Lake sailing, expect the unexpected right?
Late Sunday afternoon, as a fleet of over 70 boats-worth congregated in and around Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club’s main clubhouse looking out over one of the most picturesque destinations for Hobie Cat sailing I’ve seen in a long time; Mads & Zac stated the most simplest of facts that summed up the whole weekend: “Jindabyne, more like Windabyne”.
Almost two years ago, we approached the team at Jindy and asked whether the NSWHCA could host their State Championships in conjunction with their Snowy Mountains Regatta; however, we hadn’t realised it was biannual. Nevertheless, after heading to Kurnell (no regrets there whatsoever) in November ’23, we finally had the opportunity to race on the freshwaters of Lake Jindabyne; and strewth it was worth it!
Six Hobie 14-Turbos, seven 18s and seven 16s hit the race track over the weekend alongside an assortment of other off-the-beach craft for six races in some of the trickiest, yet entertaining, racing we’ve had for a long time. The first race of the series took place at 6pm and went for no more than 15 minutes, with Fletch & Georgia claiming the prize as myself & Elsa snuck in just behind. In the Hobie 14-Turbos, Darren Schmidt took home bragging rights whilst Jake & Alannah had the honour of wearing the yellow jerseys on day two, which they politely declined.
As the sun rose over Lake Jindabyne on Saturday morning, anticipation filled the air as the fleet made their way to the dry, desolate edges of the lake, ready for a hearty breakfast and coffee at the clubhouse. Heading out onto the cool, fresh waters, the sailors faced a shifty and fluky run to the start line on the lake’s eastern shore—a journey that foreshadowed the challenging racing to come.
Two unpredictable races were held before lunch, with the breeze building steadily by the end of the second race, culminating in a hard-fought upwind battle back to shore. John & Rose secured victories in the second and third heats of the series in the Hobie 18s, while Jakey & Alannah had their fair share of capsizes. Meanwhile, Andrew McKenzie wrestled with his Turbo, as Flynn Luxton—visiting all the way from England—made an impression on the fleet with a bullet in the third heat. Brian Bates sailed consistently, this time keeping his jib unfurled after taking Kerry’s wise words of wisdom into account from the previous evening.
In the Hobie 16s, Dave & Hayley started strong on their older boat, securing a second place and a bullet. MB & Hazel claimed the first race of the day, while Bryn & Adrian capped off the morning session with a second-place finish before lunch.
As the 70-plus mixed fleet gathered on the hill, basking in the sun and enjoying a well-prepared lunch (and a couple of beveraginos for myself and Flynn), the decision was made to head back onto the water as the westerly front began to ease. Dave & Hayley continued their dominance in the afternoon, leading from the start. However, Elsa & I chased them down all the way to the final reaching leg, where Nigel & Fionbarr slipped through on the inside, creating one of the most thrilling finishes of the regatta. In a dramatic twist, Nigel dropped his mainsheet, allowing Elsa & I to sneak through just behind Dave & Hayley.
The Dalton boys, Sammy & Ken, managed to edge out John & Rose, while Andrew & his French helm, Damien, secured third place. The Turbo fleet, however, delivered the most drama. Flynn, poised to finish second, pitchpoled spectacularly just in front of his old-boy on the finishing boat, losing three places as he struggled to right the Turbo.
Later that evening, the fleet gathered at the Banjo Paterson Hotel for a fantastic night of mixed-fleet socialising and a few quiet cocktails. The evening unfolded on the shores of the truly picturesque Lake Jindabyne, providing the perfect close to a memorable day of racing.
The second day of the Snowy Mountains Regatta began with an early morning breeze, as campers woke to the remnants of rain that had soaked Lake Jindabyne the previous evening. As the breeze subsided, returned, and then finally settled into a leisurely pace, the fleet hit the water, ready for three action-packed races.
A moderate fifth heat of the series saw Flynn Luxton secure another bullet in the Turbos before Andrew McKenzie went on to dominate the next two races, with Darren Schmidt close behind.
Meanwhile, Dave & Hayley claimed victory in the 16s’ first race of the day, with MB & Hazel close behind before they stormed to an impressive win in the final heat. Bryn & Adrian enjoyed a strong day, taking a bullet in the penultimate race and following it up with a second place to close out their series.
John & Rose had a flawless day in the Hobie 18s, securing three straight bullets. Jake & Alannah kept the pressure on with a string of second-place finishes, while Damien & Andrew, along with Sam & Ken, fiercely contested the remaining top spots.
In the final standings, Andrew McKenzie claimed a commanding win in the 14-Turbos, earning the title of overall Grand Masters Champion. Darren Schmidt finished second, narrowly edging Flynn Luxton by a single point. Brian Bates secured the Great Grand Masters Champion title with a solid 17 points.
John & Rose triumphed in the Hobie 18s, taking the title and the overall Grand Masters Championship in spectacular fashion. Jake & Alannah finished second, with Andrew & Damien rounding out the podium in third.
In the Hobie 16s, Dave & Hayley Fisher finally brought the trophy back to Palm Beach, claiming their first Hobie 16 State Championship title with a four-point lead. Bryn & Adrian took second place after catching Elsa & me on countback when the second drop came into play.
A massive thank you to Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club for hosting such an incredible regatta—two years in the making. Special thanks to Vaikobi for providing the fleet with fantastic vouchers for the sailors and the unique beanies organised by our friend Paul Pascall, complete with a custom event logo. And finally, a big shoutout to Mick Butler for the stunning trophies, crafted with recycled plastic bases and old Hobie Flying-H logos cut from Hobie Kayak hatches, shaped to reflect the breathtaking mountain backdrop of this year’s State Championships.
