The inaugural Montalto Masters on Western Port held recently at Westernport Yacht Club at Balnarring Beach was a great weekend with 6 races held over the two days. With entries in the Great Grand Master, Grand Master and Master categories, it was a fleet that included a range of off the beach boats from single handed dinghies to multi hulls. The strong winds over the weekend provided some challenging conditions, however prevented the running of the intergenerational race for a master sailor plus their related crew member under 16 years. This race will be held at a later date in the season.

On Saturday night we held our Regatta dinner with the highlight being our guest Jessica Watson, Young Australian of the Year 2011, who spoke of her epic global circumnavigation as an adventurous but determined 16 year old. Many young (and older) guests in the audience were keen to meet her and purchase autographed copies of her two books, the most recent being Indigo Blue written for young/teenage readers.
Congratulations must go to those winners below who received their prizes from our sponsors, John Mitchell from Montalto Winery, Alistair Murray from Ronstan and Jacqui Rogers from Balnarring Cruise and Travel.

Master
1 Ant Richards Taipan 4.9 Westernport YC
2 James Cooper Taipan 4.9 Westernport YC
3 Simon Wilkins Laser Full Rig Mordialloc SC

Grand Master
1 Colin Franke Impulse Westernport YC
2 Michael Vandenberg Contender Somers YC
3 Richard Jagger Laser Radial Somers YC

Great Grand Master
1 Mal Otto Impulse 6.6 Somers YC
2 Will Palmer & Tony Bayley Pacer Westernport YC
3 John Tilleard Impulse Somers YC
 

With a team of active and committed volunteers, we have a great structure in place on which to build for next year and look forward to seeing this event become a fixture in the Victorian sailing calendar.