Pittwater Decider for 2026 Pallas Capital Gold Cup
by Nic Douglass 11 May 06:43 BST
16-17 May 2026
Matador is the benchmark going into the Pallas Capital Gold finale © Nic Douglass for @sailorgirlHQ
The final act of the Pallas Capital Gold Cup will be held this weekend at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, with the 2026 series set to be decided in a closely contested finale. The combined TP52 and Super 40 format continues to prove its value in driving both performance at the top end and pathways into Grand Prix keelboat sailing in Australia.
In the TP52 fleet, Matador, owned and skippered by David Doherty, heads into the finale as the clear benchmark, in position to defend both TPR and IRC after dominant performances across Sydney Harbour and Port Stephens. But the chasing pack remains tightly compressed behind them.
Sebastian Bohm's Smuggler sits second overall on both handicaps, while Zen, owned by Gordon Ketelbey, remains firmly in the fight in third. Behind them, First Light, owned by Peter White, has shown consistently strong pace throughout the series, particularly on IRC. Highly Sprung, owned by Mark Spring, and Virago, owned by Robert Kelly, have both delivered standout individual race performances. Frantic, the people's favourite, continues to win support around the docks as the series has progressed.
The Corinthian battle has become one of the quieter storylines building through the series, with Koa and Highly Sprung trading honours across the opening acts. Koa, chartered by Lee Hawksley, claimed Corinthian honours in Acts 1 and 3, while Mark Spring's Highly Sprung took the win in Act 2, leaving the division very much alive heading into Pittwater.
In the Super 40 fleet, Karl Kwok's Beau Ideal heads to Pittwater with a narrow overall advantage after strong performances in both Sydney and Port Stephens, leading the standings across SFR, ORC and IRC.
Chris Dare's Ambition remains firmly in contention, particularly on IRC, while John Bacon's Edge has consistently featured near the front across all handicaps. Boats including Little Nico, Bushranger and Bullwinkle 400 have also shown flashes of pace capable of shaking up the leaderboard.
The combined TP52 and Super 40 format has continued to build momentum throughout the series, producing close, action-packed racing while also strengthening pathways into Grand Prix keelboat sailing in Australia.
Racing on Pittwater is expected to provide a fitting finale, with the fleet set for two days of high-pressure racing where every point will matter.
"Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is delighted to host the final act of the 2026 Pallas Capital Gold Cup on Pittwater this weekend," said Rob McClelland, Commodore of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
"The addition of the Super 40 fleet alongside the TP52s has brought a fantastic new dimension to the series and created an exciting pathway through high-performance Grand Prix keelboat racing in Australia.
"Pittwater is a spectacular place to sail at this time of year and, with our Lion Island Series also taking place on Saturday, there will be more than 100 yachts on the water across the weekend, creating an incredible atmosphere both on and off the racecourse.
"The Club loves hosting events of this calibre and I would particularly like to acknowledge our Race Director Nick Elliott, Race Officer Steve Merrington, and the entire race management and volunteer team for the work that goes into delivering world-class racing here at RPAYC.
"We look forward to welcoming the TP52 and Super 40 owners, crews and supporters to The Alfred's for what promises to be a brilliant finale to the series."
Off the water, the Pallas Capital Gold Cup has also continued to build a strong social and supporter program around the racing. Following the success of the Ladies and Supporters Long Lunch during Act 3 in Port Stephens, the finale at RPAYC will again bring together the wider Gold Cup community across the weekend.
On Saturday, supporters will head out on the water to watch the racing on Pittwater, before a Ladies and Supporters Lunch at the club on Sunday rounds out the social program alongside the final day of competition.
The growing off-water program has become an increasingly important part of the series, helping connect owners, crews, families and supporters around the racing while continuing to build the broader community behind Grand Prix keelboat sailing in Australia.
For more information, news and results head to www.goldcupregatta.com.
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Thanks to title sponsor Pallas Capital, and also Zhik for supporting the class.