2026 Secondary Schools Team Racing Championships: Westlake Girls High School claims fourth straight national title in dominant display

Westlake Girls High School has secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive New Zealand Secondary Schools Girls Team Racing title, underlining its credentials as the dominant force in school sailing in the country.

The 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Team Racing Championships were held at the Whangārei Cruising Club and featured 269 races across multiple fleets and divisions. Westlake Girls High School and Westlake Boys High School each won national titles in their respective categories.

Westlake Boys High School defeated Auckland Grammar School to win the Open Championship, with Macleans College finishing third.

In the girls’ division, Westlake Girls High School secured the title for the fourth year in a row. Nelson College for Girls and Whangārei Girls’ High School completed the podium.

Westlake Girls completed a 28-school regatta that included both boys’ and girls’ teams. Their racing featured consistent starts, controlled manoeuvres, and efficient execution under pressure.

Westlake Boys High took out the overall title. Photos / Supplied

A key result came in their race against Westlake Boys High School, who went on to win the Open Championship. Westlake Girls also progressed to the semifinals of the Open Competition and became the first girls’ school in more than two decades to reach the Petite Finals stage.

The team was coached by Robbie Wooldridge and managed by Paula Satterthwaite.

Captain Jess Handley led the team, alongside Year 13 sailor Gretel Satterthwaite, both part of the squad since 2023.

Year 11 sailor Charlotte Handley sailed in boat three. She recently won the girls’ title and placed third overall at the New Zealand Starling Championship in Wellington. Her upcoming schedule includes the 420 World Championships in France and the European Championships in Germany.

Rangitoto College and Nelson College for Girls finished first and second in the silver and bronze fleets, respectively.

The team's focus now turns to the Interdominion Championship, which will be held in October at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, with teams from New Zealand and Australia competing.