Foundations Tireless efforts by Phil Chadwick and Dave Bull secured the 2026 RQYS program after many years’ attending Finn World Masters events, years of personal financial investment, strategic lobbying and rigorous international bidding in their own right. Their endeavours received the strong support of Squadron Board Chair P/Cdre David Redfern and P/Cdre John Warlow, Flag Officers and the various Committees. Phil and David were awarded truly-deserved International Finn Association Australia (IFAA) life membership. Their efforts are why Brisbane and Australia Finn fleet numbers have grown in recent years. ‘ They handed their roles over to Stuart Watson who drove the massive logistical, financial, and operational framework and he, also, received prestigious global recognition in being awarded the accoladed IFA Godet Trophy and the highest honour bestowed by the International Finn Association Australia (IFAA). Working in a key leadership role alongside Stuart was then-RQYS Business Development Manager Rob Brown oam, World 18-footer Skiff Champion and famed crew member of 1983 America’s Cup winner ‘Australia II’ (Rob also stepped up as MC for many of the 2026 ‘Finn February’ events, too!). The Sailing Office, led by Mark Dingley, Austin and Rose, again showed why our Club’s well-earned reputation underpinning another world-class series of events was well-founded. The Race Officer (RO) role was managed by Louise Davis and her ‘well-oiled machine’ with her outstanding crew helping deliver three back-to-back regattas under various and, at times, challenging conditions. Her global RO status is well-deserved, indeed! The ‘Measurement and Jurors’ roles were also a massive undertaking, with Ian Davis and Tim Davies (Sails) and Chief Measurer Andre Blasse, Technical Committee Chairman Tim Tavinor and Alister Deaves leading a skilled team from the IFA. The Jury Head, P/Cdre Mark Gallagher, also managed an international team with many complex tasks. Our Volunteers Co-ordinator Phil Tooth and a massive team of Squadron Volunteers were the ‘heartbeat-pulse’ of the regattas, and their superlative efforts were key f to three incredibly successful outcomes showcasing Squadron spirit. Words alone are not enough to credit what the Volunteers did and the conditions they faced during the month. The sailors’ partners were also taken out around Brisbane by Pam, Karen and Wendy, including visiting some fine Brisbane ‘watering holes.’ RQYS Members Dave and Sue Healey (administration) along with Noel (onshore ramp logistics co-ordination) and Donna Paterson were key to the streamlined processes for the sailors. Their exceptional work showed why the Etchells Worlds (also hosted at RQYS, back in 2018) were such a great success. The regattas’ Patron, P/Cdre John Ferguson oam oly, was in attendance most days and, with Co-Patron Rachael Watson oam oly, attended many functions, their presence greatly appreciated by everyone. It must be noted that both John (14th) and Gus Miller (21st) competed in the 1976 Gold Cup when last held in Brisbane — also at RQYS — and it was an honour to have both ‘Finn-ally’ participating again 50 years later! Finn World Masters start line, 25 February 2026. Pic: RobertDeaves(UK) Below left: Newly-minted IFAA LMs Phil Chadwick and Dave Bull are recognised. Pic: Supplied Below: Regattas’ Co-Patron Rachael Watson oam oly Pic: Supplied Above: The Godet Trophy, presented to Stuart Watson by the IFA/IFAA. Pic: RobertDeaves(UK) Above right: Patron P/Cdre John Ferguson oam oly with Gus Miller. Pic: Supplied Right: Guss, aged 90, battling 20kn winds in 2026! Pic: Supplied Mainsheet 2026 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook 20 ‘FINN-tastic February’
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