Ice-breaker

Sailors from the south-east of Queensland will gear up for the sailing season by participating in the WinterBash Sailing Regatta.

07 July 2020

Sailors from Ballina to Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gladstone, and west to Toowoomba, are preparing to attend the Humpybong Yacht Club WinterBash Sailing Regatta at Woody Point, Redcliffe from 25 July 2020.

Humpybong Yacht Club president David Begley said the WinterBash was one of the few winter regattas for off-the-beach catamaran and dinghy sailors from throughout southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

“It holds more significance this year as it is the first opportunity after the COVID-19 lockdowns for sailors to come together for a significant regatta. Additionally, the opening of the NSW border has meant that we are even receiving enquiries from as far afield as Sydney,” said Begley.

“With water temperatures still around the 20°C mark, sailors really appreciate sailing on Moreton Bay at the moment, which is why so many on-the-water activities are year-round in Brisbane.”

The WinterBash will involve three back-to-back races for the various sailing divisions on Bramble Bay on Saturday and a passage race from Sandgate to Redcliffe and back on Sunday.

The Junior fleet will be sailed close in to the Clontarf foreshore and Pelican Park, and should provide excellent viewing for spectators.

“WinterBash has become a key event of the sailing calendar, marking the start of preparations for the 2020–21 season. It’s an opportunity for skippers and their crews to refresh and refine their skills in preparation for the Spring and Summer racing calendar,” continued Begley.

WinterBash, which is now into its fifth year, has attracted significant entry numbers, both for seniors and a junior fleet, and numbers have remained consistent as the event has become widely known and keenly anticipated.

For the first time, the South East Queensland Nacra Association is running its State Championships in conjunction with WinterBash.

“We hope that juniors will again turn up in good numbers for the youth racing component of the weekend, reflecting the combined family activities that sailing encourages,” added Begley.

“Humpybong Yacht Club is a family-focused sailing club and we actively encourage and invite competitors of all experience levels to take part.”

hyc.net.au

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