In October, the Vincentia Sailing Club’s Hobie 14 sailors once again demonstrated their prowess on the waters, competing in two prominent events on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The first event was the Toukley Sailing Club’s Bill Cheal Memorial Regatta on Tuggerah Lake, and the second was the Mannering Park Sailing Club’s Phil Johnston Memorial 14ft Regatta on Lake Macquarie. Success and thrilling competition characterised both regattas as the Vincentia sailors showcased their skills and camaraderie.
Toukley Sailing Club’s Bill Cheal Memorial Regatta
The Hobie 14 sailors of the VSC embarked on their first adventure of the month, competing in the inaugural Bill Cheal Memorial Regatta held on Darkinjung waters at Tuggerah Lake. A total of 18 x Hobie 14s graced the waters during the October long weekend. The Vincentia team consisted of Craig, Andrew, Gav, MB, and Paddy, who were joined by their close friend from Wangi, Ellie. Notably, Jimmy & Brody participated in this regatta as the sole Hobie 16 on the race course, accompanied by Andy and Michelle.
After three days of exhilarating racing and challenging weather conditions, Paddy emerged victorious in a thrilling grudge match against MB, marking their first encounter since the Hobie 14 World Championships. Andrew clinched the third position, narrowly edging out Gavin on a count-back tiebreaker, while Craig secured sixth position, just a few points behind.
Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club’s Phil Johnston Memorial 14ft Regatta
The second regatta of the month saw the Jervis Bay seafarers head to Awabakal’s Lake Macquarie, led by Andrew, MB, and Paddy. This time, they were joined by Gavin, Spinelli, and Bridget. Bridget, in particular, displayed remarkable courage as she competed solo, handling the helm of the Hobie 14 for the very first time in her regatta debut. Additionally, Wangi’s Watty, a close friend of the VSC, joined the event, returning to the Hobie 14 for the first time since the Quinny Regatta.
The Mannering Park event unfolded under typical Manno’ conditions, with a shifty westerly wind on Saturday and a light, unpredictable south-easterly on Sunday. MB clinched the first place trophy for the Hobie 14s, narrowly beating Paddy on count-back, with the title decided in the final race where MB emerged victorious. Andrew secured the fourth position, finishing just one point behind Rod Waterhouse.
In the overall 14ft open regatta, MB claimed the second position, while Paddy finished in third, determined once again on count-back. Andrew concluded the event in the fourth position, and Rod secured the sixth place.
Spinelli, competing in his first regatta since May, continued to showcase his potential as a strong contender on the race track, further solidifying his position as a sailor to watch in future events. Bridget’s debut performance proved that she is one of the rising stars within the VSC’s extensive roster.
Upcoming Regattas
The VSC Hobie sailors are gearing up for the NSW Hobie State Championships, which will take place in less than two weeks on Dharawal waters, Botany Bay, hosted by the Kurnell Catamaran Club in their Top Gun Regatta. The team’s continued dedication, spirit, and success make them formidable competitors in the world of sailing.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the Vincentia sailors prepare to tackle their next challenge and continue representing their club with pride and determination.
