As summer comes to a close, I reflect on the terrific sailing opportunities we have had this season. In my case, I had the good fortune to be part the Another Chapter team at Port Lincoln Race week. As a first time participant I was really impressed with all aspects of this regatta including the amazing Eyre Peninsular terrain and scenery and the variety of courses but especially the social side with the highlight being the famous Megga’s BBQ held on the nearby national park beach. The BBQ was named after Megga Bascombe who was legend at Port Lincoln YC and died a few years ago. After a quick morning race boats anchored off the beach and crew either swam ashore or were ferried in by local Rhibs. All funds raised from the BBQ go to the local Rotary club, a great example of sailors giving back to the broader community.
Overall the weather was fantastic but wind mostly light at first, with big wind shifts and local currents making things challenging for the tacticians. The last day was full on where everyone enjoyed two exciting races in 20plus knots. The regatta started with a feeder race of approx 160NM from Adelaide to Port Lincoln then a rest day before the main regatta. A contingent of Vic boats made up 5 out of 14 entries in Div 2 including BKT Jamhu and Another Chapter from RBYC. Vic boats dominated the local boats taking out the first 3 places in AMS and ORC. Congratulations go to Div 2 winner BKT Jamhu skippered by Ken Skovchristensen followed by two SYC boats Wicked and Bacardi who had two bullets on the last day .
If you are considering doing the regatta next year, I highly recommend it but quite a bit of organising and logistics are needed to ensure maximum enjoyment, including the 3 to 4 days getting boats across there. Well worth the effort though, with priceless memories to take back home with you.
