That’s a wrap on the 2026 Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship

Published On: September 14, 2026

The 2026 Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship, organised by Australian Sailing and hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club, wrapped up on Sunday after three days of close racing, changing conditions and some great battles between six teams from WA and NSW.

The Championship started in near-perfect match racing conditions on Friday, with flat water and a light northerly. Chelsea Williams (CYCA) and Mia Lovelady (RFBYC) quickly established themselves at the top of the standings, and by the end of Saturday’s three Round Robins they were tied on 10 wins each.

FSC’s Sophie Jackson and team racing off Fremantle during the 2026 Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship © Tidal Media Australia

Sunday’s Finals Series saw Chelsea defeat FSC’s Sophie Jackson 3–1 in the semi-finals, while Mia Lovelady took a 3–1 win over Isabella Holdsworth (RPAYC) to set up the Championship Final.

Mia Lovelady (RFBYC) and Isabella Holdsworth (RPAYC) go head-to-head during Sunday’s semi-finals © Tidal Media Australia

Chelsea and her CYCA team of Maddy McLeay, Paige Caldecott, Clare Cini and Ali Braden went on to take the final 3–0, becoming our 2026 Australian Women’s Match Racing Champions.

Chelsea Williams and her CYCA team celebrate after being crowned 2026 AWMR Champions © Tidal Media Australia

Congratulations also to Mia and her team on second place, and Isabella Holdsworth and her RPAYC team, who defeated Sophie Jackson 2–1 to finish third.

It was also fantastic to have Sophie representing FSC on home waters, finishing fourth overall in a very strong national field.

FSC’s Sophie Jackson in action on home waters during the 2026 Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship © Tidal Media Australia

Events like this take a huge amount of work behind the scenes. A very big thank you to Principal Race Officer Rob Hubbard, Carolyne Bush and Amanda Casebier, along with the Race Committee, umpires, on-water teams, volunteers and Club staff who helped bring the Championship together. After months of planning and a big few days on and off the water, it was great to see it all come together.

PJ Backshall, Carolyne Bush and Amanda Amanda Casebier part of the team behind a fantastic few days of racing at FSC © Bernie Kaaks

Thank you also to the City of Fremantle for once again supporting the Championship, and to Di Latte Estate and North Sails for their support throughout the event. We’re very grateful to have their support in helping make events like this possible at FSC.

Smiles all round after a fantastic few days of racing in Freo © Tidal Media Australia

And finally, thank you to all six teams for making the trip to Freo and putting on such a great few days of racing. We hope you enjoyed your time at FSC and we look forward to welcoming you back!

Check out more photos and highlights from the Championship on our Instagram.