Congratulations to James Mayo (OR1985), who has etched his name into international sailing history after securing an incredible third consecutive Etchells World Championship title on 15 May 2026.

Competing in San Diego, California, Mayo and the crew aboard Magpie (AUS 1526), featuring legendary American tactician Paul Cayard and fellow Australian Ben Lamb, secured victory in the final race of the regatta. 

The historic triumph capped off five days of intense elite racing from 11–15 May 2026, claiming an unprecedented third straight crown for the Magpie campaign.

The achievement follows consecutive World Championship victories in 2024 and 2025, cementing Mayo's status among the most successful competitors in the history of the Etchells class. According to class records, no team or individual has accomplished a "three-peat" of this magnitude for more than four decades.

The Etchells is regarded as one of the world's premier one-design keelboat classes, attracting Olympic medallists, America's Cup winners, and elite sailors from around the globe. Winning a single World Championship is a career-defining achievement; winning three in succession is almost unheard of.  

James' achievement is a wonderful example of the dedication, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence that characterise many Old Ignatians. 

The OIU congratulates James on this extraordinary accomplishment and looks forward to following the next chapter in what has become one of Australian sailing's great success stories