2025 National Championships Wrap Up
With thanks to our sponsors…
The Adams 10 National Championships returned to Sydney Harbour with a bang from 14–16 February 2025, superbly hosted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club. Across three days of varied conditions and fiercely competitive racing, ten boats battled it out in a regatta that showcased everything great about the class—tight racing, seamanship under pressure, and a fantastic community spirit.
The Fleet
The fleet brought together crews from across the east coast: Lake Macquarie (Backchat and Tenacity), Pittwater (Gezzebelle), Sydney Harbour, and a visiting Melbourne team from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, who raced aboard borrowed boat L2 (Executive Decision). In a welcome first, Jazz Bar from Cronulla Sailing Club joined the Nationals, proudly representing the southern Sydney fleet.
Day 1 – Light Rain and a Breezy Afternoon
The regatta kicked off under grey skies and glassy water, but by early afternoon a classic nor’easter filled in at 12–15 knots, allowing all three scheduled races to be completed.
Backchat (LMYC), skippered by Belinda Braidwood, opened strong with a win in Race 1. A collision between Backchat and Artemis (MHYC) in Race 2 saw both boats retire, dramatically shaking up the leaderboard early. Gezzebelle (RPAYC) took advantage with commanding wins in Races 2 and 3, stamping their mark on the early standings.
Day 2 – Shifty Winds and Tactical Racing
Day 2 presented shifty, challenging conditions, testing every team’s ability to read the course and adapt on the fly. Four races were completed, with multiple mark roundings seeing boats overlap and finish within seconds of each other. It was a day where tactics paid off, and consistency was key to staying in the hunt.
The tight racing set up a close three-way battle at the top between Backchat, Artemis, and Gezzebelle, with several others close behind. That night, the fleet gathered for a lively Saturday night dinner, reconnecting with old friends and welcoming visiting crews. As always, the social side of Adams 10 sailing proved just as rewarding as the competition.
Day 3 – Big Breeze and Big Tests
Sunday brought a full test of boat handling and teamwork. With 25+ knot gusts, ferry traffic, skiff fleets, and a rolling swell in The Sound, the final day delivered a spectacle of high-speed downwind runs (one boat clocked 16 knots) and tactical positioning. The conditions were exhilarating—and punishing.
Despite their early retirement in Race 2, Backchat returned to form and held on to secure the overall win after a consistent showing across the regatta. Artemis, skippered by Tracy Richardson, finished just behind in second, with Gezzebelle close in third—rounding out a competitive and tightly contested podium.
Special Mentions
Corinthian Champion: Executive Decision (L2), skippered by Will Sheers and crewed by a talented Melbourne team—a standout performance from our Victorian visitors.
Masters Champion: Gezzebelle (RPAYC), showcasing experience and finesse throughout the event.
Timber Seat Trophy: Jazz Bar (CSC), the highest-placed original Adams 10 from the fleet of classic “timber seaters.” A great debut by a team that’s clearly put the work in, both on and off the water.
New Leadership: Congratulations to Geoff Charters, elected as the new president of the Adams 10 Association.
Thanks to Our Hosts and Officials
A huge thank you to Middle Harbour Yacht Club for hosting the event, with particular thanks to Race Officer Steve Tucker, and umpires Simon Barrington and Erica Kirby for their professionalism and commitment across all three days. Their efforts helped deliver a fair, efficient, and enjoyable regatta for all.
Why Race Adams 10s?
The 2025 Nationals were a reminder of why the Adams 10 class continues to thrive: tight, competitive racing in a friendly and supportive environment. It’s a class that welcomes newcomers, values fair play, and offers some of the best one-design racing on the east coast. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just keen to get involved, the Adams 10s provide an accessible, exciting, and community-driven sailing experience.
Full Results & Media
Results: Click here to view full results »
Photos & Videos: Thanks to Beau Outteridge for capturing the action—don’t miss the fantastic images and footage.
Sponsors: Huge thanks to Zhik for their ongoing support of the class and their generous prize contributions.
