Tasar sailors from across Victoria converged on the Bellarine Peninsula last weekend to compete in the 2025 Victorian Tasar State Championships.
Hosted by the Indented Head Yacht Club (IHYC), Sail Bellarine 2025 provided a fantastic weekend of racing for 14 Tasars and 28 sailors.
It was the second iteration of the State Championships, after the event was rescheduled following a wind-less attempt at Safety Beach over the March long weekend .
The weather was a sunny 20-23 degrees both days, which Sail Bellarine regulars said only happens every four years! Also contrary to previous years, the fleet achieved a full program of races.
Saturday morning greeted sailors with a steady 10kt NNE breeze, which slowly clocked to the North throughout the afternoon.
While this favoured the lighter crews, the competitive fleet, boasting numerous world and national champions in the Tasar and other classes, meant there were no guarantees about who would place well.
Following the end of day 1’s racing, Father-Daughter pairing Ian ‘String’ and Naomi Taylor (2192, HSC) led the regatta on 7 points after winning race 2.
Heather Macfarlane and Chris Payne (2969,SYC) won the first race, placing them second with 8 points.
Sharing equal third – were two crews on 12 points – Chris Dance and Tom Johnston (2980, SYC) race 3 winners, and Mark and Will Bulka (2971, McCYC/SBSC).
Highlights (or lowlights) from the first day included several UFD’s across the fleet, Brad and Allegra Jones (2907, SYC) and Andrew ‘Mono’ Martin and Phillip Potter (2823,SBSC) recording two each.
Paul and Bronwyn Ridgway (2991,SYC) Chris Mason and Beatrice Haselroither-Imfield (2733, HSC) and the only helm U/30 crew of Ryan Moreton and Millie Spencer (2760, SYC/TYC) all picked up 1 UFD each.
During the post-sailing function hosted by IHYC, all crews agreed being front row and OCS was a more encouraging sign than being 5 lengths back at the gun – signs of a healthy competition.
Day 2 brought with it stronger winds, meaning racing was delayed by an hour following wind readings of 22kts, but once boats were on the water, the conditions moderated to a 15-18kt northerly, with some nor-westerly shifts as the afternoon went on.
The class of the fleet was on full show, with crews showing how fast, fun and exciting the Tasar can be in a blow, especially on the shy reaches to the finish.
Despite the tight racing once again, with lead changes throughout each race, Chris and Tom continued their winning ways, taking both races and the state championship.
Father-son duo Mark and Will, finished second on both Sunday races and as well as overall – meaning there was just one point between second and first.
Third overall were the Super Grand Master division winners Chris and Heather, edging out the the Most-Improved division winners String and Naomi, finishing fourth.
While serving as the states, Sail Bellarine was also the final event for the 2024/25 Tallisman Trophy, awarded to the highest performing boat across the season at TAV events.
While the award recognises high performance at individual events, it also encourages high levels of participation throughout the season.
Following a stellar season, Claire and Simon Medd were awarded the trophy, which was topped off with winning the Grand Master division at the State Championships.
The State Championships and Sail Bellarine regatta would not have been possible without the incredible support from the IHYC volunteers – from the volunteers on the beach helping with trolleys to the race committee and registration team – a big thank you to you all!. A shout out to the Scouts and crew who helped feed hungry sailors breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the weekend.
With the states concluded, Victorian Tasars are looking forward to a suite of winter series events and training in the lead up to the 50th Tasar World Championships held on Lake Garda this July.
For more information regarding Tasar Sailing, contact us via facebook or visit our website www.tasar.org and find your region to get in contact with your local class representative.
2025 State Championships Titles
State Champion: Chris Dance and Thomas Johnston
Most improved: Ian and Naomi Taylor
1st Helm U/30: Ryan Moreton and Millie Spencer
20/20 division: Mark and Will Bulka
Masters: Anthony and Emily Walsh
Grand Masters: Claire and Simon Medd
Super Grand Masters: Heather Macfarlane and Chris Payne
Authors are Millie Spencer and Emily Walsh
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