58 boats entered the Wallagoot Lake Boat Club Regatta, which included Maricat Nationals and RS100 Regional Championships. over the weekend of 8 – 9 March 2025.

The wind ranged from 5 to 18 knots, offering tactical challenges and high-speed thrills on the flat waters of the coastal lake. While the club promotes fun sailing and an easy-going atmosphere, there was fast and close racing in all divisions.

Division 1, trailerable yachts, was won by Bob Cechet, David Taylor, Shane Osta and Stewart Dietrich. Division 2, monohulls with yardstick >119, included Sabres and classic Australian Sailfish, was won by Craig Simpson's Sabre. while Ian Milton was 1st Sailfish. Division 3, monohulls <119, was won by David Rubin's Laser, ahead of a Windsurfer, RS Aero and others.

The Maricat 4.3 cat fleet was won by Ian Fraser, by a single point over Mitchell Backhouse. Todd & Anouk Helton were first (and only) sloop. Maricat 4.3 super-sloop was a contest between the Colecliffe brothers, where Mark beat Mick by a single point. Maricat 5.0 division was won by Ash Johnson, while terrific to see father and daughter Grady & Elizabeth McNee racing together.

The RS100 fleet came from as far as Richmond River (Qld border) and Brighton (Melbourne), with Peter Milne winning on countback from David Williamson. The mixed catamaran division was won by Alan 'Barney" Davis' Nacra 16 square.

With such a large fleet on the small lake, and such a diverse fleet of boats, it's a credit to most of the sailors that they avoided collisions and a lot of fun. The exception were those who tacked at the bottom mark, into the path of fast approaching boats. Sometimes you need to get your head out of your own boat and have a look around!

The WLBC invites all off-the-beach classes and trailer-sailors to attend their 2026 regatta, on the March long weekend.

Words: Tony Hastings