The Bay of Islands is set to host one of the strongest ILCA fleets New Zealand has seen in many years when the 2026 New Zealand ILCA Nationals gets underway this January.
Raced out of Bay of Islands Yacht Club in Paihia, the regatta runs from 14 to 18 January 2026 and has attracted just under 100 boats, bringing together the country's leading ILCA sailors and a high-calibre international contingent.
The ILCA 7 fleet is the headline act. Three of the current world top five have entered, led by Britain's Michael Beckett, Ireland's Finn Lynch, and the Netherlands' Duko Bos. They are joined by Ireland's Ewan McMahon, Singapore's experienced campaigner Ryan Lo, and Japan's Haruto Kuroda.
New Zealand's challenge is equally strong. World number 10 George Gautrey heads the home contingent alongside defending national champion Caleb Armit and rising talent George Pilkington, a recent top five finisher at the Under 21 Worlds. Former World Laser Champion Nik Burfoot adds depth in the Masters ranks.
The ILCA 6 fleet also promises tight racing. International entrants Erika Reineke (USA) and Frances Beebe (Australia) line up against Kiwi standouts Greta Pilkington and former world champion George Lane, with youth stars Chloe Turner and Tom Pilkington rounding out what shapes as a keenly contested division.
On-water racing begins on Thursday 15 January. Organisers are aiming to introduce live tracking for the first time at a New Zealand ILCA Nationals, adding another dimension to what is shaping up as a standout regatta.
