2015 Walpole in the Trees Regatta preview

by Liz Edmonds on 24 Feb 2015 Walpole in the Trees Regatta 2015 - Despite the last few weeks of isolation due to fires and road closures, preparations have not ceased for the small rural town of Walpole on the south coast of Western Australia in gearing up for another huge event of the year – over the Labour Day long weekend of the 28th February and 1st March.

Now in its forty-third year, the event is going from strength to strength with over seventy sail boats and several hundred spectators anticipated over the two day racing event. Competitors travel from all over the state to enjoy the relaxed and laid back atmosphere of the regatta, to catch up with mates and sail around the beautiful Walpole and Nornalup Inlet Marine Park. This year’s regatta is set to be the biggest sailing event outside the metropolitan areas.

One of the many highlights will be the return of the WA Moths State Titles. Elite sailors on the international circuit such as Tom Johnson (The Spruce Goose) and Steven Thomas (Ronstan) returning for their second and third seasons respectively, will be gathering to contest the title.

The regatta also welcomes a new Tasar fleet to the competition on the back of the recent world championship held in Bunbury and with the recent resurgence in the popularity of the classic Mirror class dinghies, both will have their own class race with competitors travelling from as far as Perth, Fremantle, Albany and Manjimup.

Local Walpole Regatta veterans Frank Cooper, Robert Thompson and Alan Barrington will sail the trimaran The Halicarnassus. A number of other home-grown competitors to watch for include Dennis Coulson (Rear View), Max Cummuskey and Shannon Wrigley (Wokahoona), Leah Elston and Fiona Brennan (LeaFi), Trevor Holm (Sacrifice 15), Claire Roocke and Monty Edmonds (Cutting Edge), Edward and William Roocke (Viking) and Ian Tarbottom’s crew (Sugarman).

Race Organisers will once more be led by internationally recognised Race Officer John Rosser and Ian Meiklejohn will take on the role as Handicapper and Race Results Officer, both assisted by a crew of keen and experienced team members.

Participants will gather on Saturday morning at the West Coalmine Beach Picnic area for the event briefing followed by an afternoon of sailing and First Day Race Result presentation in the evening. Sunday will be a full day of racing and in the evening a Regatta Presentation Ceremony Dinner will be held at the Walpole Recreation Centre. As part of the presentation night a tribute to the Swarbrick family and their involvement with the Walpole Yacht Club and Regatta will be displayed.

A programme of events and registration is available on the Walpole Yacht Clubs website. The general public is encouraged to access the beach via the West Coalmine Beach Picnic area, close to where the boats will sit on the shoreline waiting for race events. The Regatta team has organised marquees and food tents at this site where food will be available for purchase. The Yacht Club parking area and boat ramp will be available for use by competitors and volunteers.

So, come sail, watch and enjoy the twenty fifteen Walpole in the Trees Regatta!