Sailability Auckland has etched its name into the history books after staging the Burnsco 2026 SKUD 18 International Match Race Challenge — the first international match racing regatta ever built around the high-performance SKUD 18 class with integrated crews of disabled and able-bodied sailors. Organised in collaboration with Ponsonby Cruising Club and naming sponsor Burnsco, the three-day event unfolded across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour from 20 to 22 February 2026, drawing ten teams representing New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
For Sailability Auckland’s Paul Wager, the journey from concept to start line was remarkably swift. “It began with a straightforward idea — ‘Let’s get some SKUDs on the water with integrated crews’ — and before long it had taken on a life of its own,” Wager explained. “This went far beyond a standard regatta. It sent an unmistakable signal that the Paralympic dream for sailing isn’t some distant hope — it’s something we’re building right now, in real time.”
Racing on the harbour delivered everything organisers had envisioned and more. With disabled and able-bodied competitors going head-to-head on equal terms, the regatta became a compelling showcase of tactical acumen, boat-handling prowess, and raw determination. The calibre of competition across the fleet left spectators and participants alike in no doubt about the depth of talent within inclusive sailing — performances that will resonate well beyond this inaugural edition.
When the final results were tallied, the 2026 podium read:
1st Place & Champions: Graham Hook & Darrell Smith — TBBC — NZL
2nd Place: Naomi Ooue & Joe Thompson — SYC — AUS
3rd Place: Neil Rowsthorn & Jack Wallace — SYC — AUS
None of it would have been possible without the broader sailing community rallying behind the vision. A dedicated corps of volunteers kept the event running smoothly on and off the water, while sponsors including Burnsco, First Mates Last Laugh, Milner Mobility, PerMobil, and numerous other supporters provided the financial backbone. Together, they have woven themselves into the fabric of this growing movement, demonstrating that the appetite for inclusive sailing has never been stronger.
