Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S-Series LEADERBOARD

Single Handed Regatta at Big River Sailing Club

by Hariet Woodrow 1 Nov 2024 07:50 UTC 26-27 October 2024
Single Handed Regatta at Big River Sailing Club © Big River Sailing Club

Tucked away in the cane fields on the northern bank of the Clarence River at Harwood, Northern NSW, lies the beautifully groomed parkland and grounds of the Big River Sailing Club.

The river is wide and clear, easy to rig and launch, camping and catering on site, it's an easy destination event where the "after sailing" is a big part of the story.

As the secret seeps out the club regattas are becoming increasingly popular. The Single Handed regatta on 26/27 October, (for monohulls with a yardstick over 105) attracted 62 entrants.

Dominant classes of Impulse, Finn, ILCA 6, and Sabre, plus 2 miscellaneous divisions including ILCA 7 and 4.7, Scow Moth, RS100, and OK dinghy rounded out the senior fleet. Encouragingly, five Sabots from the Northern Zone (Coffs Harbour) also completed the races on a smaller inner course. Great to see the Coffs folks fostering the next generation into the sport!

Competitors travelled in from Sydney, Lake Macquarie, Tweed heads, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.

An unseasonably cold SE'er greeted the early arrivals on Friday, with everyone scrambling for jackets and warm gear, and that continued into Saturday.

Racing kicked off at 1.30 in 8 - 10 knots with gusts above, but while wind strength was ideal, it was shifty! The race track was busy and the competition lively. Lots of hero to zero and back again tales recounted around the tables over the "club dinner".

The start and finish and most of the course can be watched from the clubhouse deck, so family and friends get to see all the action at close quarters.

Sunday's forecast looked fairly sketchy so the race committee got 4 races away on Saturday to constitute a series. Just as well as it turned out that the wind disappeared with the cold weather, no sailing was to be had on Sunday.

The club holds its next event, the Bridge to Breakers Regatta on the 9th/10th November with the 70 boat limit fully subscribed. This is an "all boats" event with a river passage marathon race on Saturday and 2 or 3 shorter "long course" races Sunday.

The Clarence River will again be spectacular sight with the colour of Trailer Sailer, Sports boats, and Skiffs kites, the raw speed of A class cats, and everything in between on display.

Visiting sailors and spectators are always welcome, with club sailing every Saturday August to April. Check us out!

Results for all divisions, and loads of photos here

Related Articles

Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser and much more Up for auction: Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser, Mustang 2800 powerboat, Cobalt 243 cuddy cabin, Monterey 270 cruiser, Arber 9 sailing catamaran, and much more. Posted on 1 Apr
New IGFA Junior Line & Tippet Class World Records
Expanding youth records to celebrate skill, ethics, and conservation IGFA is excited to announce the launch of new Junior Line Class and Junior Tippet Class World Record categories, giving anglers aged 16 and under even more opportunities to be recognized for their achievements on the water. Posted on 1 Apr
Caleb Kuphall's go-to Spinnerbait and Jig Rods
Spinnerbaits and jigs are two of the top presentations in bass fishing Spinnerbaits and jigs are two of the top presentations in bass fishing. Bassmaster Elite and NPFL angler, Caleb Kuphall, discusses the specific Victory and Legend Tournament Bass rod models he relies on for these staple techniques. Posted on 28 Mar
Sailfish techniques for catching mahi mahi
They are found world-wide in temperate offshore waters Dolphin fish, commonly referred to using their Hawaiian name "mahi mahi" to avoid confusion with dolphin mammals ("Flipper"), ranks as one of the most popular fish in the ocean. Posted on 26 Mar
Top 10 baits from Lake Chickamauga
Minnows were the name of the game at Chick, but there were other big players The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Central Division tournament on Lake Chickamauga was a big success, with heavy weights and lots of fish caught. Posted on 26 Mar
Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts