Tasmania produced picturesque weather conditions over the weekend for the first national regatta of the year, the 2025 Australian Yachting Championships held in Hobart on 3-5 January.
The annual event, which was this year hosted by the Derwent Sailing Squadron (DSS) in Hobart, saw 22 keelboats take to the Derwent River for three action-packed days of sailing.
The Championships consisted of seven races and two divisions, with local boats Cockwomble (DSS) and Midnight Rambler (The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania) finishing top of the podium in both divisions after the final day of racing on Sunday.
DSS Sailing Operations Manager Colleen Darcy said that idyllic weather conditions set the tone for a weekend of high quality and exciting racing.
“It was a very successful regatta,” said Colleen.“We had two divisions and the weather was fantastic.”
Colleen was also pleased to see Cockwomble, skippered by Andrew Smith, return to winning form in front of their home squadron.
“This is Cockwomble’s first division one win of the Championships,” said Colleen.
“Cockwomble had their first division two win back in 2003 at the Port Lincoln Regatta, before more recently claiming their second division two in 2023 over in South Australia.”
The tragic loss of a crew member during the 2024 Sydney to Hobart forced the boat Bowline to withdraw from the Championships, along with the Championships 2018 winner Philosopher which lost its mast during the oceanic yacht race.
The 1914 classic, Martimio Katwinchar (Southport Yacht Club) was another last minute withdrawal after leakage concerns.
Australian Sailing Board Member Liz Savage was on board Trouble & Strife during the Championships and said the DSS and the Race Committee delivered a fantastic regatta for all in attendance.
“The Derwent provided stunning weather, a beautiful location and some close and intense competition,” said Liz.
“The Race Committee did a great job and ashore competitors enjoyed a very warm welcome by the team at the DSS.
“It was also fantastic to see a strong contingent of female competitors and skippers represented at this signature event.”
For a full list of results Click Here
Photo Credit - DSS
