Bay chills fail to deter Sail Bellarine

ORGANISERS of the Bellarine’s largest annual sailing regatta are looking back on the two-day event with pride after more than 110 vessels braced the freezing cold conditions off Indented Head.

Cold water temperatures and unexpected squalls were a consistent challenge for competitors at 2023 Sail Bellarine, but event coordinator Peter Ellenby said the feedback from sailors was overwhelmingly positive.

“We had terrific feedback from those in attendance,” Mr Ellenby said.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves and were enthusiastic about getting together for this year’s event. There is already conversations being had about plans for next year’s event in 2024.”

Originally predicted to host more than 150 boats, the sub-standard weather did take a minor toll on final boat registrations, with 112 vessels making it onto the water.

The list of category winners included Michael Arnold (Altona) – Sabre, Callum Simmons (Indented Head) – Optimist, Chris Dance and Peter Hackett (Sandringham/Mordialloc) – Tasar, Pete Ellis (McCrae) – RS Aero 7, Mark Jackson (Black Rock) – OK Dinghy, Riley Cantwell (Geelong) – ILCA 4, Matt Blakey (Brighton) – ILCA 7 and John Jagger (McCrae) – ILCA 6.

“Because Sail Bellarine is at the end of the season, people tend to wrap up their season at this event, which again stirred up a lively atmosphere this year,” Mr Ellenby said.

“It was really enjoyable from that point of view, and we couldn’t have done it without any of our volunteers.”

Sail Bellarine was again hosted by Indented Head Yacht Club, Portarlington Yacht Club and St Leonards Yacht Club and Motor Squadron, with additional assistance from McCrae Yacht Club.