2014 Lipton Regatta Wrap

by RYCV on 25 Nov 2014 Another Lipton Cup Regatta has been run and won and many complimentary reports regarding the regatta have been received. Please feel free to contact me (editor@rycv.asn.au) with your constructive comments or criticisms with reference to the Lipton organisation.

This year the Regatta attracted a fleet of 165 entrants across a wide range of boats and classes. This fleet is the largest to compete in the Lipton so far. The entry list consisted of Keel Boats large and small, Trailable Yachts, Sports Boats, Classic Yachts and two very keen OTB fleets, one consisting of mono hulls and the other mono hulls and catamarans.

The OTB racing was extremely well supported and was conducted by our regatta partners at WSC and PMYC. The YV Victorian Sailing Cup entrants sailed with the OTB fleet this year and hopefully we will see them back again next year.

The weather was absolutely perfect on Saturday 15th and to see 165 yachts of all shapes and sizes competing in ideal conditions with the Melbourne skyline as a backdrop was a magnificent sight.

Sunday’s racing started out rather inclement but when the weather moderated and cleared the Passage Race provided plenty of thrills and spills. The Classics joined with us this year and the beautiful Division `A` yachts of yesteryear sailing at the top end of Port Phillip provided a wonderful, nostalgic touch to the Lipton.

My congratulations go to the volunteers and staff from RYCV, WSC and PMYC. These folk provided the logistics to enable such a large regatta, as the Lipton Cup has now become, to take place. Thanks ladies and gentlemen, each of you did a splendid job.

As Lipton Cup Regatta Chairman, I must thank the sponsors of the Lipton Cup. Without their assistance the RYCV could not provide such a high grade regatta. My appreciation goes to the Penfold Group, Nautilus Marine Insurance, Exide, Doyle, Musto, Oatley Wines and McLaren Vale for their continued support.

I also extend to each competitor my thanks on behalf of the Organising Committee. We trust that you had a fulfilling and enjoyable regatta and that you will be back next year. One person who I am sure will return next year is Bruce McCraken and his crew. They took out the highly prized, magnificent Lipton Cup trophy sailing the Beneteau First 45 'Ikon'. Congratulations to Bruce and to all those competitors who won their respective Divisions.

Finally, my thanks to the Lipton Cup Organising Committee; well done once again. Your commitment was par excellent, however don’t relax just yet because we still have a Lipton Cup 2014 debrief to get through and then after that, early in the New Year we will begin planning the Lipton Cup Regatta 2015.