With close racing throughout the fleet and many lead changes between the frontrunners, Jamie Thompson and Ning Xue from Victoria finished the event as National Champions.

For the first time in the fifty year history of the class, an all girl crew has taken out the Open Australian Championship.

Tasmanian schools, their teams and their supporters are consistent in leading Team Sailing nationally

Apart from the competitive sailing, competitors enjoyed a full social program to celebrate the Taipan Catamaran Association of Australia’s 30th birthday.

Conditions were perfect for radio controlled yacht racers and spectators alike - and many came down to watch the regatta.

The day offered up a vintage boat race, an aqua spectacular, including demonstrations by Sailability – and sandcastle building for the kids.

Navigating a tricky course around housing, not to mention extremely gusty and shifty conditions, were part and parcel of an interesting day.

The regatta offers more than sailing, with controlled yacht racing, sandcastle building and a BBQ cook-off.

A revamped Lake Macquarie Yacht Club will host the Melges 24 NSW and Australian Championships in March.

Why not take a break and enjoy some excellent racing and partying?

On the second lap of the course, Asko Appliances was back in contention and won the race and the series.

Come the Championship, GLYC’s team of 75 volunteers per day will contribute their time and expertise to the smooth running of the event.

Daniel Links (NSW) won the title after a regatta long duel with Eddie Reid (TAS) – both are products of good coaching programs.

Two races remain in the Championship, with six teams in contention, led by the Michael Coxon skippered Smeg.

The Rio gold medallist outsailed defending Australian Laser Standard Rig champion Matthew Wearn (WA) in a hard-fought Oceania and Australian championship.