The Nationals ran from 11th–16th January, hosting a full week of racing. Paynesville delivered varying conditions and a wonderful atmosphere for competitors from across three states. Our NT sailors proudly represented Darwin Sailing Club and the Territory with determination, resilience and excellent sportsmanship.

We would like to sincerely thank James McGrath, who joined our six sailors as NT Coach. James spent valuable time on the water with the team prior to the regatta, helping them adjust to the very different conditions. Having a young coach was fantastic for the kids, and they all greatly appreciated his support.

Across the week we saw strong performances, steady improvement and some outstanding results, including multiple podium finishes. It was especially rewarding to see our newer sailors, Lily McNamee and Amelia Johnson, step up into the Open fleet with confidence, embracing the challenge of interstate sailing in conditions very different from Darwin — cold, choppy and windy.

Novice Fleet Our newest Minnow member, Jarrah Vuat, competed in all 14 races and finished an impressive 6th overall.

Open Fleet Results

All of our sailors achieved at least one Top 10 finish and sailed four races each day back to back — an awesome effort for our newer Minnow sailors. Overall results were:

· Lily McNamee (Sonic) – 15th

· Amelia Johnson (Ozone) – 14th

· Maxwell Winter (Herbie) – 10th

· Willem Smith (Gingerbread Man) – 8th

· Leo Batenburg (Knot U) – 1st (for the third year in a row!)

Junior Results (Under 12 in the Open Fleet)

· Willem Smith – 3rd

· Amelia Johnson – 5th

· Lily McNamee – 6th

A huge shout out to these younger legends! The award for Most Improved in the Open Fleet went to Max Winter — congratulations on a fantastic achievement.

Beyond the results, the event was a wonderful opportunity for our sailors to build friendships and experience the excitement of sailing away from Darwin Sailing Club. A big thank you to the Victorian Minnow Association and the Paynesville Yacht Club for hosting such a well-run and welcoming regatta.

We would also like to acknowledge our long-time supporters, Northline. We have recently discovered that 2025 marks 30 years since they first began supporting NT Minnow families in transporting boats to interstate regattas. After speaking with Peter Chilman, ex NT Minnow President and Commodore, it was confirmed that in 1995 Northline and Perkins first supported boats travelling interstate. Thirty years of backing our smallest sailors is truly above and beyond — thank you, Northline.

Looking ahead, in February four of our young sailors will return to Victoria to compete in the 2026 Victorian Minnow State Championships. During this event, the Victorian Minnow Association will also be holding a special 50-year celebration dinner.

We are currently seeking old photos to share at this event. If you or your family have any Minnow photos (kids sailing, at events or the Northline container), please email them to ntminnows@gmail.com by Friday 6th February

-Article Written By: NT Minnow Association