APC Logistics Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta attracts gun multihulls

by Stephen Barton on 25 Aug 2009 The APC Logistics Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta is the only major annual NSW regatta open to all multihull yachts big and small will be held again on the long weekend of October from the Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC), Pittwater.

It is a celebration of the innovation and forward thinking of the late great multihull designer Lock Crowther and there will be plenty of his and other's designs on the water. Interestingly enough, the America’s Cup looks like it will be sailed with huge wave piercing cats and tris next year and I wonder if further development will lead the modern designers back to Lock’s surface piercing bulb bows. Time will tell.

With an increasing number of multihulls racing at RMYC (19 are registered for regular Saturday racing with more boats coming, and a similar number but largely different fleet on Monday twilights), and heaps of other multis bobbing around Pittwater, plus visitors from other clubs, the organisers are hoping for a bumper number of boats for this year’s regatta.

We know that there will definitely be good numbers at the pointy end and mid part of the racing fleet with the bright red carbon cat Indian Chief taking on the all carbon tri Voodoo Spirit, Tony Considine’s Mad Max not to mention Robin Ottowa’s amazing recently purchased tri Lukim Yu (translation-'see you later') David Bishop’s bright pink rocket Rapid Ride, Jason Geddes’ Crowther cat Quickstep and a raft of other go-fast multihulls.

Cruising type boats were a bit under represented last year, so the manufacturers of the brilliantly designed and very popular Seawind catarmarans have hopped on board to help promote the laid back (laid back- my ****!) cruising division. The centrepiece of this fleet will surely be ex Seawind owner Brian Marshall’s brand new 52 foot multi million dollar luxury cat 'The Countess'.

However, the organisers are especially keen to promote the inclusion of non-RMYC member visitors . From this year on, protected marina facilities will be available to all visiting boats. A local shuttle service is also available. There will be meals and drinks available from the club from 8.30 am each day.

Last year saw the introduction of a stand alone Category 4 ocean race on the Friday prior to the four inshore weekend races and it was well received by seven boats. We think there are many more boats capable of enjoyng the bigger playing field of off shore sailing and the emphasis on safety, seamanship and nice long legs will hopefully see more boats participate in this fun race. The course is such that you are never more than a few miles from the protection of Broken Bay.

Being in it’s 14th year the LCMR is a contemporary link to multihull history. There will be hardcore close racing including prizes for the OMR, scratch and phs winners and no doubt there will be champagne, beers and BBQ’s in the laid back cruising division ‘races'.

We hope you’ll make it there.

More info at www.royalmotor.com.au/multihulls or phone Alan Brand 0419 427763