51st Australian Hobie Cat National Championships at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
by Paddy Butler 22 Jan 06:06 EST
28 December 2023 – 5 January 2024
The racing sails have been dropped, washed down, rolled up and put again into storage after what might be thought of one of many hardest Australian Championships the Hobie Family has seen for a very long time. Across the ten day extravaganza, the true which means of “having a bloody good time” could not have been extra evident; and it is and not using a wind-shadow of a doubt that the Hobie Class is trying stronger than ever.
Before we get into particulars of the race course, an enormous thank you will need to firstly exit to our sponsors: Yacht Share, whose assist of Hobie Sailing in Queensland is second to none; Cat Covers, whose unbelievable prizes and giveaways will maintain the Hobie Family’s heads and boats shielded from the solar for years to come back; Gordon and the entire staff at Sunstate Watersports, for his or her continuous presence and assist of the Hobie class all through the Sunshine State; and Gill, for his or her continued assist of the Queensland Association and the best hooded towels recognized to sailor-kind.
Kudos should additionally go to Rob & Dee for offering Jaygo because the official spectator vessel for each Series. Providing the non-sailors of the Hobie Family with the chance to look at the motion on the water not solely heightens the vitality for the athletes’ racing, however brings everybody collectively off the water in a complete new approach. Our man behind the digital camera, Spikey Mikey, is unmatched at capturing the very best moments on and off the water for RQTV (take a look at the complete galleries above). Our gratitude additionally goes to Bridget Raftery, whose time spent on Jaygo was very nicely utilised, while additionally armed with the GoPro on the shore with Paddy & Sophie as they chatted to all of the sailors for Totally Immersed TV.
Finally, our because of the Queensland Hobie Cat Association Committee, the whole thing of the staff on the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, and our excellent race officer, Mr. David Brookes. Brooksie and the entire staff of volunteers on the water made a miracle out of the 51st Australian Championships in circumstances that ranged from zero to 35+ knots. Having waited 4 years to get this occasion off the bottom, the QHCA Committee, Brooksie and the entire RQYS staff’s Australian Championships shall be placed in a particular spot within the Australian Hobie archives.
Series 1 | Day 1
Straight out of the gates, consistency on a tough race monitor would show to be the deciding issue for the National Title. A shifty, north-easterly breeze within the morning proved to be making an attempt as nearly all of scorecards fluctuated all through the fleet. Darren Smith & Claire Bisgood (WA) one the day with a 5, 3, 1, 1 within the 4 heats, while Fletcher & Georgia Warren Myers (VIC) got here away with 2, 6, 3, 4. Proving simply how tough the racing was, defending champions Cam Owen & Suzzi Ghent (WA) completed the day with a 3, 22, 41, 3, while native legends and present QLD State Champions, Peter & Juliet Bates (QLD), completed with 8, 23, 8, 2.
Coming away with strong scores throughout the day, Gordon McGillivray & Igor Prado (QLD) took out the primary warmth of the sequence, while Rob Branch & Jo Keen (QLD) claimed the second warmth as their very own, with father/daughter staff Rob & Haylie Andrews (QLD) adopted shut behind of their first regatta for the reason that 2016 Hobie 16 Worlds in Dapeng, China. Likewise, Emma Rankin & Haylie Fisher (NSW), Phil & James Kellond-Knight (QLD) and Cam Weddell & Pip Pietromonaco (VIC) all had nice scores on the board, leaving them with a preventing likelihood for the general title.
The Hobie 18 fleet noticed present champions Jake de Rooy & Alannah Simpson (NSW) match racing with Peter Manley & Katie Duggan (ACT), with Pete & Katie ending with three bullets to Jake & Alannah’s one within the fourth warmth. Kerry & Andrew Driver (NSW) competing of their first ever regatta within the Hobie 18 Class had been going stern-to-bow with the northern river boys Aaron & Peter Goldie (NSW).
