High spirits at Sail Bellarine Regatta

MORE than 70 boats took to the water last weekend in Indented Head for Sail Bellarine’s annual regatta.

The event took place on May 4 and May 5, with sailors from all over the state making their way down to the Bellarine.

Sail Bellarine Race Coordinator Peter Ellenby said it was a great weekend, fitting in two races over the two days, despite the lack of wind.

“The weekend showed the best of the weather on the Bellarine with clear skies and calm seas, which was most enjoyable to be on the water, except there wasn’t much wind.”

“The sailors were very patient and very pleased to be on the water with their friends and enjoying themselves.”

Sail Bellarine was a collaboration between Indented Head Yacht Club, McCrae Yacht Club, Portarlington Sailing Club and St Leonards Yacht Club and Moton Squadron.

Mr Ellenby said there was a great atmosphere across the two days with lots of people who knew each other.

“There were lots of young sailors, families and older sailors there,” he said.

“Many of the people know each other well don’t necessarily race against each other every weekend, but they might have a traveller series where they’ll they will visit regattas or clubs across the place.”

Category winners included Chris Thorpe in ILCA 7, Andrew Crawshaw in ILCA 6, Callum Simmons in ILCA 4, Acklin Stent in Optimist, Alan Riley in Sabre, Mark Jackson in OK Dinghy, Mark Bulka and William Bulka in Taser and Glenn Collings in RS Aero 7.

Mr Ellenby thanked the 70 volunteers for their support over the weekend both on the water and on land.

Plans to bring the event back next year are already in motion with May 3 and May 4 locked in for 2025.

For more information and results, head to ihyc.com.au