Nothing can stop the Marlay Point Overnight Race!

Marlay Point Overnight Race © Marlay Point Overnight Race

The iconic Marlay Point Overnight Race has beaten the Covid19 restrictions placed on Community events and will once again be conducted over the Labour Day long weekend in March. In 2020 the race was unsuccessfully threatened by the aftermath of devastating bushfires,whilst planning for this year's race has been dogged by the challenges brought about by a world pandemic.

Nevertheless, the organising committee has worked tirelessly to plan the event. Sailors will see a few changes to how the eventis managed this year in order to ensure that it is conducted in a manner that complies with COVID-safe practices. So,entries are already rolling in and the Race is on!

The event kicks off with a Family Fun Day with stalls, activities and music,hosted by Lake Wellington Yacht Club at Marlay Point. This has been made possible through a generous grant provided by the Victorian Government, with support from the Wellington Shire Council.

The race start is scheduled to start at sunset on Saturday 6th March. The fleet will make its way across Lake Wellington, through the McLennan Strait and into Lake Victoria. From there, boast will head east towards Paynesville, sail a lap around Raymond Island and come back to Paynesville to finish at the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club, where sailors can enjoy a hearty breakfast on Sunday 7th March.

With only a few short weeks until the Race,the Organisers are predicting a strong turnout, despite peoples' current hesitance to make plans far into the future. The only things that could stop the race now would be a return to lockdown or gales on the Lakes. The organisers are remaining optimistic on both counts.

For more information go to the race website, mponr.com.