By David Bradburn
Photos by Jane McMenamin/ Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club
This year’s regatta delivered an on-water spectacular with a picture-perfect backdrop. The 2024 Noosa Gaff Rig Regatta was held on the 8th and 9th of June in perfect Noosa winter weather, with air and water temperatures both at 23 degrees.
The Saturday morning briefing, held at 12:00, was clear and concise, providing local knowledge, course, and buoy information. A fallback plan was discussed in case of changes in wind direction and strength.
The regatta prizes, including a range of excellent Ronstan products and Bundaberg Rum Barrels, were prominently displayed.
RACE HIGHLIGHTS
At the start line for Saturday’s first race, there were 20 Gaff or similarly rigged yachts. These ranged from a 50-plus-year-old 10-foot timber boat to a recently refurbished Couta Boat. The fleet included classic Gaff and similar rigged wooden dinghies, trailable wooden and glass Gaff yachts, as well as modern Carbon Gaff rigged Cygnet 20’s trailer sailers. Additionally, classic Gunter rigged dinghies, Herons, and Mirrors participated.
Four Cygnets were present, ensuring no one missed out on the action-packed festivities. To maintain competitive handicapping, there were two divisions: Division 1 for boats over 18 ft LOA and Division 2 for open boats under 18 ft LOA. The conditions were challenging on both Saturday and Sunday, with medium to very light westerlies to southwesterlies and a strong run-out tide. Despite this, the sailing committee managed to conduct two races each day.
Saturday’s sailing faced mild breezes of up to 5 knots, with gusts reaching 7 knots. The Cygnet 20s demonstrated their ability to navigate these conditions effectively.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
Day 2 saw even lighter winds than the first day, making it a real challenge to sail one loop against the tide. All Cygnets finished the course, while a few others did not manage, showcasing the Cygnets’ superior sailing capabilities. It was a great weekend, and thanks go out to all participants and the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club for organizing the event.
Every Cygnet made its mark on the racecourse. Cygnet (Boat1) won, Bacchus took second place, Steve’s Dreamkumtrue secured third, and newcomer Delfyn from Gold Coast finished fourth, showing constant improvement.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next year’s Noosa Yacht and Rowing Gaff Rig Regatta will be held on the 7th and 8th of June, 2025. The event is growing each year, and expectations for 2025 include more Gaff Rigged or similar yachts participating in class prizes and overall competition. The inclusion of further Historic Gaff Rigged skiffs and classic dinghy classes is highly anticipated.
The event showcased the Cygnets’ pedigree, stealing the limelight with a commanding performance in light winds.
www.bluewatercruisingyachts.com
Published in print August-December 2024
