Tinaroo attracts 86 boats to May Regatta

A freshwater lake three-quarters the size of Sydney Harbour, no commercial traffic, few powerboats and good breeze – this was the setting for Tinaroo Sailing Club’s annual May Day Regatta. Held over three days the event attracted 86 boats, from O’pen Bics to sportsboats, Hobies to F18s and competitors aged seven to 78.

Most visitors and many locals opted for the on-site camping within the club grounds, keeping costs low and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Tinaroo. On the water was anything but laid-back, with eight F18s competing with five A-class, an assortment of Nacras and Hobies and a lone Prindle cat. A nineteen boat fleet of Tasars sailed a close-fought State titles within the regatta. See competitor Alex Kostin’s separate report for the details.

The weather gods cooperated, granting fresh breezes and typical sunny north Queensland autumn weather throughout the regatta. On the opening day an invitation race and first heat were followed by a Twilight fun race. On Sunday the Frostbite race at 0700 and a bacon and egg barbecue breakfast preceded heats two, three and four, with the final race sailed on Monday morning, allowing time for visiting sailors to begin their journey home after the presentation.

Cats National F18 champions Michael Guinea and Viv Haydon (Townsville SC) took out the multihull class from club mate Jarrod Cook and Cairns YC’s Jamie Leitner/Matt Webb, both in F18s.

Lasers Dan Haydon (T’ville SC) beat Steven Johannessen (McCrae YC. Vic) on a count back after finishing on equal points.Tinaroo’s Petrea McCarthy third.

Juniors O’pen Bics filled the two top placings. Third generation Tinaroo sailor Kristen Wadley blitzed the fleet to produce a faultless scorecard ahead of Mission Beach SC’s Keeden Walker while Jamie Torpelund (T’ville SC) steered his Sabot into third place.

Div 3 – fast monos Max Wiltshire and Ari Keith’s VS dominated this division, (despite capsizing on to the Principal Race Officer, TSC Commodore Mike Overland) ahead of RS100’s sailed by Mike Tolley and Guy Chester, (all Tinaroo regulars), a bunch of Contenders from Townsville, a couple of local 29ers, a pair of 505s and a Maricat with an identity crisis.

Div 4 – mixed monos Townsville Flying 11 duo Emma Barsi and Cian Williams finished clear of the first two lasers mentioned above in this group which included several of Tinaroo’s RS Fevas and even a Vagabond.

Full results at Tinaroo Sailing Club http://www.tinaroo.yachting.org.au/

Thanks to sponsors Shed Boss Atherton, Atherton Gas and Camping, ECU Australia and Tableland Regional Council.

- Petrea McCarthy, Tinaroo Sailing Club