VAMOS Dominates NSW J/70 States Championship

ByStuart Johnstone
Sailboats racing on open blue water.


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(Sydney, NSW, Australia)- Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron hosted a highly competitive fleet of fourteen boats for the 2025 J/70 NSW State Championship, with Tim Ryan’s VAMOS taking overall victory after a thrilling final day on Sydney Harbour. Ryan’s crew (Rob Greenhalgh, Jess Grimes, and Charlie Gundy) returned to form after a year apart, sailing consistently across variable conditions to secure the championship title.

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“What looked like being a disappointing weekend after light winds was saved by a classic Sydney nor’easter on Monday,” said Ryan. “It was our first time sailing together since the Worlds in Palma over a year ago, but the teamwork clicked straight away. Our recent European regattas definitely helped us stay sharp in a very competitive fleet.”

Despite delays early in the regatta due to unstable winds, the race committee delivered a full schedule, with the final day producing ideal 11-20 knot easterly conditions and planing speeds of up to 14 knots — a fitting finale for the growing Australian J/70 fleet.

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Second overall went to Rod Warren’s JOUST70, sailing with Malcolm Page, Mark Bulka, Aaron Cole, and Paul Mitchell. “RSYS always puts on a great event,” said Warren. “Congratulations to Tim Ryan, who continues to set the benchmark for the class.”

Third place was claimed by Chris Dare’s AMBITION, sailing with Lachlan Dare, Jeremy O’Connell, and Will Sargent. “It was our first J/70 event in six months, and Sydney Harbour delivered a full mix of challenges,” said Dare. “We’re thrilled to have secured our 2026 J/70 Worlds qualification with an event to spare.”

Corinthians Division
1. ORA- Eliza Ewart, Josh Griffith, Aaron George, Kieren East
2. JABIRU- Karyn Gojnich, Danielle Gerace, Natasha Miller, Annie Wilmot
3. TRAMONTANA- Liam Robinson Hounsell, Beth Tedstone, Alice Endersbee, Lulu Di Sciascio, Max O’Connell

Young Crew Division (Under 30):
1. JEDI- Miles McLennan, Max Brennan, Samuel Ezra, Thomas Quinlan
2. ORA- Eliza Ewart, Josh Griffith, Aaron George, Kieren East
3. SLINGSHOT- Chelsea Williams, Nathan Gulliksen, Hamish Vass, Nick Drummond, Charlie Watts, and 10-year-old Carol Cheung, the youngest sailor in the fleet

Mixed-Plus Division:
1. JABIRU- Karyn Gojnich, Danielle Gerace, Natasha Miller, Annie Wilmot
2. TRAMONTANA- Liam Robinson Hounsell, Beth Tedstone, Alice Endersbee, Lulu Di Sciascio, Max O’Connell

Recognized by World Sailing as one of the fastest-growing keelboat classes globally, the J/70 continues to thrive in Australia, attracting new owners and competitive sailors nationwide.

For more Australian J/70 Class sailing information
https://www.j70australia.org/