Key Dates to Remember
- Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th February 2025: Round 2 NSW Sabot Titles
- Sunday 16th February: Try Sailing Day for the General Public
- Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd February: NSW Hobie 14 Open Class and Hobie 16/18 Women’s & Youth State Titles
Great Lakes Sailing Club Inc. is excited to announce the new Midcoast Festival of Sail, three consecutive weekends of championship and fun sailing during the month of February 2025. This exciting festival promises something for everyone, from thrilling races to family-friendly activities, and is proudly supported by Midcoast Council.
Enjoy the action at Wallis Lake, where spectators can watch top tier sailing competitions or simply soak in the stunning lakeside scenery. Public viewing areas will be available at the southern end of the grounds, while the main grassed area will be reserved for competitors.
The Great Lakes Sailing Club is conveniently located 10 kilometres south of Forster, off The Lakes Way. We look forward to welcoming you to the Midcoast Festival of Sail this February.
Competition Class Information
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th February 2025: Round 2 NSW Sabot Titles
The Sabot is a sailing dinghy that has traditionally served as the starting trainer boat for most junior sailors across Australia. In recent decades, additional trainer classes have been introduced; however, the Sabot class remains strong. During Round 1 of the NSW Sabot Titles, held at Drummoyne in late 2024, 50 Sabots competed. We anticipate a similar turnout in the Midcoast area for Round 2.
Sunday 16th February: Try Sailing Day for the General Public
The Great Lakes Sailing Club Inc. will hold an open invitation event on Sunday 16th February for the general public to try sailing as a sport. There will be a wide range of sailing boats available to inspect and sail with supervision during the day. The planned program is as follows:
- Morning and afternoon sessions subject to weather constraints.
- Free sausage sizzle for participants.
- For safety reasons children must be over the age of 8, water proficient, and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times to ensure safety and proper supervision.
- You are welcome to bring any appropriate life jackets for wearing during any supervised sailing. The club does own a range of used lifejackets for use.
- Great Lakes Sailing Club Inc. will have 3 support craft on station during any on water
activities. - Free for participants thanks to the support of Midcoast Council.
Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd February: NSW Hobie 14 Open Class and Hobie 16 Women’s State Titles
Hobie 14 Open Class:
The Hobie 14 marked the beginning of off-the-beach catamaran sailing in the 1970s. The class nearly disappeared as speed-focused designs, larger crafts, and advanced technology took over. However, it remained a favourite among weekend sailors with 30- and 40-year-old boats, even as competitive racing declined. The resurgence began when Australian world champion sailors noticed its renewed popularity in Europe, driven by improved production techniques and rigging upgrades. Reintroduced as a competitive class in Australia, the Hobie 14 has made a strong comeback. A fleet of nearly 20 competed at Wildcat 2024, and up to 30 boats are anticipated at the NSW Championship.
Hobie 16 & 18 Women’s State Titles:
The Hobie 16, the larger sibling of the Hobie 14, has been a staple of catamaran sailing since the late 1970s. Once again, a class of catamaran that has traditional design elements and rigging rather than modern technology. The Hobie 16 Women’s class has always been a strong enduring championship at both State and National level. Additionally, Youth Class racing will be included in this division sailing a variety of Hobie classes on yardstick, allowing sailors of all ages to compete in this division for a NSW Hobie class title.
About Great Lakes Sailing Club Inc
The Great Lakes Sailing Club Inc. has proudly managed the Wallis Lake site since 1971, working in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Over the decades, the club has hosted numerous state and national championships, as well as more than 50 annual Wildcat Regattas. The 2024 Wildcat Regatta drew 95 entries from across Australia, showcasing competitors from all states and territories except Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
For any enquiries, please get in touch via: greatlakessailingclub@gmail.com