2022 Oceanic Laser Masters Championship
What a great regatta! Sunsets, palm trees, fighter jets, warm breezes, cocktails, good company, and new friends. The Oceanic Laser Masters has been hosted by Darwin Sailing Club with 37 competitors from Australia, Thailand & New Zealand competing in the week-long event. Competitors travelled from near & far, some drove their boats north whilst others decided charter boats were a better option.
Racing was on the tropical waters of Fannie Bay and weather conditions couldn’t have been more glorious with many sailors hitting the water in shorts. Racing was conducted in the afternoons leaving the mornings to relax, sleep-in and take it slow – just how a Masters event should be 😉
Despite the smaller numbers at this event both the radial and full rig fleets were hotly contested with positions changing regularly. The Radial fleet was so close that in some races there was no ‘packs’ just a constant stream of boats bow to stern.
Daily debrief sausages and beers in the rotunda was a popular addition to the regatta, creating a fantastic social environment to chat about the days racing and get to know the fellow competitors whilst watching those famous Darwin sunsets. Fond memories indeed.
There was the competitors OLCA meeting with great ideas tabled, and all age categories were represented and active in the discussions. Many conversations were had about the World Laser Masters in Adelaide in 2024 as enthusiasm has started to grow already.
The Darwin Sailing Club, their staff & volunteers did an amazing job with a professionally run regatta that went off without a hitch. Gary Martin, local Laser legend, was the driving force behind the event coming to Darwin and the outcome has exceeded all expectations.
The impact of holding a major event in quite remote Darwin has been enormous. Our local fleet has exploded with the event inspiring many to get back out on the track. The local Laser fleet has increased 500% (from 6 to 30 boats) in the last 2 years, and they are not all Masters. The increase in numbers on the water also attracted our local youth to start Laser sailing. A true legacy for the class remains and is testament to why regattas in regional locations are so valuable to our sport.
QUOTES from volunteers & participants
It was the most relaxed, yet professionally run regatta I remember doing. Beautiful waters, great club with awesome food and the best beer garden ever. So much fun. Grant (2020915)
I never thought I would get back into a Laser, it was so much fun! I think I might keep my boat now. I didn’t realise Masters sailing was so sociable. Claire (196449)
The Oceania Laser Masters 2022 was a magnificent event to be a part of as an on-water volunteer. There was a great atmosphere both on and off the water with close racing and fun social events. Andrea – Volunteer
With the success of this championship, we are now looking to securing the same event in 2026. Without the generous support from the NT Government, events of this calibre would be difficult to host, we are incredibly grateful for their support. Gary (218829) – President NTDLA
Great camaraderie from the fleet. Richard (186639)
Great people, fantastic sailing, and an undiscovered venue. A club that just gets things done with their energetic volunteers. Thank you, DSC. Ken – OAM Chair OLCA
The competition was fierce at the back end of the field, we were battling it out for last place, however, even I couldn't win the wooden spoon. Andrew (151949)
We don't stop sailing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop sailing. There was certainly a fair few years’ worth of experience out there... Brett (209525)
I met brilliant, friendly people who welcomed us into the Masters fold and shared their knowledge with great kindness. I learnt so much and have rediscovered my appreciation and joy for Laser sailing. Our club has benefited from hosting this event with a boost to our Laser fleet and I look forward to seeing everyone again. Debra (212822) – DSC Rear Commodore Sailing
I had a wonderful team on-water and on-shore with tyring conditions at times. Being on the ride side of the shift paid great dividends and other days we also had champagne sailing. A great regatta with great people. Ed Vincent – Principal Race Officer
More photos on the DSC FB Page HERE
Video footage HERE
