All-abilities national sailors on Lake Wendouree

IN a first at Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Yacht Club is currently hosting the Australian Hansa Class Championships, bringing the water alive with sails over Easter.

The all-abilities national sailing event is hosted in a different state each year and the last time it was in Victoria was back in 2017 at Geelong.

Happening over 1-7 April, the competition brings together sailors of all ages and abilities with organisers praising what Lake Wendouree has to offer for both competitors and spectators.

“Ballarat hosted the Victorian Hansa class championships last year and they’re a great venue, very accessible with lots of space and lots of viewing at the clubhouse,” said Melbourne-based Alison Hogan, a former Ballarat sailor and one of the event organisers.

“It’s really nice and compact, easy for people to get out on the water and people on shore can see what’s happening really easily.

“We have more than 40 boats, and competitors coming from Perth and Queensland, Hobart and Maroochydore.

“The club’s cafe is open to the public all weekend affording some really good viewing from the deck, and just between you and me they have the best scones going.

“There’ll be a rainbow of sails out on the water and also some really good viewing from St Pat’s Point as well.”

Ms Hogan said it’s also an opportunity for anyone interested to find out more about the Ballarat Yacht Club’s all abilities Sailability classes and sailing opportunities.

“Sailing’s got this reputation that it’s an exclusive club and you have to have money so there are barriers to getting into it but that is not the case and the Ballarat club is so inclusive,” Ms Hogan said.

“There are always people looking for crew so you don’t have to have a boat. It’s such a great sport for kids to learn independence, resilience and problem solving and it’s also a great family sport.”

The event incorporates the 27th Victorian Hansa Class Championships as well.