Sailors cast off for Indented Head for Sail Bellarine

UPWARDS of 130 vessels are primed and ready to brace Port Phillip Bay’s water conditions as the third annual Sail Bellarine regatta kicks off this weekend at Indented Head Yacht Club.

Indented Head Yacht Club commodore John Walter said this year’s event features an increased cap of 150 boats to take part.

It will be the biggest edition of the regatta to date as Sail Bellarine continues to grow in size.

“From what I understand, this year’s event will be one of the biggest sailing events across the entire state this year, it’s going to be our biggest one to date easily,” he said.

“This event falls on the end of the summer sailing season in May and is well received by both competitors and managing bodies, such as the City of Greater Geelong and Bellarine Bayside.

“It doesn’t conflict with any other major events, and it allows sailors to take in the full beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula.”

First taking place in 2021, the event is a joint collaboration between Indented Head Yacht Club, Portarlington Sailing Club and St Leonards Yacht Club & Motor Squadron, with extra assistance provided by McCrae Yacht Club based out of the Mornington Peninsula.

There will be eight categories of racing over the two days, each with separates start times. The categories include Aeros, Lasers (ILCA), OKs, Optis, Sabres and Tasars-style boats.

Sail Bellarine 2023 will also provide the platform for the 2023 Victorian Laser Masters Championships.

The man running the event from top to bottom is event co-ordinator Peter Ellenby, who has been working tirelessly over the past five months to make the event a success.

“Peter, our yacht club’s secretary, has been the driving force behind the event this year,” Mr Walter said.

“A lot of time and effort has gone into this year’s regatta, and he’s coordinated a team of 80 volunteers in the process.”

Sail Bellarine racing kicks off at 10am sharp this Saturday, May 6.

For last-second entries, head to ihyc.com.au/sail-bellarine