Goolwa Regatta Week: Sailors of all abilities celebrated on Gala Day
by Cass Schlimbach 21 Jan 2018 20:29 NZDT
20-27 January 2018
CASS - There were a great number of dinghies out sailing - Goolwa Regatta Week 2018 © Cass Schlimbach
Mother Nature turned it on today with sunny skies and fair winds for day two of the Coorong Quays Goolwa Regatta Week.
Today's Gala Day was all about bringing everyone together on and off the water.
Local businesses set up stalls at the club and provided a lively atmosphere for the community and its sailors, while local singers and bands also performed for those relaxing on the lawn.
It was a full day of racing with Sailability, juniors, dinghy and vintage boats racing in a stadium racing environment right in close to the club's marina.
Sailability completed four races and they were very tight with a new leader on each lap for most of their races.
Tactical decisions and picking the right shifts were critical to try and stay up the front of the pack and it was great to watch these sailors with disabilities have the opportunity to get out on the water and be involved.
There was some great racing and the friendly atmosphere that sailing brings was well and truly on display.
Congratulations to Andrew Short, a keen sailor who is recovering from a recent brain injury, for taking out the Sailability event.
After lunch, the junior and senuir dinghies and vintage boats competed in the same patch of water, which allowed for the community to watch while enjoying all the food and activity on the grounds of the yacht club.
With a stronger breeze it was great to see sailors young and old enjoying the racing on offer in Goolwa.
Congratulations to all the junior, dinghy and vintage boat winners, for full results head to www.goolwaregattaweek.com.au
Tomorrow the radio-controlled yachts will be competing from 2pm inside the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club marina and visitors with radio yachts are encouraged to participate.
Spectators are also very welcome to come and join in the atmosphere.