Series 1 | Day 2
With related circumstances to yesterday, and a good slower begin to morning, the ‘hurry up & wait protocol’ was enacted by the race committee. The young weapons of the Hobie household spent the morning relieving the times of yore, taking part in Finska on the luscious garden of RQYS, while the extra skilled era conserved their vitality within the air-conditioning. However, because the breeze started to fill by the early afternoon, it was motion stations because the fleet hit Moreton Bay for 3 red-hot races.
Backing up two bullets from yesterday, Darren & Claire (WA) took out the fifth warmth within the sequence with Cam & Suz (WA) and Fletch & Georgia (VIC) shut behind. With the wind slowly building, Cam & Suz (WA) took out the second race of the day, while Peter & Juliet (QLD) received the ultimate warmth of the day. The Hobie 18s noticed one other tight day on the instruments, as Peter & Katie (ACT) and Jake & Alannah (NSW) went race for race, leaving a degree between the pair after the three races of the day.
Father/son staff Shane & Tom Peterson (QLD) had one other constant day on the water, heading to shore with three top-10 finishes. Likewise, Cam & Pip (VIC) remained constant, as Mick Butler, on board with native legend, Charlie Tonks (NSW), got here home with two top-5 placings. Finally, ending the day a lot happier than he was 24 hours earlier (with many phrases of encouragement from one Peter Bates), Andrew Keag & Helen Warneke (QLD) got here away with a 3rd place end within the remaining warmth, proving that you just’re solely nearly as good as your final race.
Series 1 | Day 3
Waking as much as a stormy day on Moreton Bay, the campers at RQYS had been wishing they’d gumboots because the probability of trench-foot grew increased by the day. Making their approach slowly however absolutely right down to the rigging garden, the southerners, Paddy, Bryn & Bridget, discovered no rags vertically hoist; nevertheless, many masts had been dropping as a result of a excessive likelihood of lightning forecasted all through the day.
With the race committee and volunteers becoming a member of the athletes within the cool, dry circumstances contained in the RQYS clubhouse, the sailors had been tasked with amusing themselves with spoons, playing cards and no matter enjoyable, new video games every state may carry to the desk. However, because the early afternoon turned to late, a window of alternative arose to ship the fleet out to race.
Peter & Juliet (QLD), Branchy & Jo (QLD), and Andrew Warneke & Carmen Andrews (QLD) had been the primary off the ramp and on the race course, earlier than the “thunderbolts and lightning” grew to become “very, very horrifying” to everybody on the water; leading to essentially the most aggressive race of the sequence: who may get to shore first.
Series 1 | Day 4
With seven races within the books, and the very best forecast for the sequence, there was no time to muck round on the shore. Mr Brookes had the fleet on the water on time. Although, reaching the race course on time was simpler stated than achieved, because the breeze started to fade, leaving the waters inside Green Island trying like glass.
Not bothered within the slightest, the spectators aboard Jaygo relished the chance to go for a swim amongst the ‘butterflies on water’ that had been scattered across the startboat. With the ‘hurry up and wait’ protocol initiated, Andrew & Carmen (QLD) had been caught trapping on reverse sides of the boat, Juliet Bates was on the helm coaching for the Series 2, while Paddy Butler & Sophie Bates (NSW/QLD) picked up their Totally Immersed TV Co-Producer, Bridget Raftery, for on-water interviews, reside leisure and a complete lot of mischief proper earlier than the south-easterly hit the race course – proper on schedule.
No sooner had the breeze arrived that the 5-minute gun sounded, because the probability of 4 races earlier than 1600 hrs was trying extra promising by the second. Winning the day by a rustic mile, Cam & Suz (WA) claimed a bullet within the first warmth of the day, and one other two within the final two races of the sequence. Making a break within the second warmth, Gordon & Igor (QLD) ran away from the pack, with the Victorians Fletch & Georgia (VIC) and Cam & Pip (VIC) sizzling on their sterns.
