Radio-controlled yachts take over club marina on day 3 of Goolwa Regatta Week
by Cass Schlimbach 22 Jan 2018 21:30 UTC
20-27 January 2018
Day 3 – The fleet was always extremely close – Goolwa Regatta Week © Chris Caffin
Radio-Controlled Yachts were the showcase of today as a strong fleet hit the water on day three of the Coorong Quays Goolwa Regatta Week.
It was a somewhat different spectacle of sailing that you would normally see in or around a marina, however these small but exciting boats hit the water and competed in puffy and fluky conditions.
The course was set in the marina itself with the top mark placed just outside its entrance with a total of 10 five-minute races completed for all boats each division.
There were two divisions with the International 1-Metre Class in division one and division two comprising of a mix of other classes such as Phantoms and Focuses.
The biggest issue for the radio skippers today was decided what sized rig to put in their boats considering how puffy the conditions were.
Boats are allowed rig changes between races, however with only a matter of minutes to do so they have to make up their minds quickly.
There were quite a few collisions, round ups, knock downs and even a few boats getting stuck on reeds and other boats within the marina, however all in good fun for the sailors.
As one of the skippers mentioned today, the radio yacht is a great class with a lot of friendly people who are not shy to tell you when you're in the wrong and give you a hard time if you make a mistake.
However he also said it was a great class to meet new people and come together from all over to enjoy some quality banter and sailing in a form of the sport that is much more unique to traditional sailing.
Congratulations to the divisional winners, who did a great job to take the honours in difficult conditions
Geoff Hill won in division one, while Bob Dare won division two.
Radio-controlled yachts intro and highlights package
Interview with Peter White – radio yacht sailor
For more information about Goolwa Regatta Week head to goolwaregattaweek.com.au