Epigen J/24 Worlds 2026 at Sandringham YC

Class President Andy Forbes competing in the 2026 Nationals – he’ll be in Melbourne for the Epigen Worlds

Now just two months away from the CTO Global Logistics J/24 Pre-Worlds and the Epigen J/24 World Championship, things are already heating up with 38 entries currently. The Irish boat ‘Headcase’ has just arrived. The Japanese Gekko Team boat is due to arrive in the next two weeks, Kurt Dammeier’s ‘Amuse Bouche’ is due in a similar time and Tony Parker’s ‘Bangor Packet’ is on the water coming from the east coast of the US as I write.
The Irish boat ‘Headcase’ helmed by Cillian Dickson, is the current world champion, with Tony Parker 2nd and Kohei  Ichikawa’s Gekko third at last year’s worlds in England, so the stage is being set for a huge battle of the overseas competitors. That’s not to say that Australian boats won’t come up well against them – but that remains to be seen.

Recently we ran a youth qualifying regatta in Sydney with crews from NSW, SA and VIC competing. The winners were the VIC crew and have been given the J/24 ‘Next Gen’ to sail in the worlds against a number of overseas crews.

The volunteer team lead by our committee is doing an amazing job, organising every little detail in this huge undertaking and with our major sponsor Epigen (Peerless Industrial Group) making so much help available, the regatta is expected to be a huge success.

We have an amazing media job being done by our team. See more and regular updates on the regatta:
Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/EpigenJ24WorldChampionshipMelbourne2026
Instagram page    https://www.instagram.com/j24worldchampionships2026

Or go to the regatta website    https://j24worlds2026.com

Simon

 

Boats and Bits for Sale

When you need to sell your boat or boat bits, we can list them on the site for you.
To do this please email, text or call Simon Grain on 0413 870 046

FOR SALE: J24 No. 1324 ‘KICKING’

 

 

 

 

 

 

Built in 1986. Well maintained. Hull faired and coated with Interprotect 2019.
Regularly anti-fouled and rubbed back since then.
Included in the sale:
* 2020 8 HP Yamaha (100 hrs) serviced yearly.
* All bunk cushions
* All safety gear and all current.
* Carbon Spinnaker pole
* Mast Rigging replaced 2019
* Sails – Main, No 1, No. 3, Spinnaker, No. 4 (Non J24 compliant)
* All sheets
* Registration and insurance current.
Boat available for inspection at Yaringa. Boat Harbour (Somerville). Insurance
report (2022) is available for viewing.
Price $2000 (sufficient to cover slipping , mast removal, etc for transporting)
Contact: Peter White (03)97871487

For Sale J24 5466 ‘Furio’

This stunning boat is for sale – if it comes to Australia !
Marianne Schoke in Sweden may send the boat to the Worlds and the boat may be for sale, with or without sails. TBA
Expect a top level price for this top level boat.
If you are interested in this boat, please call Simon Grain on 0413 870 046

J24 Boat Trailer for Sale

Near new trailer with a sturdy frame suits J24 or other similar sized yacht, features 4 wheel brakes, galvanized frame. Located in Sydney

$4,500    Call Scott Jamieson  0414 918 943

 

New Epigen Worlds 2026 Event Website

 

 

 

 

 

The Epigen J/24 World Championship 2026 will take place at Sandringham Yacht Club in Melbourne, Australia, welcoming an international fleet of competitors to one of sailing’s most respected and enduring one-design classes.

This exciting new event website offers the sailing world all they need to know about the Worlds to be held this year, with a comprehensive range of event information, tourist information plus entry details and eventually the results. Links from the site will take you to daily social media with interviews, racing and more.

Held on the waters of Port Phillip Bay, the championship will deliver challenging and dynamic racing conditions, combined with a vibrant onshore atmosphere that reflects Australia’s strong sailing culture. Beyond the competition, the event offers a unique opportunity for international visitors to experience Melbourne — a city known for its sporting pedigree, coastal lifestyle, and cultural appeal.

