After last weekend’s storm surge and gale-force winds kept the Club community on its toes, Saturday’s opening race of the 2026 FSC Winter Series delivered a very different picture, with sunshine, smiles and barely a whisper of breeze.

A fleet of 22 boats took to the water for Race 1, navigating light conditions around the course as the winter racing season officially got underway.

The opening race welcomed several new faces to the start line, including Xero, Coyote, Mandinga, Turkish Delight and FSC newcomer Bite the Bullet. It was also great to see Amigo Claire return to racing after a lengthy hiatus.

Among the early standouts were Airborn (Division 6 Jib & Main), MX (Division 2 PHS), Turkish Delight (Division 1 PHS), Amigo Claire (Division 2 IRC) and Xero (Division 1 IRC).

Full Winter Series results are available here.

With the first race now in the books, the Winter Series continues this Saturday 13 June, while the four-race Valmadre Cup Series follows on 20 June, featuring longer-distance racing and courses extending further offshore into Gage Roads.

Another highlight of the day was the strong participation of female sailors across the fleet. As the Club looks ahead to introducing a women’s sub-series as part of next season’s Summer Series, female representation continues to build.

Onboard the Club’s training boat Airborn, Gerard Wilson’s winning crew included four women, all recent Club members keen to become contributing crew across the fleet.

If you’re looking to strengthen or diversify your team, consider getting in touch with Gerard at keelboatinst@fsc.com.au.