The 2021 Queensland Hobie State Titles, Lake Cootharaba, took place on the golden waters of Lake Cootharaba on the Sunshine Coast, saw a gusty, 20knot + SE blowing consistently across the lake. With a low developing off the coast further North is was wet and wild conditions.
With many choc-tops cemented on the head of mainsails across the fleet, and bows covered in thick, brown mud, the conditions on the lake certainly made for some interesting sailing.
Day 1
Only one race was held, Fletch and Georgia Warren-Meyers pulled off a definitive win in maximum style, being one of the only boats in the 20 + fleet to start on time! Closely followed was Pete and Juliet Bates after a 2 minute delay after the starting signal. Word on the water was that the veteran sailors were getting a bit of extra tacking practice in before the opening race.
Unfortunately the second race of the day was cancelled after a 35Knot + squall came through to shutdown racing, a minute out from the start.
Day 2
Provided much entertainment with three long races taking place throughout the day, with the New South Welshman Mick Butler and his out-of-retirement, hot-shot crew Worst News boldly take out each of the three races. Hot on their heels were Keagy and Helen, Pete and Jules, Fletch and Georgia.
Special shout outs go to Shane Peterson and son James, dominating in the strong and gusty conditions. Also to the flea-weights that are Hannah Bates and Pat Butler with their 18kgs of lead strapped to the back beam for managing to keep the boat upright during each of the squalls, while managing to hold their own upwind.
Day 3
The final day of the QLD Hobie Cat State Championships at Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club brought a drizzly, yet settled-down SE of 10-15 knots, evening out the playing field for our mighty Hobie 16 Sailors.
With 2 races held before the rain truly set in, our sailors were gifted to 2, very tight and exciting races that saw a change in lead every lap.
Results from the day are in, and the dream-team that is Mick “No Mercy” Butler and the infamous Worst “Master of Disaster” News took out the first race. With Peter and Juliet Bates taking out the second race, overtaking the self-described dream-team of Butler and News on the final lap.
Overall results showed an upset with to the Queenslanders pride with the NSW/QLD team of Butler and News taking out the championship. Closely followed was the veteran pair of Peter and Juliet Bates. And in 3rd the ever-so-graceful and consistent pair that is Fletcher and Georgia Warren-Meyers from the deep south that is Victoria.
The Queensland Hobie Cat Association would like to thank the tremendous Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club for hosting the exciting event in such a tumultuous time. Gordon from Sunstate Hobie for being ever-reliable in his support for the Hobie Class in Queensland. And to Mal and Trish Grey for manning the top-mark, the bottom mark and for providing their boat for the duration of the weekend. Their commitment and dedication to the Hobie Class throughout Queensland and wider Australia is truly spectacular.
Results