Father/daughter duo, Phil & Caitlin Epps (WA) got here away with two top-10 finishes, as did the daddy/son groups of the Kellond-Knights (QLD) and Petersons (QLD), while Anthony & Evelyn (NSW) had one other strong day solidifying their place within the total top-10. Proving that time-on-the-water counts, Aaron & Peter Goldie (NSW) got here away with two thirds within the Hobie 18s, Whilst Jake & Alannah (NSW) and Peter & Katie traded out first, seconds and a drop every.
Series 1 | Final Results
As the rags had been pulled down, boats had been loaded onto the trailers and the athletes returned to their greenrooms for hair and make-up, it was time to go to the Clubhouse for the annual New Years Eve Presentation. With salsa dancing, fireworks and Keagy & Helen lined as much as acquire some overdue fines, the stage was set for an evening to recollect.
Unknowingly conscious that heading in a race early would resolve the general placings, Jake de Rooy & Alannah Simpson (NSW) handed the National Championship over to Peter Manly & Katie Duggan (ACT) after a tough fought battle on Moreton Bay, solidifying the victory by just one level. Having by no means jumped on a Hobie 18 of their life, Kerrie & Andrew Driver (NSW) sailed with styler on their ‘new’ buy, while Adam & Peter Goldie’s (NSW) expertise grew tenfold of their first occasion for the 12 months.
Cam Weddell & Pip Pietromonaco (VIC) got here away with fifth on 49 factors, because the native legends Peter & Juliet Bates (QLD) completed in fourth on 40 factors. Fighting their approach up on the rostrum, Cam Owen & Suzzi Ghent (WA) completed on 37 factors, taking out the Masters title on count-back over Fletcher & Georgia Warren-Myers (VIC). The legendary Victorians completed second total of their most constant efficiency to this point, dropping two sixth place finishes to have a complete of 29 factors on their scorecard. Finally, on 25 factors and racing in considered one of their most gorgeous regattas to this point, Darren Smith & Claire Bisgood (WA) claimed the Open & Grand Masters title and not using a shadow of a doubt.
Series 2 | Day 1
It was a stormy begin to the second sequence after a a lot wanted respite on new 12 months’s day. With the reside wind readings pushing the excessive twenties, and far of the RQYS grounds overridden with water, it was a protracted morning of ‘hurry up and wait’ for the athletes on shore. However, after a lot deliberation from the race officers, the ultimate determination was made to ship the Hobie 14s out to brace the brute drive of mom nature on their very own.
With the wind ranging between 20-25 knots, and the ocean state on par, Paddy Butler (NSW) was main the pack till the second high mark rounding, the place Andrew McKenzie (NSW), Mick Butler (NSW), Darren Smith (WA), together with one other seven boats, snuck previous the present World Champion after a bumbling try and cleansing up his fundamental sheet.
Having joined the array of choc-tops already scattered all through the Hobie 14 fleet, Paddy (NSW) snuck in entrance of Butler Sr. (NSW) and McKenzie (NSW) to complete behind the present National Champion, Bryn Robinson-Mills (NSW) to say the second race as his personal. With the typical wind now within the 25-30 knot vary; consequently, it was to observe the chief again to shore. For some, it was a time for a well-earned beverage and relaxation, for many, it was in your fingers and knees scrubbing out the Moreton Bay sludge…
Series 2 | Day 2
With the choc-tops all clear and the fleet nicely rested, a lighter, extra regular breeze greeted the mariners of Moreton Bay. Starting on time, Fletcher Warren-Myers (VIC) was out for redemption, claiming the primary race of the day. With Dazzy Smith (WA) sneaking in a bullet within the second warmth after a blinder of a begin on the pin finish, Fletcher (VIC) got here again to win the third warmth, while Bryn (NSW) ripped forward to win the ultimate warmth of the day, after a extremely constant session by no means leaving the top-4.
