2026 Hardy Cup: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron claims third consecutive title as Ethan Fong defeats fellow Kiwi in final
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) has reinforced its position as a dominant force in youth match racing, claiming a third consecutive title at the 25th anniversary edition of the Hardy Cup in Sydney.
Hosted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) from 16 to 19 February 2026, the Silver Jubilee regatta welcomed leading under-23 teams from Australia, New Zealand and the United States for four days of high-intensity competition in Elliott 7 keelboats on Sydney Harbour.
While RNZYS has become a familiar name on the Hardy Cup trophy in recent years, 2026 saw a new champion emerge from within its ranks. Ethan Fong, sailing with Lucas Day, Maddie Rist, Harry McMullen and Alissa Marshall, delivered a composed and clinical finals performance to secure the title. In a regatta marked by tight round-robin stages and testing harbour conditions, Fong’s crew proved the most consistent under pressure.
The victory extends RNZYS’ remarkable run at the event, following back-to-back triumphs in 2024 and 2025 by Josh Hyde. Hyde returned to the final once again this year alongside Noah Malpot, Wilbur Stanley, Luca Smith and Rye Brady, finishing runner-up and recording a third straight finals appearance.
Further underlining that dominance, a third RNZYS team helmed by Robbie Wooldridge — with Teaghan Denney, Leo Jeffery, Marin Armstrong-Wills and Apikera Baker — placed fourth overall in the nine-team international fleet. The result highlights the depth of the Auckland club’s youth programme, with multiple crews capable of contending at the highest level.
New Zealand has won the Hardy Cup for three years running. Photos / Sprott Media, RSYS
This year’s racing unfolded against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, delivering some of the closest contests in recent memory. Multiple round-robin stages tested crews across a range of wind strengths, demanding precise boat handling and sharp tactical execution.
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s Daniel Kemp secured third overall as the highest-placed Australian entry, while RSYS and visiting American representatives from Del Rey Yacht Club rounded out a highly competitive fleet.
The Hardy Cup was established in 2001 to foster emerging match racing talent and honours the legacy of Sir James Hardy AO OBE, America’s Cup legend and lifelong RSYS member. Over its history, the event has served as a launchpad for sailors progressing to Youth World Championships, SailGP, World Match Racing Tour events and America’s Cup pathway programmes.
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