Manuel Cousin Coup de Pouce, 31st is expected to finish on Friday. Getting closer to land he now has to be careful to keep an eye on the increasing amounts of traffic and will endure Big River Sailing Club epitomizes everything that is good and healthy about our sport. The river is still a working port, with the historic town of Grafton not far away. The two-day regatta is capped at 70 entries and caters to off-the-beach boats, including Multi- and Monohull Dinghies, sports Boats, and Trailer Sailers.
The club provides free on-site camping at the back of the rigging area, with an array of tents, swags, motor homes, and caravans, creating a temporary mini-city. Saturday night is always a highlight where a massive exquisite BBQ meal is prepared and presented by the club members ably led by long-term Commodore Hariet Woodrow.
Despite the modest entry fee and food cost, I believe their Regattas contribute to the financial stability of this great club. Saturday saw the running of the Passage Race with multiple top marks depending on division near the river mouth. Sunday saw on onshore delay to proceedings waiting for the Sea Breeze to kick in. Good clean and competitive racing with mutual respect being displayed by all competitors.
Overall winners were decided with the implementation of published Yardsticks which to their credit, Australian Sailing is onboard evaluating results and fine-tuning these historic numbers to create greater parity. With most classes now struggling to get stand-alone fleet numbers, especially in the regional areas the importance of reflective Yardstick numbers are increasing in importance.
While there are a few negatives at the moment in our sport it is certainly not the case at Big River Sailing Club. Certainly a template for any club wanting to put on a good regatta. Thanks to all involved for a great weekend! On one side of the world, the Vendee Globe is winding down.
