The 2026 Victorian Hobie Cat State Championships wrapped up in spectacular fashion after an unforgettable March long weekend in the Gippsland Lakes. Racing on Lake Victoria out of the Loch Sport Boat Club, this new location had the Hobie family eagerly anticipating what the weekend might bring. What followed was nothing short of pure excellence from the intrepid team of volunteers from Loch Sport.
Upon arrival, Hal and the team were wearing matching shirts, united as a group and ready to take care of the Hobie family—and they did so with absolute pride. We ate like kings and queens, the food was next level, the hospitality second to none, and both the race track and on-water volunteers were on point, all led by the incomparable Naomi Chiu as Race Officer. As much as we would’ve loved Nomes out on the race track with us, she was next level in her leadership on the water, smashing out ten races in variable conditions across three days of racing.
Finally, a big thank you to the Australian Sailing – Victorian Club Support Officers for providing a huge assist in securing Loch Sport Boat Club as the venue for the States. Without our mates at AS, we would not have had such an amazing weekend on Country with the Hobie family.
Saturday
The first day of racing saw sunshine across the lake, with a light to mid-range south-easterly breeze blowing across from Ninety Mile Beach. The breeze shifted up and down the race track, making it super tricky for sailors, with each race proving different from the next.
In the Hobie 16s, Mads & Zac had their greatest day of racing to date, finishing with two P2s, while Fletch & Gee took home three bullets and a P2. Cam & Em were consistent as ever with thirds across the board, while Paddy & Bridg claimed a single bullet in the second heat, weaving their way up the course. Chucky and his super-crew D. Bell also finished the day with a well-deserved second.
Most notably, however, was the return of the Lucky Dog to the race track, bringing along his new super crew and fellow Novacastrian, Bec Greentree.
The Hobie 14s saw an early upset, with MB—coming in hot from the NSW States—being put firmly in his place by the one and only Geoff Rowdon. Snagging three bullets and a P3 for the day, Rowdy was nothing short of on fire out on the race track. MB remained consistent as ever with four P2s, while Tim Chiu took home a bullet in the third heat, making the most of the windiest race of the day.
The Turbo fleet proved to be a two-horse race, with Martin Venter going bow to stern with Craig Batty. Craig took out the first race, however Martin finished with three bullets to close out the day.
Off the water, the evening entertainment didn’t disappoint. Rowdy’s infamous karaoke returned for another memorable night, with loud, enthusiastic, and highly entertaining individuals hitting the stage to belt out some classics.
Most importantly, however, earlier in the evening the fleet witnessed a special moment as Geoff Rowdon was inducted as a Life Member of the Hobie Cat Association of Victoria, recognising his long-standing contribution to the class and community. He truly makes our association what it is.
Sunday
Sunday morning saw sailors wake to a consistent drizzle, and for the campers—and those who may have sung a little too hard the night before—it was a tough ask to get out of bed.
With the AP flying until midday, and the Loch Sport volunteers cooking up an absolute feast for breakfast, the day was off to a good start. As the breeze began to fill in right on schedule, it was action stations as the clock struck noon, and RO Nomes was not messing around.
In a welcome change from the first day, a reasonably solid easterly blew for the first two heats before pumping in the third and final race of the day. With Nomes considering a fourth race, some sailors made the executive call to head ashore early to catch the Formula 1 Grand Prix from Albert Park, a few hundred kilometres away.
In the Hobie 14s, Rowdy claimed another pair of bullets, while Andrew Boyd, all the way from Western Australia, played to his strengths and snagged a bullet in the windiest heat of the day. Timmy Chiu remained consistent with two P2s, while Michael Pitts, racing in his third Hobie 14 State Championship on the 2026 Championship Tour, started the day with a P3 and two P4s.
The Hobie 16s saw Cam & Em lead the day with two bullets and a P4, while Fletch & Gee remained solid with a P2, P1 and P3. Gav & Bec claimed a P3 in the second race, while their fellow New South Welshmen Paddy & Bridg remained consistent with a P3, P2 and P2.
With the fleet ashore earlier than expected, the team at Loch Sport were ready for the sailors’ arrival, with the fireplace burning at full capacity, warming the club to perfection. With another sensational dinner on the cards, along with more of Rowdy’s fun and games—this time a bingo-style quiz—it was another evening to remember.
Monday
The final day of racing began much earlier, with the breeze having blown 25–30 knots throughout the night, making the morning conditions a little iffy. Staying true to the forecast, however, the breeze gradually faded before filling back in again after the finish time. This, of course, did not stop our faithful race officer Nomes, who smashed out three final heats to close out the championship.
In the Hobie 14s, Martin Venter solidified the Turbo Championship once again, with Craig Batty fighting right until the final race. Rowdy well and truly locked in his second Championship in the cat-rig fleet, finishing the weekend with two bullets and a P2. MB remained consistent with two P2s, but not quite quick enough to catch Rowdy, locking in second overall.
Andrew Boyd finished his trip to the east in third, ending the regatta with a bullet to secure the final podium spot, with Timmy Chiu only one point behind on 27 points.
In the Hobie 16s, Fletch & Gee locked in their sixth State Championship, finishing the weekend with a P1, P2 and a drop of a P5. Cam & Em maintained their position in second overall, while Paddy & Bridg finished third, only two points behind the Victorians after falling from first to third in the final two races in ultra-light air.
Luke & Arija had a great final day, claiming a bullet in the ninth heat, along with Chucky & D. Bell, as they passed the New South Welshmen at the top mark. Finally, El Presidente Mads & Zac wrapped up a great weekend with fourth overall, taking some valuable points into the 2026 Championship Tour.
As the sails came down and the trailers were packed for the long trips home, the overwhelming feeling across the fleet was one of gratitude. The Loch Sport Boat Club volunteers delivered an event that will be remembered for years to come—from incredible food and warm hospitality to a professional race management team that kept the racing fair, efficient, and fun across a wide range of conditions.
On behalf of the Hobie family, a huge thank you to RO extraordinaire, Naomi Chiu, and the entire Loch Sport team for welcoming us so warmly and putting on such a fantastic championship. If this year was anything to go by, we’re certain the Hobie fleet will be eager to return to the Gippsland Lakes again soon.
Check out the full photo gallery and all the results below:
