“the true meaning of having a bloody good time couldn’t be more evident”
The 2024 Wildcat Regatta brought three days of action-packed racing to the shores of Wallis Lake at Great Lakes Sailing Club in Forster, NSW, over the October long weekend. With 11 x Hobie 18s and 15 x Hobie 14s racing on the historic lake, this year’s regatta continued the tradition of spirited competition and camaraderie.
The event kicked off with an invitational marathon race around Earp Island on Friday afternoon, where Jess and Adrian took line honours on their F18 Edge, while MB secured victory on yardstick aboard a Hobie 14. As Friday night rolled in, the festivities began, with sailors congregating at Wallis Lake’s shoreline. The spirit of “Friday Night Fever” was alive as competitors like Lucky Dog, Paddy, and Azza made the most of Timmy Haffner’s bartending prowess at the Drop Bar, which stayed open well past its usual closing time.
Saturday’s racing opened with three scheduled heats. Paddy initially led the Hobie 18 fleet but dropped to the last position after a misinterpretation of the trapezoid course layout. In the Hobie 14s, MB dominated the first two races, taking consecutive bullets, while competitors Pete Breaden, Rod, and Bridget put in strong performances in the light breeze.
In the Hobie 18 fleet, the Marcovitchs’ consistent sailing kept them near the front, with impressive performances from Jake & Alannah, the Cooks, and the Daltons. The day concluded with intense on-water battles and tactical manoeuvring, setting up an intriguing second day.
Sunday brought another day of light winds but intense racing. Rod and Jackson claimed the day’s opening Hobie 14 race, marking Jackson’s first-ever Wildcat Regatta heat victory. Bridget showcased exceptional skill, taking first place in the fifth heat. Meanwhile, in the Hobie 18s, both the Cooks and the Marcovitchs solidified their standings, each earning a bullet. The Tallis’ maintained steady pressure, striving to overtake the Marcovitchs for fourth place.
In keeping with Wildcat tradition, the evening featured communal celebrations. With 90+ boats in attendance, sailors from around the country gathered to watch the NRL Grand Final and the Puig Women’s America’s Cup on the big screen, enjoying an evening of celebration and connection that truly highlighted the regatta’s community spirit.
Monday saw a late north-easterly seabreeze finally fill in, but it arrived too close to the afternoon cut-off to allow for more than one race in the light conditions. This didn’t stop the younger sailors of the Hobie 18 fleet, who spent the afternoon on the playful ‘La Cheeki’ Hobie 14, passing it among Sammy, Toby, and the two Emmas as they soaked up the day.
As the sun set over Wallis Lake, veterans Gav, MB, Paddy, and Michael enjoyed the peaceful close to an exhilarating weekend. The fleet’s excitement was palpable as they looked ahead to the 2025 NSW State Championships, set to take place in Forster from February 21-23. The Hobie community left energised, already anticipating the challenges and camaraderie the next regatta will bring.
This year’s Wildcat Regatta exemplified what makes this event such a cherished part of Forster’s sailing tradition: competitive racing, community bonding, and unforgettable evenings that celebrate the sport and the sailors alike. Great Lakes Sailing Club once again showcased its dedication to hosting outstanding events, strengthening Forster’s place on the map for sailing enthusiasts.
