Strong Winds Propel Like Oxygen to Victory at ASBA Nationals

The 2026 Australian Sports Boat Association Nationals at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club delivers thrilling action. Delayed planning cuts the fleet to seven boats, but competitors embrace the challenge. A 12-knot easterly greets racers, ramping up to 16 knots, setting the stage for intense competition. Like Oxygen dominates, securing seven consecutive wins. Crank consistently finishes second, tying with One Eyed Bandit in one race—who claims three firsts on LTP handicap. Day two brings more sun and a stable 12 to 14-knot breeze, favoring the Thompson 7s, pushing them up the leaderboard. Day three features a long-distance race, but Like Oxygen falters, misreading the course and retiring. Crank takes the lead, but Black Betty snags the race win, with One Eyed Bandit in second and Flying Circus in third. Ultimately, Like Oxygen clinches the regatta on CBH, followed by Crank and Black Betty. Burke Melia’s T7 wins LTP.