Set against the sparkling waters of southern Port Phillip Bay, the Mornington Peninsula provides one of the most stunning backdrops imaginable for world-class dinghy racing. Rolling vineyards, pristine beaches, and a laid-back coastal charm make this stretch of Victorian coastline a magnet for visitors year-round. Come January 2027, it will play host to something truly special: the Salty Dingo RS Aero World Championships. Sailors and spectators arriving from across the globe will discover a region which offers far more than exceptional racing conditions — warm summer days, excellent local produce, and an easy holiday atmosphere which turns a championship regatta into an unforgettable Australian getaway.

At the heart of it all sits the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron; a club whose reputation as one of Australia’s premier sailing venues is well earned. With its modern clubhouse, sheltered launching areas, and easy access to the open waters of Port Phillip’s southern reaches, BYS has built the kind of infrastructure which championship sailing demands. The club’s experienced race management team, led by International Race Officers Kevin Wilson and Col Dods and deep bench of dedicated volunteers ensure that competitors, from seasoned world-title contenders to first-time Worlds sailors, will race in conditions that are both fair and thrilling. It’s this combination of technical excellence and genuine community warmth that made Blairgowrie the standout choice when clubs from across three Australian states competed to host the 2027 event.

The organising committee, led by Jenni Maclean, BYS Club Captain, and Michelle de Blaquiere, BYS Sailing Manager, has spent the better part of two years turning that winning bid into reality, and the momentum shows. The naming rights partnership with Salty Dingo has brought not just vital funding, but a genuine creative energy to the event. Craig Greenhill and his renowned sailing photography and video business are set to capture every tack, gybe, and podium moment for an international audience. Craig and his team have a long association with the RS Aero and supported the RS Aero Australian National Championships held at BYS in 2026.

Charter boat bookings have moved briskly, and a provisional schedule has taken shape. The early bird registration window expires September 30. It’s the kind of steady, professional groundwork that gives sailors confidence the event will run like clockwork from the opening ceremony to the final medal presentation.

As the eighth edition of the RS Aero World Championships, this regatta carries the weight of a rapidly growing global class and the excitement of a fleet where many have never before raced Down Under. With the Mornington Peninsula’s natural beauty as its stage and Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron’s world-class facilities as its foundation, the Salty Dingo RS Aero World Championships 2027 is shaping up to be a true celebration of the RS Aero class: five days of fierce competition, vibrant social activities, and unforgettable Australian summer hospitality which will linger in competitors’ memories long after the medallions are handed out.

Andrew Little – President, RS Aero Class Association Australia

All photos on this page: Salty Dingo