Lipton Cup Regatta - Excellent racing on Port Phillip Bay

by Shirley Wodson on 28 Nov 2011 Lipton Cup Regatta last weekend once again provided some excellent racing at the RVYC in Williamstown. With an emphasis on providing high quality racing at an affordable price, the Lipton Cup Regatta is now recognised as the premier racing regatta on Port Phillip and, after restoring the very handsome Lipton Cup to its former glory the trophy is much sought after by the Port Phillip Bay racing fraternity.

The Club received entries from 116 keelboats in six Divisions, and raced over three excellent courses during the two day event. These Divisions consisted of various classes ranging from Grand Prix racing yachts to the small Bluebirds and trailables. Of the six Divisions, two catered for cruising yachts, with and without spinnakers. Included in Division A and B were the Victorian AMS/IRC Championships and in Division C the Sportsboats sailed the second stage of the Australian Sports Boat Association Victorian Championships.

The Sportsboat fleet consisted of the top Victorian Sportsboat sailors, and compares more than favourably with other Sports Boat regattas in terms of the number of entrants and the quality of the competition.

Saturday’s inclement weather made interesting racing on the water ranging from wet but relatively calm conditions, to driving rain with southerly busters in the afternoon with wind reaching 30 knots at times. Retirements were a plenty, along with a dismasting, torn sails and multiple other failures. Sunday’s weather was a welcome relief with dry conditions and winds up to 22 knots.

The winner of the coveted Lipton Cup 2011 was 'Calm', a TP52 Judel/Vrolick design skippered by Jason Van Der Slot, Sandringham Yacht Club'.