SB20 owners, crews and supporters,

We have very exciting news. As I’m sure you all know, we have been selected to host the SB20 World Championships in January 2029. This event will be jointly hosted by the RYCT and the DSS (many thanks to both clubs and to the subcommittee for the tremendous work involved in preparing the detailed proposal, and for the enthusiasm and momentum already shown in progressing the planning).

With this in mind, there are some immediate actions and updates for the class.

National Championships – DSS, 27–29 March 2026

The National Championships are fast approaching. Please ensure that:

1. You get your entry in!
2. Your SB20 is registered with the association.
3. You have a current safety checklist completed for your boat.
4. Your boat has a current measurement certificate (weight).

A weighing session is scheduled for Saturday 14 March at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Below is a list of boats that were weighed last year. Under our local class resolution that a weight is current for two years, these boats are exempt from re-weighing, although owners may choose to re-weigh if they wish.

Could all owners please let me know their intention to attend the weighing session, together with a preferred time on Saturday morning. I will allocate times accordingly and circulate detailed instructions for the weighing process. Please send to mccartney@eyesurgeons.com.au

There will shortly be an amendment to the Notice of Race advising that the Vakaros RaceSense system may be used for the National Championships. This is dependent on the fleet becoming familiar with the units during regular twilight racing. Further information will follow.

Vakaros RaceSense rollout

Hobart Eye Surgeonshas partnered with the DSS, with the cooperation of the RYCT, to sponsor and support the rollout of the Vakaros RaceSense system to Hobart sailors. It is intended that this rollout will commence with the SB20 class. Loan unbits will be available to those boats not having a Vakaros Atlas.

For those unfamiliar with the system, it is being widely adopted by one-design classes internationally and is rapidly becoming standard practice for major events. Please look out for further information and a briefing as the system is introduced into our racing.

Class development

With the World Championships ahead of us, it is important that we continue to build and strengthen our class. If you know past or prospective sailors who may be interested in the SB20 fleet, please encourage them to get involved and to contact me directly or speak with any class member who would be happy to assist.

We will briefly discuss class development at the AGM, to be held on the morning of Saturday 28 March during the National Championships. A formal AGM notice will be circulated separately. We also intend to hold a strategy meeting after the Championships to consider options and long-term plans for the class. If you have ideas or suggestions, please bring them to that meeting or feel free to share them with me at any time.

I am confident that, as we work toward hosting the 2029 World Championships, we will build a vibrant and exciting local fleet once again.

Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm.

Kind regards,

Paul McCartney

SB20 Class Australia

42 Silver Gull

44 Rebellion

47 Stormtrooper

56 Warwick Dean

87 Murray Jones

86 Wicked

48 Karabos

89 El Pez

58 Cook Your Own Dinner

19 Ares

75 Masterclass

29Big Ted

68Red & Black

85Fahan School

89El Pez

90Mind Games

46Imp (Black)

31Export Roo

95Wedgewood