Extreme heat pushes sailors to the limit at Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic
by Cass Schlimbach 27 Jan 2018 08:01 PST
20-27 January 2018
Division 3 off the start line in Milang © Chris Caffin
Extreme heat and soft winds pushed the 110-plus boat fleet to the limit today at the Coorong Quays Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic.
It was great to see so many people still participating in the largest fresh water regatta in the country despite the challenges and concerns with the weather forecast.
All sailors took the appropriate precautions loading up their boats with stacks of water, frozen bottles, and food for the mammoth 50-kilometre race.
The front runners were able to complete the race in roughly five hours, while other boats were becalmed at about Point Sturt for an hour, which slowed the process down for some of the other competitors.
We also heard that some sailors were getting so hot they jumped in for a swim, wore wet towels over their heads or poured bottles of water over themselves in an attempt to stay cool and hydrated.
After the racing while we were filming our interviews we asked each competitor how the race was and without fail every one of them responded by saying roughly the same thing – "it was hard and hot".
Thankfully the wonderful volunteers at the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club were ready and waiting for the hot and sweaty sailors with mountains of food prepared and drinks on ice.
Congratulations to all sailors who braved the extreme conditions and sailed the race. Whether you finished or not, it was a great effort to be on the water today.
Great work by the divisional winners who managed to stay on the ball for the whole 5-8 hours of racing, congratulations!
Interview with Tim and Josh Wright, Taipan 5.7 sailors
Interview with Mike O'Reilly, Division 2 helm
Interview with Joe Kelly, Division 3 crew
Interview with Adrian Nicholson, Tasar sailor
Interview with Rick Eylward, Race Officer