Offshore dinghy racing returns to Mooloolaba

by Tracey Johnstone on 10 May 2009 Responding to the needs of south-east Queensland dinghy sailors, open water racing is returning to the Sunshine Coast this winter with the introduction of the Mooloolaba Dinghy Ocean Series.

Maroochy Sailing Club’s Offshore Division is leading the charge to reintroduce regular open water training and competition with the first three regattas scheduled for 15 and 16 August, 19 and 20 September, 14 and 15 November 2009.

MSC Commodore John Pearce is the driver behind the return of dinghy sailing to the waters off Mooloolaba Beach. 'We needed to respond to our sailors demand for access to open water competition to assist them to prepare for State and National titles that are often conducted on open water.

Our local sailors spend most of their training time on the river at Maroochydore or Noosa. Even the dinghy guys in Brisbane are spending a lot of time racing on protected waters. Mooloolaba is the perfect venue for those sailors to test their open water racing skills and prepare themselves for the next summer racing season.'

The waters off Mooloolaba Beach provide an excellent venue for small and big boat open water competition. The course areas are only a short distance from the harbour entrance. On shore the venue provides plenty of space for rigging and storage of equipment. Those sailors travelling from intra and inter-state, there are a multitude of accommodation options, all only a short walking distance from the dinghy rigging area.

The regattas will be open to Hobie 16s, Laser Standard Rig, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, 125, 420, 29er, Sabot, Optimist, Etchells and SB3. Each event will consist of eight sprint races and four standard races.

Dinghy sailors from clubs around Queensland will be invited to compete in the regattas sponsored by the Certus Group.

The Notice of Race is now available.

For more information contact John Pearce, Commodore MSC Offshore Division, mobile 0404 031789 or email j.pearce@certusgroup.com.au