Salve Garda! Victorian crews set their sights for 50th Tasar World Championships

25 June 2025

Four Victorian Tasar crews will represent Australia on the world stage this July, as they prepare to compete at the 2025 Tasar European and World Championships at Lake Garda, Italy.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Italian alps, Lake Garda is renowned by many as a bucket list location, due to its thermal breezes and stunning racing conditions. This year's event, hosted by Circolo Vela Arco Sailing Club from 14-21 July, marks a historic occasion for the class coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Tasar.
The racing will kick off with the European Championships on 14-15 July, followed by the World Championships from 17-21 July. A highly competitive international fleet will have representation from Australia, Japan, Great Britain, North America, and Europe.

The Teams Flying the Flag for Victoria

Chris Dance & Tom Johnston - MAGIC (2980)

Chris is one of Australia's most accomplished Tasar sailors. He claimed the 2015 Tasar World Championship in Busselton, Western Australia alongside Pete Hackett. While this was his first World Championship win, he remains hungry to add to his resume this time around, after a 3rd place at the Sandringham Worlds in 2024.

Although the younger of the pair, Tom brings experience in his own right. Before sailing Tasars, Tom represented Australia in optimists and cadets, the latter of which he was also crowned an Australian national champion. Most recently, he placed sixth at the 2024 Tasar worlds in Sandringham alongside Jon Holroyd and continues to coach young sailors at SYC.

This new partnership blends proven performance with a fresh perspective.

Alistair Murray and Clare Ridgway - AL CAPITAN (2941)

Alistair Murray AM is a TAV life member and a respected figure in both the sailing and marine industries. A regular competitor at state and national events, Alistair brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the class to this year's World Championships.

As host of the Ronstan half hour, a post-sailing Tasar tradition at national and international events, Alistair bridges gaps within the fleet and brings sailors together to reflect on the good, bad and hilarious events of the day's racing. This is a testament to his generous spirit and focus on welcoming younger and less-experienced sailors.

Alistair will be sailing with his daughter Clare Ridgway. Clare is an accomplished sailor and brings years of Tasar sailing experience to the team. Clare and Alistair have raced together for several seasons, most recently finishing in the top at the 50th Tasar National Championships in Mandurah. Clare is also the daughter-in-law of fellow competitors and former World Champions Paul and Bronwyn Ridgway - making this year's Worlds a true family affair!

With Alistair's tactical nous and Clare's sharp crew work, the father-daughter duo will be proudly flying the flag for Victoria in Garda.

Heather Macfarlane & Chris Payne - WAC (2969)

The husband-and-wife duo of Heather Macfarlane and Chris Payne are long-time Tasar sailors and former Victorian state champions, known for their consistency, teamwork and deep knowledge of the class.

Heather is a skilled helm who has delivered strong results at state and national level over many seasons. Chris, her long-time crew and current president of the TAV, brings tactical smarts and a calm presence under pressure-qualities that serve them well in tight racing. As a pair, they also race in the fireball class, where they are past Australian champions, and will be competing in their worlds in late August, also at Lake Garda. With previous experience at the venue, they are hoping this knowledge will hold them in good stead, along with their training in the lead up to the event.

Together, they embody the spirit of Tasar sailing-competitive and community-minded. Their experience and synergy make them a team to watch at Lake Garda.

Paul & Bronwyn Ridgway -  "Ridgididge" (2975)

Paul & Bronwyn Ridgway are no strangers to the top step of the podium. Another of our husband-and-wife teams, they took out the World Title in 2011, hosted at Royal Torbay YC in the UK. They've since remained a force in the class-consistently performing at the highest level both in Australia and abroad.

As a warm-up regatta before the Worlds this year, they have just completed the UK nationals in Whitsable, finishing on the podium in second place. The pair are highly respected within the fleet for both their performance and their sportsmanship. Throughout each season, it is common to have training sessions, impromptu and planned, with both skipper and crew giving great mentorship to the fleet.

A Strong Showing from Victoria

All four teams are in top form for Garda following strong results in recent state and national events. At the 2025 Victorian Championships, held at Indented Head YC as part of the Sail Bellarine regatta, Chris and Tom took out the title, with Heather and Chris in third, and the Ridgways in fifth. These results reflect the breadth of talent within the Victorian fleet and the strength of competition they face week to week.

With world-class competition, champagne sailing conditions, and an iconic venue for the 50th anniversary worlds, it is a fantastic milestone for the Tasar class. For our Victorian sailors, it's an opportunity to showcase their skills, represent their clubs and state, and compete for a place on the podium.

As the countdown to Garda continues, we wish Chris, Tom, Alistair, Clare, Heather, Chris, Paul, And Bronwyn all the very best.

The TAV community is right behind you-and we'll be following each race from back home.

For race schedules, results, and updates from Lake Garda:

watch the Tasar Worlds website at https://2025.tasarworlds.com

Timeline: Europeans (14-15 July); Worlds (17-21 July).

Go team Victoria!

 

Written By Millie Spencer