Community
29 January, 2025
Yachting event draws 15 entries and healthy crowds
THE return of the Port Douglas to Low Isles Launch Rally after 11 years drew 15 crews and vessels as part of the Australia Day celebrations last Sunday.
The overall winner, being just four seconds off their predicted time, was Indigo 2. Line honours (the quickest overall time of the day) went to Allora.
The best dressed crew and best decorated yacht was awarded to Windswell and Skye 2 won the prize for departing nearest to their allocated time.
Having not been run for the last 11 years, due to insurance issues back in 2014, this year’s event was made available to motor launches, motor yachts and sailing yachts.
The rally can actually trace its origins back to 1962, well before the Port Douglas Yacht Club itself was opened.
Back then, a couple of launch owners had a race around Low Island and subsequently, each year after that, the idea grew and finally became an important part of the laidback lifestyle in Port Douglas.
In past years, crowds would line the banks of Dickson Inlet to cheer on the boats as they departed and returned.
Sunday’s event was actually the 50th running of the Launch Rally and organisers were pleased to see 15 crews set off from the start line and over 60 members of the Port Douglas Yacht Club turn out to support them at the start and finish.
As part of the day, vessel skippers were encouraged to decorate their yachts and dress up their crews to add to the atmosphere.
Multiple prizes were up for grabs, including the overall winner, best dressed crew and best decorated yacht.
The occasion was not actually a race but more of a time trial event, where skippers were given the distance to Low Isles (in kilometres) and the expected weather conditions.
They then nominated the speed they will average for the event (in knots), plus their preferred starting time.
All yachts starting times were recorded, to the second, and there was even a prize for whoever started closest to their allocated time.
“It’s great to get this day up and running again” said the yacht club rear commodore Peter Cooper.
“Hopefully Sunday’s event will encourage even more entries next year and beyond, returning the Launch Rally to its former glory,” he said.
Read More: Port Douglas
