Entry open for Crossview Enterprises 2021 WA Hobie Cat State Championships at Esperance Bay YC
by Susan Ghent 21 Mar 2021 18:45 NZDT
3-4 April 2021
The Crossview Enterprises 2021 Western Australian Hobie Cat State Championships will be held over the Easter weekend. Supported by Esperance Bay Yacht Club, the Shire of Esperance and Hobie Cat Asia Pacific. This will be the 44th anniversary of the regatta.
After a one year delay, the Hobie Cat fleet in Western Australia are excited about their journey to Esperance in the states gorgeous south. Sailing in the clear oceans waters will be an experience to remember, Esperance is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders including stunning beaches, rocky headlands and steep cliffs.
Racing will be directly in front of the town centre from Esperance Bay Yacht Club. The host club is experienced at conducting championship regattas and often plays host to State and National events. The Club and its dedicated volunteer team are well known for a hugely successful Twelfth World Championships for the Flying Fifteen class.
Viewing the event from the new Esperance Jetty, foreshore and town beaches will be exciting, the Hobie Cat fleet will be an amazing display of colourful sails and speed.
The Hobie 16 class is a competitive fleet made up of sailors from all walks of life. There is sure to be some fierce rivalry on the water but the teams will be enjoying the social side together ashore and there is a great camaraderie.
Teams will arrive in town from the Friday to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a welcome meal at the yacht club. Racing will be under way on Saturday morning and up to twelve races will be held over the two day championship event.
At the front end of the pack, racing will be tight. Current title holders Cam Owen and Susan Ghent will be ready for the challenge, Darren Smith / Claire Bisgood also have several titles to their name, father daughter team of Phil and Caitlyn Epps as well as Jason Spencer / Colleen Lutz will be mixing it up for the podium places. Sure to keep the pressure on will be Brad Quartermaine / Tayla Woodhead and Trent Robson / Natalie Hill as well as the experienced local team helmed by Paul Galloway. A strong fleet from Perth is expected to make the journey, the majority of teams coming from Nedlands Yacht Club.
Hobie Cat Association of WA President Jason Spencer invites competitors to now register their entry online for the Crossview Enterprises 2021 WA Hobie Cat State Championships, an event not to be missed. He comments, "after the cancellation of the 2020 states due to COVID-19, we have been patiently waiting to see who will be the best of the best in Hobie 16 catamaran competition. It will be a spectacular event seeing the brightly coloured sails racing across the pristine waters of Esperance providing all who watch with the thrills and excitement that our sport offers. We appreciate our generous sponsors and the Esperance Bay Yacht Club for their support in hosting this championship".
A well earned treat is scheduled for the day after racing. Competitors and their families are invited to enjoy a self drive tour of the local National Parks and a BBQ camp out at Greg and Karyn Hill's new eco-resort, Dunns Ecopark Esperance.
If you're not in Esperance over the weekend you can follow the action through social media with @HobieCatsWesternAustralia. Photographer Drew Malcolm will put together a daily wrap up video and a gallery of images to enjoy.
More information at www.hcawa.org.au