Exceptional talent converges…
The 2025 Contender Class Victorian Championships was an unforgettable event, full of fierce competition and exceptional talent. Held at the picturesque McCrae, south-east of Melbourne, the event took place on 22-23 March, attracting a record 45 entries. Among the standout competitors were multiple world champions Andrea Bonezzi, Mark Bulka, and Barry Watson, along with Simon Barwood and Lindsay Irwin, who had both secured podium finishes at the recent Australian Worlds. The local McCrae legends, including Scott Watson, Joey Randell, Michael Macdonald, Michael Hughes, and Jeff Owen, also added to the star-studded field.
The conditions on Day 1 featured a sunny, 5-10 knot west-south-westerly breeze, creating the perfect stage for an intense three-race series. The tight start line was a critical moment for many sailors, and a key wind shift favoured those who chose the left side of the course. With the tide having minimal impact, the competition was all about strategy and skill. The real battle unfolded between Randell and Bulka, who were locked in an exciting rivalry throughout the day.
Provisional Results After Day 1:
- Mark Bulka
- Joey Randell
- Grant Robinson
- Michael Macdonald
- Andre Webster
- Simon Barwood
- Andrea Bonezzi
- James Ellis
- John Humphries
- Lindsay Irwin
After a thrilling day on the water, the sailors returned to shore for a gourmet dinner, where they recapped the day’s excitement and socialized with fellow competitors. The evening was made even more entertaining by guest speakers, including Barry Watson, Crazy, John Lindholm, and Sam Reid, who shared memorable stories from past Contender adventures.
Day 2
Day 2 started with light winds and glassy conditions, likely leaving some sailors nursing sore heads after the previous night’s festivities. However, the McCrae Yacht Club stepped in with a hearty breakfast of egg and bacon rolls, helping everyone power up for the day ahead.
Race 1 was delayed due to difficulty setting the course in the light, fickle breeze. With only 5 knots of northeast wind, it became clear that the weather wasn’t co-operating. The morning session was ultimately abandoned, giving the sailors more time to enjoy the sunshine and the onshore catering. In the afternoon, conditions improved with 10-12 knots of wind, prompting the sailors to rush to their boats for the final race of the regatta. However, eagerness led to a general recall, and the fleet had to return to the starting line for a single race to close out the event.
Mark Bulka claimed victory once again, solidifying his dominance at this regatta. As the event wrapped up, the focus quickly shifted to the upcoming Contender World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy, where 20 Australian boats are set to compete in July 2025.
Final Results:
- Mark Bulka (Irwin Sails)
- Simon Barwood (J Cassidy Sails)
- Michael Macdonald (Wavelength Sails)
- Joey Randell (Irwin Sails)
- Grant Robinson (Irwin Sails)
- Andre Webster (Irwin Sails)
- Andrea Bonezzi (Olimpic Sails)
- James Ellis (Irwin Sails)
- Sam Ellis
- Andrew Chisholm
A big shout-out to McCrae Yacht Club and all the volunteers for organizing another fantastic regatta. Congratulations to Mark, Simon, and Michael for their podium finishes, and we look forward to seeing what the Contender Class sailors bring to Lake Garda later this year!
Words and Images: Shane Baker
For more information, check out the links below:
- Results https://www.clubops.com.au/DisplayResults/DisplayPublicSeriesResults?Id=2801&Id2=2024/25%20Regatta%20Results
- McCrae YC FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/McCraeYachtClub
- McCrae YC Website https://mccraeyc.com.au
- Contender Web Link https://www.contenderclass.org
- Contender Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/26942367645263
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