Favouring the circumstances of the day, Georgia Warren-Myers (VIC) completed the day in type with a pair of thirds. Likewise, Brad Quartermaine (WA) proved all of the observe within the west has paid off, ending with a 4, 3, 6, 4 on his scorecard, while Mick (NSW) and Rod (NSW), who each remained as dependable as ever, had been OCSed within the second warmth of the day alongside an overzealous Gavin Luxton (NSW).
Mercilessly beginning the regatta in type, Bella Zanesco & Helen Warneke (QLD) ended their day with a picket fence; gorgeous on all accounts. Julie Keenan (QLD), racing with the present World Champion Suzzi Ghent (WA), completed their day confidently with a 2, 2, 3, 6 within the financial institution. On the helm for the primary time in 20 years, and crusing along with her daughter, Juliet & Sophie Bates (QLD) nonetheless discovered their rhythm swiftly, ending the third warmth in second place, while reigning Youth Champions, Lachy Owen & Elisabeth Smith (WA) completed their day with a second.
Series 2 | Day 3
With a extra mellow day forecast for Moreton Bay, the overwhelming majority of boats had been out racing. Kerry Waterhouse (NSW), crusing on Sparks (on mortgage from her daughter, Bridget), made strong use of the lighter circumstances. Fashionably late after coping with flooding on the Gold Coast, Bloody Leon Whitworth’s (QLD) growth marked its arrival on the race course on Leon’s brow after an exuberant entry into his top-mark rounding.
After a blinding begin on the pin-end of the road, Rod Waterhouse (NSW) cleaned up the primary race, with Zak Rowdon (VIC) & Georgia Warren-Myers (VIC) sizzling on his stern. Consolidating his total position, Darren Smith (WA) took out the following two heats as Zak (VIC) and Bryn (NSW) remained constant, while Paddy (NSW) began to point out enchancment with a second and a bullet within the final two heats of the day.
Starting on a excessive be aware, Carmen & Haylie Andrews (QLD) snuck in a bullet for the primary warmth of the day, while Bella & Helen (QLD) got here by way of with the following two races. Juliet & Sophie Bates (QLD) had a superb begin to the day with two seconds, while Julie & Suz (QLD/WA) swept in, ending the final two heats in second. Finally, ending the day on the very best of highs, native young-gun Bella Wilson (QLD) and Pittwater native, Rosie Cookson (NSW) got here away with a bullet within the remaining warmth; a superb effort for his or her third day on the water as a staff.
Teaming up for the primary time, native hotshots Shane Peterson & Pete Dubbelaar (QLD) had been match racing on the F18-rigged Wildcat in opposition to the westerners Phil & Caitlyn Epps (WA), with Shane & his rockstar crew in a cushty lead heading into the ultimate day of racing.
Series 2 | Day 4
Finishing the eight days of racing in type, Quandamooka nation supplied our mariners with a strong south-easterly breeze that was nothing wanting pure cowboy crusing. The Wildcats went arduous for the primary two heats of the day; nevertheless, a unanimous determination between Shane & Pete (QLD) and Phil & Caitlyn (WA) led to an early end for the F18.
Proving comfy within the greater breeze, Bella & Helen (QLD) took home three bullets on the finish of the day, as Lachy & Elisabeth (WA) discovered their boat velocity within the second final warmth of the sequence with a blinder of a race. At ease within the heavier breeze, Carmen & Haylie (QLD) discovered themselves on the high of the pack within the final two heats, while Jordan Barney & Maddie Wendt’s (QLD) boat dealing with was growing comfortably with two thirds on the final day.
As an absolute standout of the day, Andrew Boyd’s (TBC) boat-speed off the beginning line was unmatched, ending the day with a 15, 4, 1, 2. However, it was a combined bag day for many. Mick Butler (NSW) had a powerful day with 1, 1, 2, 8; as did Fletcher Warren-Myers (VIC) with 4, 2, 3, dropping a 7; and Bryn Robinson-Mills (NSW) bagging a 2, 3, 4 and a drop of an 8. However, it was Rod Waterhouse’s (NSW) port begin that closed the day, with a spectacular win to cap off the 14-race sequence.
