The 62nd Heron National Championship regatta was held at Largs Bay Sailing Club (SA) from 5-11 January 2023. 32 boats from five states and territories attended. 

The regatta proved to be a triumph for female sailors. The open title was taken out by Kylie Vaiciurgis and daughter Mia from NSW sailing 10298 2 Flamingos Dancing, while the Junior category was won by Jemima Carey and Harriet Buckley (Queensland) sailing the oldest boat in the fleet (built 1966), 5805 Hazardous Jam.  To top it off, Kate Carey crewed by husband Justin (Queensland) sailed 10280 Little Miss Magic to the handicap prize. 

Kylie and Mia Vaiciurgis

The regatta featured close racing with five different winners in the first five races. 2 Flamingos Dancing showed remarkable consistency in a range of conditions – Kylie and Mia won just one heat but notched up five seconds and a third to hold an unbeatable lead going into the last heat.  Second overall was Kylie’s husband and son Peter and Joel Vaiciurgis in 10353 Wise Old Owl (NSW).  Both 10298 and 10353 were made in GRP by Peter Vaiciurgis to the Mark II shape and finished with timber decks.  The podium was rounded out by David Johnson crewed by niece Maddison Alexander (NSW) sailing the brand-new timber boat 10365 Chicken Dinner. This boat is the first made from the laser cut flatpack kits that are available ex Sydney from Shane Greaves.

10298 Kylie and Mia Vaiciurgis

To see images and spectacular drone footage from the regatta visit the Heron Sailing Australia Facebook group.