Last weekend (22/23 March) saw two outstanding radio sailing events take place on opposite sides of Australia, with the IOM Central Queensland Titles held in Gladstone and the WA All in One Regatta contested at Champion Lakes in Perth. Both events delivered competitive racing and showcased the talents of some of the country's top skippers.
IOM Central Queensland Titles – Gladstone Marina
The Gladstone Marina played host to the IOM Central Queensland Titles, where 24 boats lined up for two days of exhilarating competition. With mid-A rig conditions prevailing and the wind maintaining a consistent direction throughout the weekend, the stage was set for highly competitive racing.
Paul Jones emerged as the champion, displaying superb skill and consistency to claim the title ahead of Garth Halton and Greg Torpy. The fleet battled fiercely across both days, with sailors taking full advantage of the fantastic conditions to demonstrate tactical prowess and precise boat handling. The event was a resounding success, with competitors and spectators alike enjoying the spectacle of top-tier radio sailing in near-perfect conditions.
Of course we must mention Macca who won the Grand Masters Trophy and Dougy who was BOG on the Friday night!
WA All in One Regatta – Champion Lakes, Perth
Meanwhile, in Western Australia, the WA All in One Regatta took place on Sunday, 23rd March, at Champion Lakes. The event saw a fleet of 12 boats, including three entries from clubs in Dunsborough and Bunbury in the Southwest, take to the water in challenging, light southeast conditions.
Sean Wallis delivered a dominant performance, claiming the overall win with an impressive scorecard featuring four first-place finishes, four second-place finishes, and a ninth-place result. His consistency and control in the tricky conditions kept him ahead of Glenn Dawson, who secured second place, and Edgar Vitte, who completed the podium in third.
Despite the light and shifty breeze, the fleet produced some fantastic racing, with tight battles and close finishes defining the regatta. The one-day format saw sailors put to the test, requiring them to adapt quickly and make the most of the available wind shifts to stay at the front of the pack.
A Great Weekend for Australian IOM Racing
Both events demonstrated the depth of talent in the Australian IOM fleet and provided thrilling racing for all involved. From the steady breeze of Gladstone to the challenging conditions of Perth, competitors showcased their skills and sportsmanship in two memorable regattas.
A special mention must go to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of both events. From race officers and scorers to support crews and event organisers, their dedication and hard work were instrumental in making these regattas a success.
With more exciting events on the horizon, the IOM class continues to thrive, offering competitive racing and camaraderie across Australia’s sailing community. We look forward to seeing more great action in the upcoming regattas!