The Dinghy Club is delighted to welcome Julian Bethwaite for a special morning exploring the principles, techniques and innovations that have shaped modern high-performance sailing.

Julian is widely regarded as one of the most influential skiff designers and sailors of the modern era. A multiple World Champion and Grand Prix-winning 18 Footer skipper, he revolutionised skiff design through a relentless pursuit of speed, efficiency and simplicity. His breakthrough concepts transformed 18 Foot Skiff racing and ultimately influenced generations of high-performance sailing craft.

His designs include the internationally acclaimed 29er, 49er and SKUD 18. The 49er was selected as the Olympic skiff for the Sydney 2000 Games and remains one of the most exciting classes in Olympic sailing today. The 29er has become the world's premier youth skiff and the pathway boat for many of today's Olympic and professional sailors.

Julian's passion for innovation continues today through his latest project, the 89er – Don't Panic, a high-performance sportsboat developed with his son Alex. Combining many of the principles that made the 29er and 49er so successful, the 89er reflects Julian's enduring focus on speed, balance, simplicity and fun, proving that he remains at the forefront of sailing design and development.

Away from the design office, Julian's sailing résumé is equally impressive. He designed, built and skippered the legendary AAMI skiffs to back-to-back JJ Giltinan World Championship victories in 1991 and 1992 and played a pivotal role in the evolution of Grand Prix 18 Foot Skiff sailing in Sydney.

Drawing on more than four decades of innovation, experimentation and competition at the highest level, Julian will share the fundamental concepts that underpin fast sailing, regardless of class, crew size or experience level.

The program will be across three sessions begining at 09:00 and concluding at 12:00.

This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of sailing's great thinkers, designers and innovators. Whether you sail a dinghy, skiff, sportsboat or keelboat, Julian's insights into boat handling, performance and setup will challenge conventional thinking and provide practical takeaways for sailors at every level.

Places are limited, all are welcome. Please RSVP to secure your spot.