Have you got your festive season plans yet? Preparations are in full swing for the 62nd Cockburn Sound Regatta to be held between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve on the waters of Mangles Bay off the Rockingham foreshore. Visitors and spectators are invited to come down to see the new foreshore developments while witnessing some spectacular racing mere metres from the shore.

Cruising yachts will race in a number of separate divisions and there is even a multihull fleet to cater for catamarans and trimarans. At this stage, 34 yachts have completed their entries and are ready to take part in a mixture of Windward/Leeward, Around the Buoys and Passage races. The Cruising Yacht Club of WA reminds those who are still finalising their entry that the number of moorings is limited, and they’re assigned on a first come, first serve basis. So, what are you waiting for, get those entries in now to avoid disappointment.

Much to the appreciation of the foredeck crews, the Jib and Main division continues to increase in popularity as the festive season’s family commitments takes its toll on crew numbers. This has resulted in the bigger yachts remain within the pack as their unable to use their waterline length to nautical mile gains.

Last year, Whispering Jack, Zubenubi and Low Flying Duck were never more than two minutes apart during the whole regatta. The Sportsboats made an appearance last year with three Elliott 7’s competing and being given a sailing lesson by Tiger, skippered by Gavin Taylor. The Multihulls have become a solid fleet in their own right with Greg Hill’s Whip It showing the way around the course.

The overall Regatta Champion is determined by a complex formula which takes into account a boat’s point score and the sum of the total numbers of boats starting in each race in each Division. It was very close but Michael Thorpe’s S&S34 Soon prevailed and will be back again to try to defend his title.

Exactly one fortnight to go till entries close on December 15. Don’t miss out on the excitement and colourful spectacle in Rockingham this Christmas at the 2019 Cockburn Sound Regatta. Visit tcyc.com.au for full details of racing and the after sailing social program.