The Zhik Mission Beach Regatta, sailing where rainforest meets reef

by Thomas Orr on 11 Dec 2014

Day 1, F18 cats head for the finish in the around Dunk Island race. - Zhik Mission Beach Regatta Thomas Orr

In late October the Zhik Mission Beach Regatta was again sailed off Mission Beach in the warm tropical waters of the Coral Sea. Mission Beach which is made up of four beach villages linked by 14 kilometres of wide golden beach, is about two hours drive south of Cairns and some 1,600km north of Brisbane.

Day 2, Jay Whittem and Mike Spillman in the Tasar 'Crusadar' about to finish. - Zhik Mission Beach Regatta © Thomas Orr

This year for the first time the regatta also included the Queensland Tasar Championship.

Day 2, Aaron McRae and Ben Pearson from Townsville Sailing Club sailing a Flying 11. - Zhik Mission Beach Regatta © Thomas Orr

On day one a forecast strong sou'easter did not eventuate and after some delay the regatta got underway in light conditions on a picture perfect day. Later in the day a 10 to 15 knot sou'easter settled in time for the Round Dunk Island race. Day two saw winds pick up to 15/20 knots with more overcast conditions prevailing.

Day 2, Jay Whittem and Mike Spillman take some time out to check the blades. - Zhik Mission Beach Regatta © Thomas Orr

Results:

• Sabots - Secret Mission' sailed by Joshua Claus from Townsville Sailing Club
• Bics - 'Gas Bag' sailed by Kristen Wadley from Tinaroo Sailing Club
• Cats - F18 'Longboard Bar & Grill' sailed by Mick Guinea and Brendon Torpelund from Townsville Sailing Club
• Mixed Monohulls - Flying 11 'Carpe Diem' sailed by Chris Barsi and Corin Feist from Townsville Sailing Club
• Laser - 'Ninja' sailed by Emma Barsi from Townsville Sailing Club
• Tasars - 'AA Team' sailed by Aaron Linton and Jamie Jochhime from Townsville Sailing Club