Sydney Harbour Regatta - A great day

by Jess Mulquiney on 13 Mar 2012 All eyes were on the Sydney Harbour Regatta on March 10th and 11th as 237 of Australia’s finest racing yachts competed for the 2012 Champion’s title.

The forecast looked grim for the week as leading up to the event Sydney experienced day after day of torrential rain.

However the Gods smiled on the weekend and competitors couldn’t have asked for better sailing conditions with light breezes in the mornings and 15 knot easterlies in the afternoons.

With great racing on the water, spectators on the shore were entertained with live music and a fashion show from Helly Hansen. The show showcased some of the brands new apparel for the current summer and forthcoming winter and captured everyone’s attention with an energetic performance that incorporated dancing and audience participation, before the award ceremony took place.

Warwick Rooklyn (CYCA) won an amazing six out of six races and didn’t put a foot wrong all day on his Melges 24 one-design sports boat; Bandit.

'Conditions were testing all weekend; the morning light shifty breeze yesterday was hard, then the stronger north easterly left a lot of wash and made it choppy on the course – it was a very good event.'

Two prizes were raffled off at the event including a Helly Hansen offshore sailing package valued at $1500 and another donated by Mariner Boating for a trip for two to the 2013 ‘Italian Job Yacht Rally.’ It was definitely Brad Newton’s lucky night as no sooner had he been announced winner of the HH sailing package that he was also announced the winner of the trip to Italy.

Craig Ryan awarded the prize to Brad and commented on the evening and the event. 'The Sydney Harbour Regatta is one of those annual events that resonate in the heart of any sailor and the MHYC is the perfect host yacht club with its casual beach atmosphere in such an ideal location. I look forward to Helly Hansen being back again next year!'

For more information about the SHR including race results visit www.shr.mhyc.com.au, or for more information on Helly Hansen visit www.hellyhansen.com.au