Balmain Sailing Club Regatta-Don't Miss it Sunday!
by Tony Partridge on 20 Oct 2008
More than 100 boats will be participating SW
If you're anywhere near Balmain next weekend, there's a sight you shouldn't miss! Historic Balmain will be celebrating its nautical heritage again this year with the Balmain Regatta, to be held at the Balmain Sailing Club on Sunday 26th October, offering great on-shore viewing. A Parade of Sail will be followed by racing, and lots of shore activities.
The waters around Balmain will be alive with interest, as there are well in excess of 100 entries. The yacht types will be diverse, with everything from modern Flying Tiger yachts to classic wooden yachts, and there'll be historic dinghies with their clouds of sails.
The fun races will start between 11.00 am and 12.10 pm . The start line is between the Balmain Sailing Club and the western tip of Cockatoo island. The best viewing will be from the Balmain Sailing Club in Water Street, Balmain and Elkington Park, or along the foreshore from the Dawn Fraser pool along to the start line near the Balmain Sailing Club.
The event coincides with the ‘Back to Balmain’ community celebrations in Elkington Park - join the celebrations and watch the sailing at the same time!
'The highlight of the morning will be the Parade of Sail at 11.20 am,' says Regatta Chairperson, David Blackwell. 'This will involve decorated yachts of all ages and designs parading close by Elkington Park and the Balmain Sailing Club.'
The wide range of boats festooned with flags will include the tall ship ‘Our Svanen’ and the classic ‘Fidelis’, and the event it to be judged by the local NSW MP, Verity Firth.
The Club will also have a range of activities for those wanting to come and visit the club or picnic on the seawall foreshore areas next to the Club:
o Radio controlled model yachts.
o A nautical hats competition, to be judged by local artist and designer Helen Kaminski.
o A demonstration deployment of a rescue liferaft – volunteers welcome!
o Blindfold rowing races in 8-foot dinghies – entries throughout the afternoon.
o Those not sailing can test their nautical skills in the tender races being conducted from the foreshore.
0 There will of course be food outlets, music, and a bar open throughout the day.
For more information about the day, go to the website, or phone them 02 9810 2086
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