The 2024–25 sailing season in New South Wales and at the Vincentia Sailing Club came to an epic conclusion over the ANZAC long weekend with the running of the Jervis Bay Classic.
Held across three days, the Classic combined long-distance adventure with high-paced short course racing, attracting over 50 boats from across NSW, the ACT, and beyond. In a throwback to the club’s roots, the event reintroduced what was once known as the ‘Southerly Buster Regatta’—now reborn as the Jervis Bay Classic and quickly reclaiming its place as a highlight on the calendar.
With ANZAC Day falling on a Friday this year, VSC seized the opportunity to deliver a three-day sailing spectacle:
- Friday: VSC’s Round the Bay Rally – a long-distance adventure around the cardinal marks of Jervis Bay.
- Saturday & Sunday: Short Course Racing – close-quarters racing right in front of the VSC clubhouse and the Jervis Bay Brewing Co. pop-up bar.
As of Wednesday evening, over 40 catamarans were registered, with last-minute entries boosting the fleet to over 50 boats—showcasing Jervis Bay at its very best.
Jervis Bay’s natural amphitheatre made for perfect viewing. Whether you were soaking it all in from the grandstand at the VSC clubhouse, wandering the White Sands Walk, or standing on the beaches from Huskisson to Plantation Point, the Bay was alive with colourful sails and fast racing.
Anzac Day – Round the Bay Rally
VSC’s Round the Bay Rally was nothing short of a bloody good time!
Blessed with a classic summer seabreeze deep into autumn, competitors were treated to stunning conditions for their journey around Jervis Bay. While a few boats may have “explored” a bit further than necessary, the spirit of adventure was alive and well, with laughter, stories, and cold beers flowing at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co. pop-up, soundtracked by the Tall Shaun Band.
- Gav Luxton took the Round the Bay title sailing a Hobie 14.
- Andrew McKenzie was just 7 seconds behind, securing second place.
- Paddy & Emma took line honours on their Hobie 16 and finished third on yardstick, with Will & Georgii hot on their heels.
This was the third time the VSC has hosted the ‘Callala Run’, but the first time it was scored on yardstick—a tradition we look forward to building on in the years to come.
Saturday
Day Two delivered tricky racing conditions as a patchy north-easterly gradient breeze drifted across the Bay. With the breeze constantly shifting and disappearing at times, it was a long and tactical day on the water, with four short course races completed.
Gains and losses were made at every turn across the three fleets:
- Vipers: Beau White sat comfortably in the lead, with Emma in second after the Rally and four races.
- Large Cats: Paddy & Emma led by just a single point over Will & Georgii/Tara/Helen.
- 14ft Fleet: Andrew McKenzie edged ahead of Gav Luxton, with Spinelli and Hatto still well in the hunt.
Sunday
What a way to wrap up the 2025 Jervis Bay Classic!
Sunday delivered three races filled with dramatic twists, turns, and challenges. Race Officer Watty’s cool head paid off in managing conditions that saw 90-degree wind shifts and rain squalls throughout the day. Meanwhile, the tireless team on the support boats kept the racing tight and upright, rescuing many a multi-capsized crew along the way!
The Vincentia Sailing Club would like to send a huge thank you to all competitors who travelled from far and wide to join us in the 50+ strong catamaran fleet.
A massive shoutout to Jervis Bay Brewing Co. for extending their Easter pop-up over the ANZAC weekend—creating an unbeatable vibe that both locals and visitors embraced. It’s this energy that helps us grow our sport and share our passion for sailing with a new audience.
Big thanks also to:
- Kel Campbell for donating fuel vouchers, given away via lucky sail number draw. Congrats to Em, Mark, Bec, Jack, Scott and Nigel.
- Latitude Accommodation South Coast, who generously provided a $1,000 accommodation voucher to two lucky travellers, congrats to Emma, from Sydney, and Thomas, from Canberra!
Finally, none of this would have been possible without the incredible volunteers and friends of VSC, who worked tirelessly on and off the water. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
Results – Jervis Bay Classic 2025
Small Cats
- Paul McKenzie (Wave)
- Fionbarr & Evan (Dragoon)
- Liana & Joel (Dragoon)
14ft Cats
- Andrew McKenzie (Hobie 14)
- Gavin Luxton (Hobie 14)
- Craig Hatton (Hobie 14)
Large Cats
- Paddy & Emma (Hobie 16)
- Will with Georgii, Tara, Helen & Ellie (Hobie 16)
- Egbert & Helen (Nacra 5.8)
Vipers
- Beau White
- Jack Mendham
- James Butler
The 2025 Jervis Bay Classic marks a huge step forward for the regatta—and for the Vincentia Sailing Club. The mix of long-distance adventure, tactical racing, great vibes, and a welcoming community set the foundation for many more epic Classics to come.
See you all in April 2026 on the white sands and blue waters of Jervis Bay!
Click here for the orignal story.
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