2016 QLD O’pen Cup – Gold Coast turns it on for the BIC's

by Ryan Spring on 24 May 2016 The 2016 QLD O’pen Cup returned to Southport Yacht Club this year and did not disappoint!

With the recent weather the East coast of Australia is experiencing, it would be fair to say everyone was a little nervous about the regatta taking place, the possibility of a lot of waiting around twiddling thumbs. Instead, it turned out to be quite the opposite. The first day brought with it a solid 10-15kts and a big spring tide for the sailors to navigate through.

Saturday, 21st May:

The Gold Fleet had arguably some of the best O’pen BIC sailors from the country involved and the racing on the water proved just that. The gap between first and fifth was a never more than a few seconds apart and one little mistake from the sailors would see them drop several positions. North Queenslander Talia Bulstrode led the fleet overnight but knew the next day she would have her work cut out with fellow Queenslander Kristen Wadley hot on her heels.

The Silver Fleet showed outstanding courage and persistence to battle the nasty wind against the tide and stay out for five races. No doubt they all slept well that night!

Sunday, 22nd May:

Sunday morning arrived and with it a perfect 10kts and glorious sunshine. The sailors were paired up and took part in the Adventure Race which included running, sailing, sitting in front of the mast and some capsizing, even though the capsizing wasn’t planned! The parents lined the beach and laughter filled the air as the kids forgot about racing and remembered to just have fun.

The Race Officer managed to squeeze in three races on Sunday afternoon for an enthralling showdown between the top five in the Gold Fleet where Talia Bulstrode proved she had been training hard and finished off strong to win the regatta. Congrats Talia!

The Silver Fleet looked like a different set of sailors as they hit the water for day two, and nothing was going to get in their way. Stand out performances went to Lawson Collett for most improved (31 capsizes he recorded in day one) and Frankie Fisher, a nominee for best sportsmanship award. However, Baxter Stuart held on to take the title with a near faultless regatta. Well done Baxter!

The weekend was one for the books as Southport Yacht Club yet again outdone themselves and without a doubt hosted the best QLD O’pen Cup in history. The regatta summed up what the Class is all about and the relaxed, happy atmosphere could be sensed all around. Well done to all the competitors over the weekend and a big thank you to all the volunteers and Race Committee.

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