Australia, with international sailors lining up alongside national champions, youth sailors stepping onto the podium, and female sailors making their presence felt throughout the fleets.
Racing Highlights by Division
RS Aero 5
The RS Aero 5 fleet showcased the next generation of RS Aero talent, with close racing and impressive consistency from the front runners. Finlay Bunt set the benchmark early and maintained control throughout the series, while strong international participation added further quality to the fleet. Youth sailors featured prominently, underlining the RS Aero 5’s role as a key development pathway within the class.
Results
- Gold: Finlay Bunt
- Silver: Roy van Maanen
- Bronze: Will Hailes
- First Female: Ashleigh Emery
- First Youth: Will Hailes
RS Aero 6
The RS Aero 6 division once again proved to be one of the most balanced and competitive fleets of the championship. With a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, the racing remained tight across the series. Rhett Gowans delivered a polished performance to secure the title, while international standout Jon Emmett pushed the fleet hard. Female and youth sailors both achieved excellent results in this highly competitive class.
Results
- Gold: Rhett Gowans
- Silver: Jon Emmett
- Bronze: Michael O’Brien
- First Female: Megan Ridgway
- First Youth: Will James
RS Aero 7
As the largest and most hotly contested fleet of the regatta, the RS Aero 7 division provided some of the most exciting racing of the week. Multiple race winners, shifting conditions, and narrow point margins kept the championship alive until the final races. Ben Austin’s consistency and tactical excellence ultimately secured the overall title in a fleet packed with proven performers.
Results
- Gold: Ben Austin
- Silver: Peter Barton
- Bronze: Mark Bulka
RS Aero 9
The RS Aero 9 fleet delivered fast, physical racing, particularly when the breeze built across Port Phillip Bay. Justin Bakker’s strong boat speed and decision-making proved decisive, while the rest of the podium reflected the high-performance nature of the class. The division highlighted the RS Aero’s versatility, rewarding both athleticism and technical precision.
Results
- Gold: Justin Bakker
- Silver: Mark Mooy
- Bronze: Rob Fisher
A Celebration of the RS Aero Class
Beyond the results, the championship reflected what makes the RS Aero Class so strong: inclusive racing across ages and abilities, genuine one-design competition, and a supportive class culture both on and off the water. With significant female participation, strong youth representation, and sailors spanning a wide age range, the event reinforced the RS Aero’s position as one of the most dynamic single-handed classes in the country.
The RS Aero Class extends its thanks to Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, Salty Dingo, race officials, volunteers, and sponsors for delivering a championship worthy of the growing fleet.
Want to be a part of what’s next?
Join us:
- 2027 RS Aero World Championships, same venue, same time of year, even bigger fleets
- 2026 Europeans, part of the RS Games, full information here: https://www.rsaerosailing.org/index.asp?p=event&eid=3020
Or check out the events page on our website for even more dates for the diary.
Article by RS Aero Class Association
