The annual Seawind and Corsair Moreton Bay Regatta was held in variable weather conditions but high spirits as a fleet of multihulls converged at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for a weekend of social racing.
The entrants were Seawind Catamarans Scarlett, Lalapanzi, Pali Pali, Double Black Diamond, Meltemi, Sundowner, Tan Anu, Avalon Spirit, Affaire and Corsair 880 Pocket Rocket.
At the Friday briefing session at RQYS, the format and instruction were explained by Multihull Central representative Stephen Mackay and due to the lighter conditions, boats were encouraged to use spinnakers forming two divisions, some using kites and others just two sails. The use of spinnakers was welcome by many for added performance added excitement. Regatta shirts and hats were issued and the fleet got sailing that afternoon.
Seawind & Corsair Moreton Bay Regatta underway – See full image library in link below)
Seawind & Corsair Moreton Bay Regatta prize giving – See full image library in link below)
Friday was a beautiful day for going to the beach. The sun was out after a week of rain, however not a breath of wind! Still all entrants were at the start ready to race at 1:30pm.
The odd Zephyr of wind presented every now and then allowing most boats to sail for a few minutes. It was nice just being out on the water! Many commenting it was a good chance to do running repairs and dry out sails after the previous weeks of wet weather…so all was not lost.
At 3pm, common sense prevailed and we called it a day. Everyone returned to the marina and welcome drinks were moved forward to 5pm at RQYS bar, hosted by Multihull Central.
Saturday was another glamorous day. With a light SW breeze in the morning racing was able to commence at 10am with a normal full fleet start. The course was J reverse around Green island. At the midway point the wind stopped! The “glass out” presented many challenges, and with the tide rushing out some of the fleet were swept to places they didn’t want to go. Finally the new breeze from the East filled in and everyone completed the race.
The weather was perfect and a lunch break was taken at anchor on the western side of Green Island.
The second race on Saturday afternoon was course J, clockwise around Green Island. Wind ENE at 10-12 knots, champagne sailing for those that had some on board.
Saturday evening at the RQYS bar we had the presentation of prizes. With limited result data the prizes were allocated by committee consensus and everyone received a prize!
Prizes were supplied by:
- The Boat Works, Coomera, Gold Coast
- Muirs marine chandlery, Manly
- Sig – Tech marine electrical
- Drinks were provided by Multihull Central
- Welcome bottles of wine provided by Multihull Central
Organisers thanked Phil the race officer and his merry team of Volunteers. These events can only happen with their contribution. With weather conditions changing all the time, clear communication to the fleet by Phil made everything happen smoothly.
With thanks also to Mark, Rose and Sonya from RQYS regatta management and catering were very helpful and made everything happen.
Mike from RQTV provided great coverage and quick production each day allowing video to be played on the RQYS TVs each night. These videos are a great thing for making the regatta real, providing some entertainment and topics for discussion during the evening. Please visit the website RQTV to see videos of Friday, Saturday on the water and Saturday evening at the Club.
The Seawind and Corsair Regatta will return in November 2024. All are welcome and looking forward to seeing you then.
by Brett Vaughan
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