With teams traveling from across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia, the regatta is expected to feature a highly competitive fleet and deliver compelling racing throughout the championship series. The event also highlights the global strength of the J/24 class and its continued relevance as one of the most popular keelboats in the world.

Find out more at the new event website    j24worlds2026.com

World Championship Kites for Auction

If anyone’s in the market for a quality kite and wants to help us promote (and fund) the 2026 J/24 Epigen World Championship… this is your moment 😄⛵️
The Australian J24 Association has been gifted 4 White North Spinnakers for promoting the upcoming worlds in Melbourne.
Epigen has given the association permission to sell the spinnakers to help fund the worlds and promotion of the class on the proviso that they continue to be used on a regular basis and in the major regattas leading up to the worlds.
Should you be interested in acquiring one, please email your offer to adam@dradamkeyestilley.com.au by COB Wednesday 11th March 2026 ⏳
The spinnakers will be sold to the 4 highest offers (on the basis that the undisclosed reserve price is achieved and the purchaser agrees to the above use condition) with payment due on acceptance.
The association does not make any warranties as to the condition of the spinnakers and its up to the bidders to make their own inquiries.
**Spinnaker Custodian — Offer**
5400 — Hugo Ottaway
4771 — Simon Grain
4793 — John Crawford
4801 — David West
Note the spinnakers currently have the above sticker sail numbers on them which can be removed.

2026 J24 Hodges Sandringham Australian Championship – Regatta Round Up

With bush fires ranging throughout Victoria and a Westerly change at gale force, another abandonment was decreed by Race Committee, ending the Regatta.
Fortunately after 2 racing days and 6 races we were able to declare the winners of each division.
With lots of time to socialise along with photos, steak sandwiches and drinks from the bar, many a story was shared spreading the J24 love amongst the crews from Victoria, interstate and of course our guests from China, Japan and USA. So many great memories.
ONE DESIGN
A big shout out to the overall winners Amuse Bouche skippered by Kurt Dammeier from the USA who looked faster every time they raced, just pipping Haywire skippered by Victoria’s own Barney Walker, with the reigning champion Checkmate skippered by Sean Kirkjian finishing in third.
Well done guys, you all put on a sailing Masterclass.
Congratulations also to the following divisional placings
PHS
Two Dogs – Jack Fullerton VIC
Haywire – Nick Chapman VIC
Convict’s Revenge – Simon Grain VIC
FIRST FEMALE HELM
Kaotic – Catherine Thornton-Rofe
Steve Wright Memorial Interstate Cup
Team Vic : 83 points
Haywire 11/Two Dogs 36/Wildfire 36
Team NSW : 91.5 points
Checkmate 14/Innaminka 32.5/Tinto 45
Team Victoria the inaugural winner!
To the organisers, firstly a big shout out to SYC, Race Management Steve Aulich RO, Clare Cope Deputy RO, and a great team of volunteers for a magnificently run Race Course in sometimes difficult conditions.
Thank you to our long time sponsors, Hodges Sandringham for their great support,  with Amanda Thompson from Hodges Sandringham presenting the trophies at the presentation dinner function on Saturday night.
Finally to our Victorian J24 Committee lead by the human tornado Megan Aulich.
Full results are here  
Great Regatta, just a teaser for what’s to come.
See you all in November for the Epigen Worlds!
AKT

2026 J24 Hodges Sandringham Australian Championship

Day 3
Gale warning on the bay today, 43 degrees of blazing heat with many uncontrolled bush fires raging.
No sailing.
Catastrophic bush fire day in Victoria yesterday
Our thoughts go out to those who have life and property threatened by the catastrophic conditions and the CFA, SES and Emergency services working tirelessly fighting the bush fires. Hopefully the Westerly change that came through last night will allow for some containment of the uncontrolled fires.
Day 4 is an early start to try to get races in before the wind builds above racing limits
AKT