Sailors from Ballina to Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone, and west to Toowoomba are preparing to attend the Humpybong Yacht Club WinterBash regatta at Woody Point, Redcliffe on July 25 and 25, 2020.
Humpybong Yacht Club president David Begley said 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 lock downs 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.”
“Sailors really appreciate sailing on Moreton Bay at the moment with water temperatures still around the 20°C mark which is why so many on-the-water activities are year round in Brisbane,” Mr Begley said.
WinterBash will involve three back-to-back races for the various sailing divisions on Bramble Bay on Saturday and a marathon over an area from Sandgate to Redcliffe and back on Sunday.
It should provide spectacular viewing and photography from the many vantage points on the Redcliffe foreshore, Brighton and Woody Point. The Junior fleet will be sailed close in to the Clontarf foreshore and Pelican Park and should provide excellent viewing for the parents and friends.
“WinterBash has become a key event of the sailing calendar, marking the start of preparations for the 2020-21 season and an opportunity for skippers and their crews to refresh and refine their skills in preparation for the Spring and Summer racing calendar.”
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.
As a first this year, the SE Queensland Nacra Association is running its State Championships in conjunction with WinterBash ensuring and even greater spectacle of sail than usual
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.
“Humpybong Yacht Club is a family focused sailing club and we actively encourage and invite competitors of all experience levels to take part.”
Information on the WinterBash entry registration is available on the Humpybong Yacht Club website at HYC.net.au.
Mr Begley said as with all major events at Humpybong, overnight camping and use of club facilities will be available to competitors and their families. Humpybong yacht club will conduct a canteen for the duration of the event.
Mr Begley said competitors are urged to register early to assist with event planning, logistics and catering.
– Mark Dawson
