As entries breach the 180 mark, organisers at Middle Harbour Yacht Club are busily preparing and counting down the days to the 10th anniversary of their Sydney Harbour Regatta, to be held this weekend, March 7 and 8.
All classes will be strongly contested. Many in the Premier Class for grand prix yachts arrive on the back of wins and podium placings last weekend, including Adrian Van Bellen who sailed his J/122 Jackpot to triple victory, winning the Grant Thornton Short Ocean Pointscore series overall and claiming overall honours in the CYCA’s Combined Ocean/Short Ocean Pointscore.
Flying Cloud (Howard Piggott), JustADash (Phil Dash), Nine Dragons (Bob Cox), Khaleesi (Andrew and Pauline Dally), Swish (Steven Proud) and Saltshaker (Peter Franki) were amongst those on the podium with Jackpot and their owners will be trying to keep the momentum going.
Early birds can enjoy breakfast at the Club when the Sandbar and café open from 8am on both Saturday and Sunday, serving their usual fare including bacon and egg rolls, coffee, tea and more, while the bistro is open for lunch both days for members and those who come to enjoy the more social side of the event.
Post-race, the party atmosphere will have competitors, family and friends kicking back on the Club’s beach. A burger Bar is open Saturday and the party band, Peppermint Jam, will be in full swing from 4.00pm into the night. On Sunday, a sausage sizzle Sunday will be accompanied by entertainment from 4.00pm on.
Helly Hansen 10th Anniversary Sydney Harbour Regatta merchandise will be available for purchase at the Club and a Helly Hansen $2000 spending Spree prize will be drawn on Sunday 6.00pm. The prominent sailing, skiing and adventure clothing company has also donated prizes for division winners and has provided giveaways in the Skippers Bags.
The official prize giving presentation will be held on Monday 9 March from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start with complimentary finger food and a beverage on arrival. All divisional winners will go into a draw to win a trip for two to New Zealand for a six-night luxurious cruise around the Bay of Islands courtesy of Air New Zealand and Island Escape Cruises. The package is valued at over $9000.
A second draw will reward a lucky winner with an antifoul and lift courtesy of Sydney City Marine, while a third draw winner will receive a three-night holiday escape to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays for two, courtesy of Hamilton Island. Accommodation at the Reef View Hotel includes a full buffet breakfast. (Airfares are not included).
Come and help celebrate the 2015 Sydney Harbour Regatta, the largest keelboat regatta in NSW.
Middle Harbour Yacht Club thanks the CYCA, MYC, RANSA, RPAYC, RPEYC, RSYS, SASC and SFS for their valuable assistance in helping to run the Sydney Harbour Regatta.
Online entry and Notice of Race at: www.shr.mhyc.com.au/
– Di Pearson, MHYC media
