
Last Month
Anniversary Regatta
The first race was to Yorkeys Knob and back in 10 – 15 kts of breeze. With 3 multihulls and 4 yachts it was a good turn out. Barefoot and Lighting Storm had a good tussle for lead with The Hully Trinity not far behind. Ketchup and Impulse put a good distance ahead of Centinela and Volare. A good day was had by all, it was nice to have winds below 25 kts for a change.
Day two saw light winds for the first of the bay races (a windward, leeward course), but for the second race (a triangle course) the winds pickup to a nice15- 18 kts. Close racing was enjoyed by all and another great day on the water was had.
A big thanks go to Gordo and Bob for setting good courses and taking some great photos.
Results are as below. A very close regatta with three boats scoring 8 points.
Two Islands Race
Still the weather is not totally cooperating. The scheduled Two Islands race had to be postponed a week due to a strong wind warning. This race was to involve a sail to the Fitzroy Island port lead thence to a position 100m west of the Green Island jetty then back home.
Fortunately the weather cooperated the following weekend with winds forecast to be reasonable if perhaps a bit strong at 20kts. The race started in lightish air with four entrants, Impulse, Volare, Ikigai and Leitning Storm (the only cat). My belief that engines are only fitted to yachts to ruin a good day’s sailing was affirmed correct when Ikigai could not leave the Marina due to a uncooperative engine. Nevertheless, Impulse & Volare jockeyed for position at the port end of the line while the starter, holding a radio in one hand and an iPhone in the other managed to drop the starting flag off the wharf at the Wharf One Cafe. Needless to say, I doubt anyone noticed in the head of the start with Impulse over the line slightly ahead of Volare. Leitning Storm took a few minutes to sort their rig out confident they could catch the fleet. These were not the only dramas for the day. Following is a first hand account by Frank sailing on Impulse…
Up to T7 against a light southeasterly breeze followed by a spinnaker run all the way to channel marker 6 saw Impulse pull away from the others to take a healthy lead. The breeze built rapidly as the yachts entered Mission Bay with some reporting 27kts! The blue cat started to fly!
Just as Impulse was putting in their first reef a crew member noticed a problem with the rigging. A rapid easy on the main was called for and the boat slowed to investigate the problem. It was not safe to continue the race so the decision was made to retire and return to Cairns under very reduced sail.
That left just two boats to continue on to Fitzroy and across to Green Island with a higher than expected wind strength. However, both boats were happy to sight Humpback whales during the day!
The blue catamaran was first boat home but unfortunately Volare ran into a patch of no wind whilst inbound along the channel finishing 2 hours 20 minutes after Letting Storm. Congratulations to Mark and crew on being this year’s champions in the Two Islands Race.

Results 2019 Two Islands Race
Equipment Auditors
Attention all keelboat skippers / owners.
Do you want to know if your yacht is up to the racing standards set by Yachting Australia?
We race under Category 5 which allows races with limited rescue availability in protected waters in daylight and sheltered waters at night. To see if your boat complies download the check list here.
We now have two equipment auditors that can sign your boat off for the next 12 months. Contact Frank Brace 0438 405 800 or Hew Mills. 0409976888.
New Pacers
A big thanks to all that turned out to unpack our eight new Pacer dinghies. The job was complete within an hour allowing the container to be re-loaded onto the truck without delay.
Keelboat Learn to Sail
The “Pink J” has had new anti-foul applied, thanks to the dedicated volunteers that scraped live oysters off her bottom. We look forward to some more competition on WAGS and, of course, our monthly races. The “Pink J” is available for hire to approved members. Please contact Adrian or just go sailing with him. This is a much better option than owning your own boat… guaranteed!
The keelboat learn to sail in “The pink J” is well subscribed with increasing participants keen to try out a bigger boat. Please contact Margie at the office 07 4031 2750 or email cyc@cairns.net.au
ATTENTION – Prepare for this fantastic October 5-7th event
With the wonderful people at the Fitzroy Island Resort we are planning a three day Regatta at The lovely Fitzroy Island on the long weekend of 5 – 7 th of October. The management are very willing to support this event with both our vision to build this into a major sailing event of the sailing year over the next 5 years.
Coming UP – This Month
Weekend of 27-28th July ELLIS BEACH REGATTA Call Barry 0428 369 303
This two day event starts with a briefing at 11am Sat. Sailing starts at 12.30 , Sat night dinner is provided at a cost lunch also, free camping, dust off the boats , prizes and games for the little ones.
Volunteers please ,please contact the amazing Barry, he can do with a hand.
Come out even if you don’t sail and just sit on the lawn and enjoy the the magnificent views.
Please contact Barry if you are attending as he needs to cater for you. 0428 369 303. You can also book one of the three Lasers or two little Nacra’s, they are awesome fun and go quick. Once again, call Barry 0428 369 303. It will be good to see the Townsville, Mission Beach and Tinaroo clubs to compete against the Cairns club members
Lets all have a awsome weekend
Sunday 4th August Fitzroy Island & return Race
Another opportunity to head over to Fitzroy. For more information call Frank 0438 405 800
WAGS – Every Wednesday. Yep, still going so no excuses for not sailing. A fun sailing day with others, stress-free and a chance for non-members to sail for the day, just $20 gets you on a boat. Be at the Boat Shed at 12. No need to call anyone, just turn up. Backpackers welcome, the best value day out on the water you can have in Cairns. (Backpackers WELCOME, we love the international flavour).
Tackers Fun Friday – 4-5:30 pm very Friday
Trackers sailing program
The Tacker Fun Sailing program is romping along every Friday from 4pm to 6pm thanks to Riely and his team. We get “kids” of all sizes and there’s room for more. Bring your kids and grandkids down to the Boatshed and celebrate the end of the working week
The club bar is open so while the kids are out having fun you can sit back and have a wine and watch them sail.
Riley Munro, Harrison and Daniel Brace are there to run the show – bring the kids or the grandkids 4pm to 6pm
www.revolutionise.com.au/cairnsyc/events/23610/