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Alice Winstanley riding Green Fleet proud. Photo supplied: Johanna Winstanley.
Three Airlie Beach families representing the Whitsunday Sailing Club and Port Denison Sailing Club travelled to Yeppoon early this month to compete in the 2026 Windsurfer Class Association of Australia National Titles.
The event attracted 123 competitors aged between 10 and 78, with local sailors producing several impressive performances across the week.
Multiple former national and world champion Dennis Winstanley topped his weight division after another outstanding regatta. His wife, Johanna, competed in her first Nationals, reaching the Cruiser Division slalom finals and placing 10th in the marathon, while 10-year-old daughter Alice finished second in the Green Fleet and completed an adult course race in her first windsurfing competition.
The Martin family also celebrated strong results. Fifteen-year-old Kurt Martin claimed third overall in the youth division and third in the Cruiser Division slalom, while 12-year-old Kirra placed third in the Green Fleet. Both siblings, who learned to sail locally before taking up windsurfing, are now working towards Olympic windsurfing.
Jason Maddock, who recently returned to the sport alongside his wife Kirsty, completed the full racing schedule and placed 11th in the Cruiser Division marathon.
Away from the racing, Kurt and Kirra gained accreditation as Assistant Windsurfing Instructors, while Dennis and Johanna began working towards instructor and coaching qualifications, helping strengthen opportunities for the sport across North Queensland.
Johanna Winstanley said one of the biggest attractions of the Windsurfer Class is its welcoming atmosphere, where beginners can compete alongside world champions and Olympic medallists.
The local group is now preparing for the Queensland Championships in November before the 50th Anniversary National Titles in Melbourne next January, hoping to grow windsurfing participation across the Whitsundays.
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