Sport
10 June, 2025
Yachties make best of conditions despite lack of wind
LACK of wind didn’t stop Port Douglas Race Week, the yacht club’s annual premier sailing event last month.
The five-day regatta included racing around the stunning Low Isle and Snapper Islands, as well as some technical racing off the famous Four Mile Beach.
The PDYC Riddoch Insurance Race Week included 11 boats competing over three divisions, providing a spectacle for those involved and onlookers lining the inlet and lookouts.
Day one saw light conditions for around-the-buoy racing, with two races being held on the day.
“Conditions suited the smaller yachts, but it was very even across the board,” said Port Douglas Yacht Club rear commodore Peter Cooper.
“It really was a sight to see division one sailing downwind with spinnakers flying,” he said.
Day two involved an early start for the passage race with a course from Port Douglas to Low Isles, then to Snapper Island and back to Port.
“Winds were light to begin with, but they did build throughout the event. As the winds picked up the larger yachts were able to pull away from the fleet,” Mr Cooper said.
“At the end of the race, skippers were very appreciative of the conditions and the course,” he said.
Lay day on day three was unfortunately the final event as the winds died away completely for days four and five, which were subsequently cancelled. Fortunately, enough races were undertaken to give a result.
The overall winner for division one was Charm Offensive, Waitui took first place for division two and Adios was the eventual winner of division three.
Saturday night saw the presentation of trophies, plus tall stories of salty adventures washed across the yacht club floor.
“Special mention must be made to the yachts that were awarded a broken oar, a scrubbing brush and a pool noodle,” Mr Cooper said.
Read More: Douglas Shire
