https://vioda.org.au/about-vioda/vioda-training-groups
VICTORIAN INTERNATIONAL OPTIMIST DINGHY ASSOCIATION
2026 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
It has been incredibly exciting to see the VIODA community come together once again over recent months at Albert Park Sailing Club. The energy around the class continues to build, with Green Fleet numbers on the rise and plenty of new faces embarking on their first year in Open Fleet.
The composition of the fleet is clearly evolving. Alongside our experienced Open sailors, a new generation of emerging Intermediate and Open Fleet competitors is beginning to push through the pathway. Behind the scenes, VIODA volunteers and coaches have been working hard on the winter training programme and broader development offering for 2026, with plenty more exciting announcements still to come over the months ahead.
VIODA is pleased to announce the Victorian Optimist State Team (VOST) for 2026:
• Joy Shen – Sandringham Yacht Club
• Erik Rydin – Sandringham Yacht Club
• James Edwards – Mornington Yacht Club
• Aubrey Tan – Sandringham Yacht Club
• Theo Altson – Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club
• Fred Cantwell – Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club
• Edward Brown – Mornington Yacht Club
Congratulations to all selected sailors following another strong year in Open Fleet competition. Selection in the VOST programme reflects not only performance at Open Fleet level, but also the years of hard work, commitment and persistence each sailor and family has invested in the class to reach this point.
Following lower Open Fleet participation numbers during 2025, the VIODA Committee, at the recommendation of the coaching group, made the decision not to run a Victorian Optimist Development Squad (VODS) programme this season. Pleasingly, the fleet is now entering a significant period of renewal, with a large number of emerging Intermediate and new Open Fleet sailors progressing through the pathway.
In 2026, VIODA intends to create opportunities for these sailors to train alongside the VOST squad at Royal Brighton Yacht Club throughout the year. These sessions will provide invaluable development opportunities as Victoria builds towards hosting the 2027 Australian Optimist Championships.
The selection criteria for next year’s state teams can be found on the VIODA website here: https://vioda.org.au/about-vioda/vioda-training-groups
VIODA is also pleased to announce the return of Will McKenzie as Victorian State Coach for 2026. A highly regarded sailor and coach in his own right, Will takes on the role for a second consecutive year and will again be supported by experienced National Team coaches Dave White and Jack Lewis.
Separately, VIODA is excited to once again send a delegation to Qingdao in 2026. Now entering its 13th year, the Qingdao programme remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience for young sailors and an important development pathway for experienced Intermediate and emerging Open Fleet competitors.
Selected to represent Team VIODA in Qingdao this year are:
• Tilly Gibson – Sandringham Yacht Club
• Bobby Ferneaux-Williams – Indented Head Yacht Club
• Thea Rydin – Sandringham Yacht Club
• Ace Hill – Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club
• Hunter Bryant – Royal Brighton Yacht Club
• Grace Newitt – Sandringham Yacht Club
Coaching the Qingdao team this year will be Tyrone Gowans, a highly experienced coach and former champion Optimist sailor, who returns to the VIODA community once again to work with the group.
On behalf of the VIODA coaches and committee, congratulations to all selected sailors and to the broader VIODA community for the enormous commitment, volunteer effort and hard work being invested into the class.
The 2026/27 season is shaping as a foundational year for the next generation of Optimist sailing in Victoria. We look forward to watching these sailors continue to develop over the coming months, build confidence across the fleet, and begin making their presence felt on the national stage as they work their way up to the front pack at future regattas.
