Back to Inverloch- how it should be done!
Some readers may remember our report last year on the 2022 Inverloch Wooden Dinghy Regatta, held by the South Gippsland Yacht Club. It certainly was an event to be cherish; just the right mix of competition and participation, at a venue offering interesting sailing on a stunning waterway. Well, we are delighted to let you know that its on again this year on the 18th and 19th February, and SWS will be there, out on the water taking photographs, taking notes and sharing them with participants!
In addition to the on the water sailing competition there’s a great selection of prizes for presentation… for example-
Best Presented Racing Dinghy of an Australian Design This award is presented to a wooden racing dinghy of Australian design. The well-known classes such as Gwen 12s and Vee Jays have been regularly seen at the regatta but other classes such as Rainbows, Skates, 12 ft Cadets or Payne Mortlock Canoes would be equally considered for this award. There are too many designs to make a complete list. Moths and Sailfish are not eligible for this award since they have their own category awards. The judges will look for classic appearance and authenticity to the original design and the class history. The quality of maintenance and/or restoration work including materials used in construction and the woodworking workmanship are considered. Originality and condition of spars, sails, cordage and fittings and the details of paint and varnish work are all part of the assessment. The age, history and patina of experience of the boat are also relevant to the judge’s decision. A boat does not have to look brand new to win this award, although if it is a highly accurate and authentic new build of a historic class using traditional materials and methods, it may well do so.
Gwen 12- Image SWS
Or perhaps your the sort of boat owner who doesn’t like to fit neatly into a class!
Best Presented non-racing/traditional design Sailing Boat This category is for sailing boats that don’t fit within the original racing dinghy sailing classes but are nonetheless good examples of maritime woodwork. That is, boats such as all timber cat boats, sharpies, clinkers and sailing canoes. The Iain Oughtred and North American classic designs with lug or gaff rigs have become very popular with home builders over the last two or three decades. Some of these are not unlike the boats recorded in early photographs in Inverloch around the 1900’s. The judges will look for classic appearance and authenticity to the original design. The quality of maintenance and/or restoration work including materials used in construction and the woodworking workmanship are considered. Originality and condition of spars, sails, cordage and fittings and the details of paint and varnish work are all part of the assessment. The age, history and patina of experience of the boat are also relevant to the judge’s decision. A boat does not have to look brand new to win this award, although if it is a highly accurate and authentic new build of a historic design using traditional materials and methods, it may well do so.
JEZABEL- Image SWS
Or coming from the Birthplace of the Moth…
Best Presented Moth in Original or Restored Condition The Moth has a special place in Inverloch’s history and over time has evolved with many different designs. This category is open to Moths in original condition, restored Moths and new builds to early designs. An original or restored boat with a significant racing history in the class would be considered highly qualified for this award, even above a new build of similar condition or finish. As with the above awards, authenticity, workmanship and originality along with the boat’s history are the key considerations in deciding this award.
VIXEN the 1950’s Moth-Image SWS
And it your a crazy enough to own one of these sailing surfboards….
Best Presented Australian Sailfish This would be the most attractive Australian Sailfish in original or restored condition. A new build may be eligible but it would need to be built using traditional materials & using traditional methods. An original or restored boat with a significant racing history in the class would be considered highly qualified for this award, even above a new build of similar condition or finish. As with the above awards, authenticity, workmanship and originality along with the boat’s history are the key considerations in deciding this award. These awards are presented by the Commodore and Rotary President, fellow sailors and sponsors.
Image SWS
Not long to go so get your entry in by clicking HERE. Its going to be a special weekend!
And if you don’t believe me, have a read of some of last years comments!
Wife and I dragged the Mirror out of the shed where it has sat, unused, for 20 years. Started first time. Had a ball at the Invy regatta, highly recommended, great club and people.
The photograph of Vixen made my day yesterday…
I believe this was once my father’s moth (John Inchbold) that he sailed on Lake Mulwala in the 1950’s and many other Victorian lakes with other moth sailors.
I have a wonderful photo of “Vixen” rigged on oil drums outside the shearing Shed on his property “Wangandary”. The gun shearer at that time was known as the Cootamundra Flyer who may have produced a wry smile at the sight...Just great photos - wish I was there!
Loved the pictures and the history of the Moth-my wife’s first boat in the early 70s. Bought by her father Roger Julian as an unfinished project-he completed the project and probably most importantly painted it Air Sea Rescue orange so his precious daughter wouldn’t be lost at sea in her adventures off Mount Martha beach.