A CONSISTENT south by south easterly wind pattern over two days made it a lively time on the waters of Tanilba Bay for the annual Big Boat Regatta.

Indeed, Alan Gibson’s Tanilba weather station recorded gusts of some 27 knots (45 kilometres per hour).

These blustery conditions saw several catamarans withdraw but with no major damage.

Competitors came from far and wide and included sailors from Mannering Park, Kurnell, Wallerawang, Royal Prince Alfred Sailing Club, the Southern Highlands, Palm Beach, Speers Point, Coffs Harbour, Queens Lake, Toukley, Armidale and the Great Lakes.

Mannering Park sailors won two of the three divisions.

In the Hobie class, Andrew and Olive from Kurnell took out first place in ‘Willy Willy’.

The F18s saw Stewart and Adam claim victory in ‘Harken’.

The General Division point score was topped by Mark and Riley in their Tornado ‘Coca Cola’.

A series of eight races over two days decided the winners.

Commodore of Tanilba Sailing Club Mike Colecliffe said that the regatta drew many spectators and had an economic flow-on effect.

“Our tourist accommodation, restaurants and clubs do very well out of our annual regatta as we list these on a guide sheet when the competitors register,” he stated.

 

By Geoff WALKER