Pics used in this feature are from Robert Deaves (UK), Mike Middleton and other contributors: acknowledged with many thanks! World watched RQYS in awe … Years and months of effort, together with thousands of hours of Volunteer commitment, delivered a signal Squadron success in the ‘triple-header Finn February’ 2026 events across an awestruck global audience. One of our welcoming Volunteers: Sue Healey Our own ‘Finn-atic’ Stuart Watson has curated this stellar report in an effort to to try to acknowledge most of the numerous individuals whose efforts — both over many recent ‘run-up’ years as well as during the frenetic few weeks of the realised events themselves earlier in 2026 — have reminded the global sailing fraternity why the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is a force in itself! In February 2026, Brisbane, Queensland and RQYS hosted the historic Porsche Centre Brisbane Finn Australian Nationals, Finn Gold Cup, and Finn World Masters — the first time in the Southern Hemisphere — executed back-to-back as a seamless three-week ‘Triple Regatta’. This event marked an unprecedented world-first for the International Finn Class. This project delivered the most successful standalone series of sailing events in RQYS history and set a global benchmark for sports marketing, demographic integration, and media delivery. The multi-year journey to bring this global spectacle to Moreton Bay required a truly seamless hand--off from the visionary bidding process to actual world-class operational execution. The regattas themselves were well-supported by all three Squadron Flag Officers, who attended many functions ashore as well as on-water viewing throughout the events. CEO Karen Baldwin led an exemplary RQYS crew in presenting and delivering an exceptional program ashore with our Squadron’s highly-skilled people in the Admin ‘back office’ as well as through the front-line Hospitality, Grounds and Marina teams. 19 ‘FINN-tastic February’ Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook Mainsheet 2026
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg4Mjk=