Setting sail for WinterBash

Published 1:00pm 17 July 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Sailors from across Queensland and New South Wales are gearing up for the WinterBash at Woody Point in two weeks.

The eighth annual WinterBash, hosted by Humpybong Yacht Club, is a key regatta for those wanting a fast start to the new season.

Registrations are already flowing in for the event on the waters off Redcliffe on July 29-30.

Humpybong Yacht Club president, Ryan McLaughlin said WinterBash was one of the few winter regattas for off the beach catamaran and dinghy sailors.

“Sailors really appreciate the 20 degrees C temperatures sailing on Moreton Bay in what is really ideal weather for sailing and why so many on the water activities here are year-round,” he said.

“We are really hoping our huge fleets in recent years are repeated at this Bash.”

The regatta consists of the Three Can Bash, three back-to-back races over a triangular course on Bramble Bay on the Saturday (July 29).

The WinterBash Marathon, on courses set by division between Woody Point, Shorncliffe Jetty and Deception Bay, are on Sunday (July 30).

Vantage points for spectators and photographers will be available along the Redcliffe foreshore, Shorncliffe and Woody Point jetties, especially on the second day.

“WinterBash is a key event marking the start of preparations for the 2023-24 sailing season,” Mr McLoughlin said.

“It is an opportunity for skippers and their crews to refresh and refine their skills in preparation for the spring and summer racing calendar.

“We are expecting juniors will turn up in large numbers for the youth racing component of the weekend reflecting the combined family activities that sailing encourages.”

Mr McLoughlin urged competitors who had not registered to do so, as soon as possible, to help with catering, logistics and final planning requirements.

He said overnight camping and club facilities will be available to competitors and their families with hot and cold food at the canteen throughout the regatta.

For the Humpybong Yacht Club website, click here. Winterbash booking form click here.