Sorrento takes the win at inaugural Victorian 2K Team Racing Championship
by Royal Geelong Yacht Club 15 May 00:34 PDT
10-11 May 2025
Racing was within touching distance of the Geelong Foreshore at the 2K Team Racing Victorian Championship © Royal Geelong Yacht Club
48 sailors from 5 Victorian clubs came together for the inaugural 2K Team Racing Victorian Championship over the weekend of May 10th and 11th.
Hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the team from Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club, skippered by James McLennan and Tom Trotman emerged victorious.
The first day of racing was held in a light but steady 6-10 knot easterly breeze, perfect for the format and location off RGYC. With the racecourse laid within touching distance of the 550-metre long Wangim Walk, this provided the perfect amphitheatre for racing and viewing as sailors and the public alike were greeted with a front row seat to the action.
The SSCBC team led the regatta after day 1 of round robins, and with racing restricted to only a short window on Sunday due to a lack of wind, the regatta concluded having completed several round robins.
"It was an awesome weekend of racing, really well run in some incredibly challenging light wind conditions," remarked SSCBC Team Captain Tom Trotman.
"A big thank you to RGYC for hosting such a great event. The sunny weather made Geelong the perfect venue, with plenty of people watching from the pier and even stopping to ask questions about the racing."
"It created a fantastic atmosphere and showed just how exciting team racing can be".
RGYC team member Tim Davis noted the skill required for events like these and the positive contribution this can have to sailing.
"This is the first time I've experienced this format of racing, so it was all very new. Fortunately, we had young Mason Mahoney sailing with us who helped bring us up to speed."
"The short races are close and exciting which really helps sharpen your skills. I can see why it has because so popular with younger sailors."
The event was hosted in the Royal Geelong Yacht Club's fleet of RS21 keelboats, part of the club's Sailing Development Program initiated in 2023.
"Events like these are exactly why RGYC invested in a fleet of boats. To see a group of young sailors, especially those in young adulthood, continue in the sport where we often lose so many after they finish school," remarked Club Captain Brendan Garner.
"This regatta is a testament to that program, and I would also like to extend our thanks to David White and the Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club, and Chief Umpire Luke Tupper from the Team Racing Association, for their contribution to running a successful event from conception to delivery."
SSCBC's David White, Race Officer for the regatta, remarked at the competitors briefing prior to racing;
"We have been pushing for an event like this to be held in Victoria for several years. It was great to see RGYC put their hands up to host and see such positive support from clubs around the bay with strong entries."
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club would like to thank its members, volunteers, staff and competitors for making the event a success, with planning under way for a follow up event in September 2025.
This event and the RGYC Sailing Development Program would not be possible without the support of our major partners: the RGYC Foundation, POD Active, Geelong Youth Engagement, GeelongPort, European Affair and Geelong Grammar School.
Racing was within touching distance of the Geelong Foreshore at the 2025 2K Team Racing Victorian Championship
Results:
1st - Sorrento Sailing & Couta Boat Club A; 8 wins, 1 loss (88%)
2nd - Mornington Yacht Club; 7 wins, 3 losses (70%)
3rd - Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron; 6 wins, 4 losses (60%)
4th - Sorrento Sailing & Couta Boat Club B; 4 wins, 5 losses (44%)
5th - Royal Geelong Yacht Club; 4 wins, 6 losses (40%)
6th - Hobsons Bay Yacht Club; 0 wins, 10 losses (0%)
Teams
SSCBC A - James McLennan, Tom Trotman, Tom Klemens, Lachlan Vaughan, Carrie Smith, Grace Cockman, Sunday Gibson,
MYC - James Jackson, Sophie McKenzie, Lottie Wormald, Daniel Laverty, Lachie Weber, Jack Vermeer, Maddy English, Will McKenzie
BYS - Ethan O'Brien, Thomas Warner, Taj Duff, Zoe Blochlinger, Belinda Stening, Edward Warner, Phillipa Danks, Harriette Singh, Hannah Danks,
SSCBC B - Aidan Simmons, Jack Lewis, Madie Gray, Callum Simmons, Angus McIntyre, Angelique Gleeson, Hamish McKendrick, Alice Buchanan,
RGYC - Josh Garner, Finn Buckley, Mason Mahoney, Jack Benyan, Tim Davis, Cate McCoy, Jorja Mahoney, Louis Davis
HBYC - Joel Matthews, Zachary Edwards, Lulu Smith, Geordan Wright, Fletcher Johnston, Miles Jobbs, Theresa Morton, Michael Bradley