The stage is set for one of New Zealand's most fiercely contested keelboat regattas, with the 2026 Harken Young 88 National Championships launching this weekend on the waters north of Rangitoto.
The 2026 Burnsco Elliott 5.9 national championships delivered a regatta that demanded patience, resilience and nerve — and ultimately confirmed Shapeshifter as the boat to beat in the class once again.
Several New Zealand crews featured in the fleet at the 2026 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff World Championship on Sydney Harbour, with three Kiwi teams finishing across the 27-boat leaderboard after the nine-race regatta.