 Patton in Hobart Action IslandStats.com  The River Derwent provided a punishing test for the 191-strong fleet this week as the 2026 ILCA Oceania & Australian Open & Youth Championship concluded in Hobart.
While double Olympic gold medalist Matt Wearn secured his seventh Australian title, Bermuda’s Olympic hopeful Campbell Patton proved he can mix it with the world’s elite.
Patton, finished 11th overall in a stacked 40-boat ILCA 7 fleet, navigating six days of "short, sharp waves" and shifting tides that saw many veteran sailors struggle for consistency.
Training out of Sydney, Patton finished with 86 net points across the 12-race series. His performance was defined by remarkable consistency in the top tier of the field:
Top 10 Finishes: Patton placed 10th or better in eight of the 12 races.
Standout Moment: His championship highlight came in Race 5, where he crossed the line in 2nd place, splitting the dominant Australian Sailing Team contingent.
Gritty Finale: Despite the physical toll of the six-day regatta, Patton remained in the hunt for a top-ten spot until the final day, eventually finishing just outside the single digits.
Patton’s performance in Hobart continues a strong run of form following his recent victory at the NSW & ACT State Championships, signaling his intent as he ramps up his international World Cup schedule later this year.
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