2023 Noosa Gaff Regatta Results
By David Bradburn
The 2023 Noosa Gaff Regatta delivered a spectacular weekend of thrilling sailing action that left spectators in awe and competitors on the edge of their seats. With picture-perfect conditions, courtesy of the talented photographer NEALE BERTRAM, this event will be etched in maritime history.
Saturday’s sailing saw favourable breezes of up to 10 knots, setting the stage for a thrilling prelude to Sunday’s excitement, where the winds picked up to a brisk 18 knots from the East-Southeast. As the wind roared, the Cygnet20 boats came to life, giving the local competition a run for their money.
What unfolded was nothing short of remarkable – a script that could not have been written better. Five Cygnets graced the regatta with their presence, ensuring that no one was left out in the action-packed festivities. Every Cygnet made its mark on the racecourse, with Steve’s Dreamkumtrue securing two well-deserved first-place finishes and toppling the local champion, High Flying Frenchman Valerie Oddoux, aboard his O’Day 20 Petit Blue.
In the initial three races, sailed under light 5-10 knot winds, Alan Scott on Chittra showcased the Cygnets’ pedigree, stealing the limelight with a commanding first-place finish, thanks in part to his large radial-cut jib.
The second race witnessed local single-handed sailor Rick Morgan, at the helm of David’s Cygnet, exploring the Cygnet’s potential with local knowledge. Despite the advantage of a larger jib, Neil Patchett’s Cygnet 20 clinched the victory, complete with a full crew, cockpit cushions, and retro sailing attire.
Cygnet Dreamkumtrue
Race 3 witnessed Rick Morgan in David’s Cygnet taking the lead, challenging Petit Blue, and finally securing a victory. Cygnet was proving it could give a tough competition to Val.
At the end of Day 1, Cygnet crews gathered at the Yacht club for dinner, relishing the day’s exciting racing. Steve and family aboard Dreamkumtrue, while far behind the other Cygnets, kept spirits high with their humour, joking about Steve’s “slow boat” and wanting a refund.
On the subsequent day, races 4 to 6 unfolded in intense 20+ knot winds. Steve’s Dreamkumtrue, transformed into a racing thoroughbred thanks to Noosa club champion Andris, demonstrating remarkable improvement. Dreamkumtrue secured first place in race 4 and raced neck and neck with Petit Blue, making Val worry about the Cygnet’s newfound potential.
Race 5 was a turning point as Steve’s Dreamkumtrue and Andris triumphed over Petit Blue after a fierce battle, resulting in Val’s boat retiring due to gear failure. Dreamkumtrue claimed the top spot.
Race 6 solidified Steve and Andris’s dominance, as they secured two first-place victories, leaving everyone in awe. However, a surprise awaited them in the final race, where David Simonds and his crew aboard Bacchus led from start to finish, snatching the victory from the clear favourites, Dreamkumtrue.
The prize-giving ceremony left everyone astonished, with Bacchus emerging as the overall champion due to their consistent performance throughout the two-day event. They received a cask of Bundaberg Rum and their name engraved on the 2023 trophy.
Bacchus Stella
The Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club hosted a remarkable racing weekend, showcasing the pedigree of every Cygnet. Participants eagerly await the next Cygnet gathering and next year’s Noosa event.
David Simonds from Bacchus shared his excitement, saying, “What a fun event. John and I really enjoyed the hospitality of NYRC and the company of likeminded people. It was great fun sailing with all the Cygnets. We were very pleased to finally win the last race overtaking Dreamkumtrue, halfway through that race. We were shocked to then be awarded first place, which must have been a very close thing. We then had three more days motor sailing 17 nautical miles up to campsite 3 in the upper Noosa River. It was a fabulous trip; we highly recommend the experience and look forward to next time.”
The 2023 Noosa Gaff Regatta will be remembered as an unforgettable celebration of sailing excellence and camaraderie.
www.bluewatercruisingyachts.com
Published in print October-December 2023
