Zhik Mission Beach Sailing Regatta sailed in perfect conditions

by Tom Orr on 1 Nov 2010

The 3 leading Lasers pass Dunk Island on their way to the finish after rounding Portaboy Island. - Zhik Mission Beach Sailing Regatta Tom Orr

Zhik Mission Beach Sailing regatta was held on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th October. Sixty-eight dinghies with over 120 competitors enjoyed 10-15 knot conditions with all scheduled races being sailed.

The regatta included the F18 State Title and well as the Nacra NQ Championship. The 'Around Dunk' race was sailed on Saturday afternoon with the F18 'Uppey' sailed by Adam Beattie and Jamie Leitner from Cairns being the first around Dunk in 1hr and 30 minutes. This was the fastest time recorded in over 10 years and has race organisers looking back through the archives to see if it might be a race record. The last dinghy a Nacra 5.8 'Stray Cat' crossed the finish line in 2hrs and 53minutes.

The F18 State Championship was closely contested and the eventual winners were Adam Beattie and Mark Leitner in 'Uppey' from Cairns with Dale Mitchell and Blair Mitchell from Whitsundays in 'Shady' runners up.

Local Sailors included Tony Whittem, Jalen Andreatta and Judy Pople in 'Helerity' who finished fifth in the Tasar fleet, and Joanne Ross who sailed with John Byrne from Townsville in the Tasar the 'The Firm'.

Rob Newson from Tinaroo Sailing Club in his full rig Laser "Bundy". - Zhik Mission Beach Sailing Regatta © Tom Orr

Results
Laser Full Rig– 'Haventaclue' sailed by Bredan Torplund from Townsville Sailing Club
Laser Radial – 'The Ducks Nuts' sailed by Dane Mouldy from Tinaroo Sailing Club
Mixed Monohulls – 'Thong' sailed by Bruce Carter and Jim Hayes from Whitsundays Sailing club
Bics – 'Whatever' sailed by Emily Wiltshire from Tinaroo Sailing Club
Sabots – 'Another Menace' sailed by Emma Barsi from Townsville Sailing Club
F18 – 'Uppey' sailed by Adam Beattie and Mark Leitner from Cairns Sailing Club
Nacras – 'Loneranger + One' sailed by Don Dull and Andrea Houston from Humpybong Yatch Club
Mixed Cats – 'Cool Bananas' sailed by Brad Rees and Tawny Rees from Cairns Sailing Club
Mixed Monos – 'Smoke on the Water' sailed by Scott McInerney from Townsville Sailing Club
Tasars – 'Tortle' sailed by Peter MacGreagor and David Simonds from Tinaroo Sailing Club

Brendan Torpelund from Townsville Sailing Club working hard to preserve his lead in his full rig Laser. - Zhik Mission Beach Sailing Regatta © Tom Orr

Many thanks must go to our club sponsors especially Zhik our major sponsor, Tully Coast Guard, Mission Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the many volunteers who provided both land and sea support.