Series 2 | Overall Results
Finishing their regatta with an almost good rating, Shane Peterson & Pete Dubbelaar (QLD) took home the title as Hobie F18 National Champions, forward of Phil & Caitlin Epps (WA) after a tough fought sequence. With the prospect of extra Hobie F18 occasions down the road, we’re excited to see the place the fleet goes subsequent.
In a profession defining efficiency, Bella Zanesco & Helen Warneke (QLD) took home the Women’s Championship with a picket fence on 10 factors; with 10 bullets and dropping a 3rd and a fourth. In the closest end we have seen all through the whole thing of the 2023 Championship Tour, Julie Keenan & Suzzi Ghent (QLD/WA) completed in second on 29 factors. Only a single level behind in third place, Juliet & Sophie Bates (QLD) completed in third, as Carmen & Haylie Andrews (QLD) snuck into fourth on solely 31 factors.
The Hobie 16 Youth division was a hard-fought battle on Moreton Bay, with Lachy Owen & Elisabeth Smith (WA) as soon as once more reigning supreme within the heavy winds, securing their Championship in a row. As a model new staff on the water, and absolutely sponsored by Murray Peterson himself, locals Jordan Barney & Maddie Wendt (QLD) completed the regatta in second. Only 5 factors behind, Bella Wilson & Rosie Cookson (QLD/NSW) discovered their kind really as a mixed Women & Youth staff, competing for the primary time. We are past excited to see the place all these legends go subsequent.
With Paddy, MB & Rod all sizzling to trot after their outing the Italy, Paddy’s assertion in Italy that Australia’s Hobie 14 sailors are “the very best fleet within the rattling world” couldn’t be extra correct. Andrew Boyd (TBC), again on location, cracked the top-10 on 98 factors, one level in entrance of Zak Rowdon (VIC). Three factors in entrance of Boydy, Georgia Warren-Myers (VIC) who took out the Women’s Championships for a 3rd 12 months working.
Another two factors in entrance, Brad Quarteraine’s (WA) rigorous coaching schedule within the west proved to repay, while Andrew McKenzie (NSW) remained within the high of the pack, ending with a scorecard of 74 factors. Finally, displaying what it takes to earn the Bottom’s Up honest and sq., Paddy Butler (NSW) hit the shore in sixth place after 4 days on Moreton Bay.
Solidifying his place within the top-5, and his place because the Hobie 14 Great Grand Master for the very first time, Rod Waterhouse (NSW) placed on a clinic over the 4 days of racing. With third place coming right down to the ultimate race, Darren Smith (WA) took home the bronze medal over Mick Butler (NSW), beating the world quantity two on count-back on 51 factors; nevertheless, MB was fortunate sufficient to realize the Grand Masters title by three factors over Dazzy.
With his eyes on the prize, and having not raced the 14 since Jervis Bay 12 months prior, Fletcher Warren-Myers (VIC) remained ever-consistent on the race monitor, ending with the silver medal and the Masters Championship as soon as once more. Finally, backing up an Nationals is not any mere feat; nevertheless, the 18-year-old highschool graduate, the well-seasoned and ten occasions as sport Young-Gun, Bryn Robinson-Mills (NSW) backed up Jervis Bay in stellar style. And all we will do now could be sit again and wait to see what occurs in McCrae a 12 months from now…
The 52nd Australian Championships shall be held at McCrae Yacht Club on Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Dates & Schedule TBC.
Events Calendar for the 2024 Australian Tour:
- NSW State Championships: 9-10 February | Toukley Sailing Club
- VIC State Championships: Sep 11, March | Anglesea Motor Yacht Club
- WA State Championships: 29-31, March | Geographe Bay Yacht Club
- QLD State Championships: TBC | Humpybong Yacht Club
- NSW State Championships: 6-8, December | Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club
If you want to a regatta included, please contact your State Association.
