A RECORD number of boats compared to recent years hit the water for the Lake Boga Yacht Club’s Annual Easter Regatta.
Competitors flocked from across the country to be greeted at the lake by fair winds and fine weather.
Race officer Ken Robinson said it was the most successful regatta the club has held in over a decade.
“The weather’s been on our side and we’ve got a large number of competitors, from interstate as well,” he said.
“It’s probably the biggest fleet we’ve had in the last 10 years, so we’re very happy at the moment.
“It’s one of the best regattas we’ve had in a while, everyone’s been pretty happy sailors so far.”
The regatta is the club’s main fundraiser for the year, and Mr Robinson said the event will hold the club in good stead.
“We run other functions too to add to the regatta, such as Saturday’s wine-tasting night and a big group dinner,” he said.
“We had a band playing downstairs as well last night for entertainment, and then there’s extra things we have like spot prizes from the local businesses.
“We really look after the visitors here. It’s probably one of the best regattas you’ll ever go to in terms of entertainment and events.”
Penny Wilkson from Melbourne was a volunteer on the start line and has come up to Lake Boga for the past four years.
“My little boy’s been sailing for about four years, and he just loves the opportunity to sail in this regatta with so many different classes of boat,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“It gives you a fantastic experience, and camping here at Lake Boga is just so much fun.
“The kids get to know each other really well and the club here is so welcoming.
“Lots of clubs from Melbourne come up because it’s a pretty well-known regatta.
“It’s very competitive on the water, but off the water everyone makes great friends.”
Ms Wilkinson’s son, Samuel Smith, was racing in the opti class alongside friend Acklin Stent.
Acklin Stent looked at home on Lake Boga, as the 13-year-old prepares to represent Australia at the 2025 European Opti Championships held in Turkey this May.
“This is where the Tom Slingsbys start,” said event volunteer Greg Orr, referencing the Australian three-time sailing world champion and Olympic gold-medallist.
This year for the first time a sailing clinic was held for junior yacht racers on the Saturday.
Mr Robinson said it would be great to get more young sailors from the Mallee region involved in the club.
