The 2022 Qld O’pen Skiff championships were held at Southport Yacht Club on Sat 2 and Sun 3 April. The event attracted a record number of entrants for a Qld O’pen skiff regatta. The class is benefiting from a resurgence in interest in this fun and fast junior sailing class.

Participants came from as far North as Tinaroo Sailing Club and as far South as Mordiallic Sailing Club, Vic. There were 33 sailors registered, 22 competing in Gold fleet and 11 in Silver fleet.

The event commenced on day one with a key feature of an O’pen skiff regatta, a fun adventure race. There were a number of silver fleet sailors who were attending a regatta event for the first time and despite the challenges presented by the the tidal waters of the Gold Coast broadwater, all sailors sailed well.

In gold fleet, Addison Newlan of Southport Yacht Club placed 1st; Corrado Dorrington of Mordiallic Sailing Club placed 2nd and Ollie Ross of Middle Harbour Yacht Club placed 3rd. In silver fleet, Ethan Steadman of Southport Yacht Club placed 1st; Daniel Hawker, also of Southport Yacht Club placed 2nd and Emma Webb from Belmont SSC placed 3rd. Sportsmanship awards were presented to Harvey Brooks, attending his first regatta, from Paradise Point Sailing Club and Tom Hughes from Port Kemble sailing club. Encouragement awards were also presented to Brandon Bok from Lake Catharaba sailing club and Elspeth Clifford, attending her first regatta from SBSC.