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The 2026 Toyota Optimist Nationals kick off at New Plymouth Yacht Club under perfect Taranaki conditions. A light northerly breeze of 5-8 knots and a gentle chop create a challenging race environment. The 153-boat fleet, featuring competitors from four countries, is treated to a rare sighting of a whale in the race area.
In the 86-strong Open fleet, two female sailors dominate the leaderboard after three races. Zofia Wells from Glendowie Boating Club seizes the day with two race wins and a third-place finish, totaling 5 points in the Yellow fleet. Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club's Ally Burfoot sits close behind in second overall with 6 points, posting a strong scorecard of 3, 2, 1 in the Blue fleet. Will Handley from Murrays Bay SC leads the male competitors with 7 points, finishing with a score of 3, 1, 3 in the Yellow fleet.
Jack McGuire from Royal Queensland ranks as the top international sailor at fifth overall. In the 40-boat White fleet, Carter Smith from MBSC leads with 10 points. Isaac Gilles, just 11 years old from Wakatere Boating Club, dominates the Green fleet, winning all three races. Full results available at www.sailwave.com/results/NPYC.
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