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Trying winds for Big River Regatta
Entries were up this year with over 60 skippers making their way to Harwood, the home of the Big River Sailing Club, to take part in this year’s annual regatta.
Expectations were high but the weather proved to be initially challenging and subsequently trying, with 20 plus knots of wind on Saturday and little to no wind on Sunday. The annual regatta boast eight different divisions in which sailors can compete, all the way from small off the beach dinghy’s and catamarans to trailable yachts and fixed keel yachts.
Members of local NSW clubs such as Richmond River SC and Tweed Valley SC have been attending the regattas at Big River in significant numbers and Big River greatly values the support it has received from these clubs.
The OK dinghy class topped 10 entries and trailer sailer numbers were also up from previous years. Many of the competitors camp at Big River for the weekend and this allows them to enjoy the social aspects of the regatta and also to take in the mighty Clarence River in its more peaceful morning and evening moods. The catering team provided meals for close to 100 people and once again many compliments were made about the delicious food provided by the club volunteers.
One of Big River’s former Junior Champion sailors Tom Scully, now based in Canberra and who was home visiting family, joined in the regatta and claimed first place in his division. Euan Channer from Richmond River SC, the only junior sailor to complete all three races took out the Junior Champion trophy. First place for the all divisions are as follows:
Div 1 & 2 combined – Dave Bowler; Div 3 – Brendan & Tom McKeuon; Div 4 – Tom Scully; Div 4 OK’s – Kelvin Holdt; Div 5 – no entries; Div 6 – Ian Miche & Zac Huechmer; Div 7 – Graeme Fleming; Div 8 Seniors – Peter Vicurgius; Div 8 Juniors – Euan Channer.
Lea Foster