Five races were held across the weekend in varied conditions, with organisers saying there were two races in light wins, two moderate and one in strong gusty conditions, but sailors were treated to beaming sunshine across the weekend. 

NSW Sabre Association President Jamie Simpson was pleased they had included their state titles in the regatta, and said they would do it again next year.

“It was challenging sailing, from 20-plus knots wind Saturday to three-knots Sunday, which sorts out the fleet. Racing was smooth, well organized, so we’d be delighted to come back,” he said.

Geoff Comfort retained his crown as Sabre State Champion with a dominating win; taking three wins and a second place. He said he had “a terrific time, and I’d love to come back”. 

Meanwhile, local Terry Kirby scored fifth overall, including two third places.

Brad Gorman claimed second sailing ‘The Darkside’, while Sue Hextell was the leading female sailor.

The fleet also included John Morton on a Waszp hydro-foil based on the larger ‘Moth’ class and lifts out of the water on wings on both the centre-board and rudder.

Wallagoot regular Goete Vikstrom won the monohull division for yardstick greater than 114.

He said it was “great sailing and a well-run regatta”. 

Close behind to finish runner-up was Cadel Boyce, who was also declared the best junior skipper of the regatta, sailing his laser, ‘Coriolis Effect’. 

Meanwhile, Jindabyne sailor Nick Kennedy won the less than 114 class on his Finn dinghy. 

“It was great to see fathers, mothers, daughters and sons all here racing together,” Kennedy said. 

“[Wallagoot is] the most beautiful place; with the ambience, and the vision of the blue lake through the trees.”

Maricats took all three prizes in the multihull division. Winner Jeff Reid said “thanks to all. We had big winds and small winds; it was all good fun and good racing.”

Runner-up was Rod Anderson on ‘Pointed reply’ and third went to Wayne Barry on Prima Facie.

Regatta coordinator Rob Morton echoed his thanks, to all the volunteers who made the regatta a success, and to Phil Yeomans from Deck Hardware, who was the Race Officer.

“We really appreciate his help; it takes a load off our shoulders and the regatta was highly professionally run,” Morton said.

Morton also praised the massive fleet for a great weekend. 

This weekend the club will offer a morning training session and two handicap-start races in the afternoon.  More information about the club and the annual regatta can be found on the club’s website at www.wlbc.org.au.