Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous steals line honours

by Multihull Solutions on 21 Sep 2015 The fourth annual Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous wrapped up on 13 September and was resolutely declared Australia’s best social regatta by its participants.

Fifteen multihulls and more than 40 participants took over the Whitsunday Islands with a week of idyllic social cruising, fun racing and superb schedule of social events that left the entrants begging to stay for longer.

The Rendezvous was blessed with perfect spring weather and solid breezes that filled the sails and delivered some exciting racing for the more competitive entrants.

The Rendezvous kicked off with a very successful Welcome Launch at Sorrento’s Restaurant at Abell Point, where each boat and crew was given a swag of gifts from the event’s sponsors before the official briefing began. The participants mingled over canapes and drinks, and their competitive spirits were fired up as each boat outdid each other with their best jokes, creating a sensational atmosphere to start the week.

The second day saw the fleet sail past the Multihull Solutions’ mothership to officially launch the event, toward world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. As the sun melted over the horizon, the crews shared drinks and nibbles on the silica sand while vying to win the Marine Trivia Championships.

Day three was heralded by a healthy start including a yoga session on Whitehaven Beach followed by a bushwalk to picturesque Chance Bay. Once all were back on deck, the fleet enjoyed steady 15-20 knot winds that propelled them through Solway Pass to Hamilton Island in anticipation of the evening’s Spanish Fiesta on the Yacht Club’s Keel Deck. Decked in their finest sombreros, the group enjoyed a sensational evening fuelled by tapas, paella and cocktails while the five-piece band The Swine Club had everyone dancing till late. In recognition of their superior costumes and tango techniques, Simon and Christine from the Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46 Fantastique were awarded a Hamilton Island accommodation voucher.

A stronger breeze greeted the fleet the next morning and served to blow off the effects of the night before by the time the contingent reached their day’s destination, Cid Harbour. With the friendly rivalry now firmly entrenched, the crews busied themselves for the Rendezvous’ famous Figurehead Competition, and the fleet did not disappoint! The entrants staged an hilarious spectacle with their figureheads and costumes that included oversized parrots, transformed fenders and fluorescent lycra suits that set a high benchmark for future events. For his incredible efforts, Keith from the Super Shockwave 13m catamaran Wild Spirit won a voucher from The Wine Shack.

The figurehead competition set the perfect tone for the Rendezvous’ famous Prawn and Punch party that was celebrated with beach cricket and delectable seafood. Happily exhausted, the crews eventually returned to their multihulls to recharge their batteries for the night.

On the Day Five lay day, the fleet choose to sail north to either Stonhaven or Double Bay for a well-earned rest. However, the Stonehaven contingent didn’t stay still for long and was soon engaged in a memorable evening of boat hopping, cocktails on Fantastique and finally a rousing karaoke session on the Crowther 15.1 Two Up Together.

The final day seemed to arrive far too soon, and the fleet was determined to make it unforgettable. After an exhilarating sail to Cape Gloucester Eco Resort, the participants launched into the Hawaiian-themed Closing Night with a gusto. The glorious sunset was witnessed with drinks and nibbles before the group sat down for a delicious dinner and recap of the week’s events. The evening’s presentations commenced with a tribute to the late Eckhard (Ecky) Kechel, a good friend to many of the participants, who passed away in 2014.

An impressive array of prizes was on offer for the best performers of the Rendezvous, and the lucky recipients included the crew of the Fountaine Pajot Cumberland 47 LR Mercury for “Biggest Fish Caught”, the Maxim 380 San Souci crew for “Best Cocktails”, the Powercat Salty crew for “Best Bikini”, and Keith and Lynda on the Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 Evolution Too Up for “Best Dressed Hawaiians”. The highly coveted Overall Winner award of the 2015 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was presented to the crew of Two Up Together, whose prize included an incredible maintenance package including free lift, hardstand and waterblast from the team at The Boat Works, an antifoul service from Jotun Pains and Marine Trade Supplies, plus a stunning stainless steel trophy by Mojo Creations. The Runners-up prize of accommodation at Cape Gloucester Eco Resort was awarded to Jo and Drew on Lickity Split Take Two. Reluctant farewells were finally exchanged after the fleet danced the night away to the live band and spectacle of the moon on the bay.

The 2015 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was arguably the best in the event’s history and was generously supported by a host of sponsors including, Abell Point Marina, Hamilton Island, Cape Gloucester Eco Resort, Charter Yachts Australia, Sorrento’s Restaurant and Bar, The Boat Works, Bunkers Wines, The Wine Shack, Mojo Creations, Minuteman Press Maroochydore, Musto, Marine Trade Supplies, Ultra Marine, Jotun, Australian Sailing and Yachting and Cruising Helmsman.