On the 6th & 7th of October, the annual Seawind & Corsair Pittwater Regatta brought together a mixed fleet of 15 multihulls travelling from Brisbane, Port Stephens, Sydney and Jervis Bay to participate in a weekend of fun and social sailing in an event that has more than 20 years heritage.
With fresh conditions forecast for Friday, the flotilla assembled near the Basin that afternoon for the first of three races to get underway. There was a strong southerly blowing with an exciting downwind start to send the fleet off together. The Seawinds started first with a fast and close first leg, with a mix of models all sailing in close proximity including the Seawind 1260s, 1250s, 1160s, 1190 Sports, 1000s and even an earlier Seawind 24. At the first marker with 8 vessels all within a boat length of each other, while the Corsair trimarans followed 10 minutes afterwards and accelerated quickly into double digit speeds as the crews hiked out on the windward hull.
Following the finish, the fleet rafted up in Coasters Retreat for the evening. A bit of afternoon rain meant the sundowners were relocated from the shore of the Basin back onboard the boats as there is nothing quite like a catamaran raft up to bring sailors together and share stories about the afternoon that was full of tactics and timing.
Saturday morning was a picturesque wake up at the Basin with clear blue skies. Two races took place with the fleet travelling from one end of Pittwater and back! Gifted with an ideal 15 knot moderate southerly making for much more manageable conditions and simply beautiful sailing conditions. Then it was time for the Corsairs to bring the spinnakers out to play, flying through the Seawind fleet it was a tight battle for line honours. Between racing, the fleet rafted up in Towlers Bay to catch up for onboard BBQ lunches, cold drinks and a rest before race two got underway. How wonderful to enjoy a BBQ onboard your racing boat!
After two races in ideal conditions, everyone made their way to the Royal Motor Yacht Club, where the whole outside arm of the marina was reserved for the 15 strong fleet which was quite a sight to see for people passing by. The event concluded with the club hosting a beautiful 2-course dinner in their stunning Lounge Bar room with live entertainment and prizes.
It was clear the regatta was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and highlights the benefit of this event where both experienced sailors and new sailors compete together in friendly racing, supporting the development of new skills and forming new friendships along the way. Though most boats are cruising boats, the racing encourages more focus on tuning sails for optimum boat speed and handling of boats in a mix of conditions.
Organisers thanked their sponsors Nautilus Marine, Club Marine, Barracouta Sails, Tempo Spars, Any Port Marine, Pacific Sailing School, Survitec & Crew Saver. Plus of course Seawind Catamarans & Corsair Trimarans.
The event was proudly organised and hosted by Multihull Central, agents for Seawind and Corsair.
Overall Regatta Winners
- 1st Place – Sea Twist – Seawind 1250
- 2nd Place – Chillout – Seawind 1160
- 3rd Place – Scarlett – Seawind 1160
- 1000 Division winner – Deja vu
- 1160 & 1190 Division winner – Chillout
- 1260 & 1250 Division winner – Sea Twist
