Photo: Supplied.
FROM THE ROYAL QUEENSLAND YACHT SQUADRON
The bayside community is gearing up for one of the biggest international sporting events ever to come to Manly, with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) and the Australian International Finn Association securing hosting rights for the Porsche Centre Brisbane 2026 Finn World Championships in February.
For the first time in the history of the Finn Class, which dates back to 1952, the Finn World Masters will be held in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in Manly. The Finn Gold Cup, the open world championship, will also return to RQYS for the first time in 50 years – the last time being in 1976.
Three major regattas will run across February: Australian Finn Nationals (7–12 February); Finn Gold Cup World Championships (13–19); and the Finn World Masters (20–27).
More than 500 competitors and supporters from across Australia and the world are expected to compete, bringing a welcome boost to local cafés, restaurants, shops, accommodation providers, and the broader bayside economy.
RQYS has a long and celebrated connection to Finn sailing, with a history of producing elite sailors including Olympians Ron Jenyns, John Ferguson, Jake Lilley, Brendan Casey, and Olympic medallist and coach Rafa Trujillo.
To share the excitement with the wider community, RQYS is hosting two major public events in Manly Village and at the Manly Harbour Boat Club, including the FINNS ROCK concert, featuring the Filthy Animals, on Saturday, February 21. With top Australian musicians, the concert is expected to sell out, bringing locals and visiting sailors together for a signature bayside celebration. Tickets will be available via Ticketek.
