Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship 2026
Hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club from 10 to 13 September, the prestigious national championship will bring together six of Australia's top women's match racing teams for four days of intense competition on the waters off Bathers Beach and South Mole.
The championship is a World Sailing Grade 3 event and features some of Australia's highest-ranked women's match racers. Competitors travel from across the country to contest the national title in Elliott 7 yachts, with races decided by strategy, boat handling and split-second tactical decisions.
Unlike fleet racing, match racing pits teams directly against a single opponent, creating a fast-paced, easy-to-follow format where every manoeuvre can decide the outcome. Expect close duels, dramatic lead changes and plenty of action just offshore, ensuring a fiercely competitive battle for the national title.
Spectators can enjoy some of the best viewing from Fleet Street along South Mole and Bathers Beach, with racing taking place just offshore against the backdrop of Fremantle's iconic coastline.
The championship field includes several internationally ranked sailors, including Chelsea Williams, Heidi Ferguson, Isabella Holdsworth, Kirstin Norris and Mia Lovelady, as well as Fremantle local Sophie Jackson.
Photo by Bernie Kaaks. 2026 Fremantle Sailing Club Team, Sophie Jackson front right.
Olympic hopeful Sophie Jackson set to take centre stage
Among the standout competitors is Fremantle Sailing Club member Sophie Jackson, a 470 National Champion who returns to familiar waters looking to defend the title she helped secure in 2025 as part of Nia Jerwood’s championship-winning crew. Jackson, who sails out of clubs in both Western Australia and Victoria, is currently campaigning towards qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
For Western Australian sailing fans, the championship offers a rare opportunity to watch some of Australia’s leading and emerging talent in action, completely free of charge
Photo: Fremantle Sailing Club, 2025 National Championship team. Jackon is front left.
Kicking off a summer of racing
The event provides an exciting preview of a huge summer of sailing in Fremantle, ahead of SailGP's highly anticipated return in February. While SailGP showcases the world's fastest foiling catamarans, the Australian Women's Match Racing Championship offers a front-row seat to a different kind of spectacle, where tactical duels, split-second decisions and close-quarters racing can determine the outcome of every match.
Whether you're a dedicated sailing fan or simply looking for a unique waterfront experience, the Australian Women's Match Racing Championship promises four days of close racing, Olympic-calibre talent and some of the best spectator viewing in the country.
Australian Women's Match Racing Championship
📍 Fremantle Sailing Club & waters off Bathers Beach, view the map here.
📅 10-13 September 2026
🎟 Free spectator event
👀 Best viewing: Fleet Street along South Mole and Bathers Beach
Learn more: Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship 2026 - Fremantle Sailing Club
