Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Classic wrap

by Event media on 14 Feb 2007 The 2007 Milang to Goolwa Freshwater Classic was more than just a successful return to racing after last year’s weather forced a sensibly cancelled race.

The race also proved to be a major commercial boost for several towns in the Fleurieu region – typically Milang and Goolwa – but also Clayton, Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek and Victor Harbor benefiting from travelling groups of friends and spectators coming to witness the spectacular sight of over 200 yachts negotiating the river.

Weather conditions for 2007 were much happier than the northerly buster of last year, which forced the first ever cancellation of the race in 40 years. But lake and river conditions were still a challenge that befits this long distance sprint race.

The Race Director wisely delayed the Saturday 9am start for 30 minutes in the hope of a moderation in wind speeds of around 25 knots that had a few sailors preferring to ‘wait and see’ in the reeds or at anchor.

The short delay paid dividends and all starts were successful in the nine divisions that cater for all types of yacht in this major sporting event for the region.

Social activities on the Milang Beachfront and at the Hotel catered successfully for about 600 revellers in the closed off main street to shout along with AC/DC cover band ‘Son of Bon’. Catering for yachties and friends by local service clubs from Milang, Goolwa and Strathalbyn was again a feature of this community based event. A major party after the race on the lawns of the GRYC at Goolwa ended a top weekend of racing and socialising.

Commodore of Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, Graham Roberts applauded the excellent assistance of volunteers, service clubs, St John Ambulance, Police and Sea Rescue and Coast Guard flotillas which kept an eye on the race progress across the 27 nautical mile course.

'We simply could not put on such a major event in the region without the help of these community volunteers and people from our State Government agencies or their supported services,' said Graham Roberts.

'Interstate visitors have been high in their praise for the goodwill they received throughout their travels in the Fleurieu Peninsula region before and after the race.

'It is a tribute to a Friendly Fleurieu that brings people back year after year to challenge the difficult course through Lake Alexandrina and down the Murray River to Goolwa.

'It was a real spectacle along the course with hundreds of pleasure boats cheering on the competitors from their more comfortable position of sailing – anchored along the shore of the island or in reeds along the course.

'As we predicted, water levels were suitable for the race, with the main issue being the traditional shallow near Pt Sturt that challenged sailors to moderate sail settings and to raise their centreboards a little.

'Nature always plays a part in sailing in the river and lakes, and makes this race an even greater challenge for the entrants, many who sail in the gulf but who come back with mates to dodge the changing elements of the river.'

Strong but manageable winds...
The first leg to Point Sturt was a rugged beat into a heavy 20 knots plus wind, with gusts higher. Conservative sailing tactics was the obvious choice of most skippers who chose a small reef in the mainsail to manage the conditions.

First yacht to Point Sturt was the Elliott 780 ‘go fast’ boat ‘Game Over’ sailed by Julian Newton with co-owner Nick Wotton, who carried that pole position right to the finish line past the Hindmarsh Island Bridge in front of the GRYC clubhouse for the first time. They received double honours with the coveted Crowhurst Trophy 1st Boat to Point Sturt; and the ‘Out Of The Blue’ Trophy for Race Record.

It was a special Line Honours finish for Newton and Wotton with jointly 40 Milang to Goolwas under their belts – and at last Julian managed to create a ‘gunsmoke’ win for the Newton family. His father Chris had achieved a best second place – but after 25 years the family had a line honours victory. Game Over also received trophies for Fastest and the Blue Darling Perpetual Trophy

Major Sponsors are Malaysian Airlines and BEA Motors Mercedes Benz.

Results:
Division 1 – River Boats:
FASTEST & Winner of Patrons Trophy
Ida J, (G. Byrnes)
First and W R Appleby Perpetual Cup
Ida J, (G. Byrnes)
SECOND
Mambo Queen, (G. Foristal)
THIRD
Edith, (A. Edwards)