Townsville to Port Hinchinbrook Blue Water Classic 2008

With Easter 2008 came the 6 th annual Townsville to Port Hinchinbrook Blue Water Classic.

Starting midday on Easter Friday a colorful fleet of spinnakers raced downwind to signal the start of this years event. Early leaders Zoe and Feral battled for position as the fleet steered their way North of Townsville where they would eventually sail up the cast East of Hinchinbrook Island before steering into Rockingham Bay and finally crossing the finish line off the entrance to Port Hinchinbrook Marina.

After almost 100 nautical miles of racing the line honors winner was decided in the last few miles as Zoe managed to snatch back the lead just short of the finish line in drifting conditions.

Teddy Bears Picnic sailed excellently to claim the handicap win followed by Come by Chance and then The Major.

In the Dungeness to Port Hinchinbrook race Warrigul took the trophy followed by Supermac and Librian.

Once at Port Hinchinbrook competitors and supporters alike enjoyed the entertainment and facilities of the Port while sharing in a few of the many stories from the racing North. Talk often turning to discuss the Inaugural ‘Port to Resort’ race.

Port to Resort was raced for the first time in 2008, with perfect weather the fleet prepared to start in the first leg – starting off the entrance to Port Hinchinbrook and racing to Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort.

Typical Channel gusts kept the helmsman busy and in the end Warrigul ran away from the fleet following which was a tight finish between Two Shea, Mystique and Akarana.

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Resort hosted lunch for all with a fantastic Bar-B-Q buffet and great fun almost causing many to miss the return race – ‘Resort to Port’. Eventually the fleet was underway with The Major taking an early lead until being overtaken by Mystique. Akarana launched into a spinnaker run that saw them run down The Major and power past Mystique. One mile out from the line Mystique got the edge from Akarana and held on to cross first, with Warrigul in third place.

Another superb event with Townsville Cruising Yacht Club and many repeat competitors have another year of stories under their belts. Preparation for next year will soon be underway with the new ‘Port to Resort’ event expecting record numbers in 2009.

Information and a link to details on the 2009 Blue Water Classic will be available soon!