Imagine This. You are standing amongst some of Australia’ most important wooden vessels, smelling the huon pine, admiring the gracious curves and soaking up the history. You have a glass of Tahbilk Ambassador Shiraz 2020 in one hand and a bespoke snag from Lygon Street’s greatest butcher in the other.

The Blue Peter comes down… a minute to go… the Div One boats are jostling for the final run to the line…. It’s all about max. boat speed at the gun… winding these things up takes minutes not seconds… Five 40+ footers all get it right… as the gun goes 60 tonnes of timber elegance come up onto the breeze on starboard tack, waterlines fizzing, gunnels just yards apart.

It’s an eclectic mix of craft, from out and out racing boats from every decade from the 1920’s to the 1970’s, to 90 year old fishing boats, to world girdling cruisers.

We have a seriously diverse, storied and decorated fleet of wooden boats coming to Williamstown on the weekend of 3rd 4th 5th November… A couple of Admiral’s Cup winners, a Newport Bermuda race overall winner, a three of circumnavigators, Victoria’s most successful keelboat, Sayonara Cup challengers and a plethora of Sydney Hobart contestants.

It’s been a month since the announcement of the re-designed and re-energised 2023 CUP REGATTA and the level of interest has been impressive (if a little daunting).

The Elwood Seahorse possibly originated as a response to the uncontrolled enthusiasm of some paddling canoeists of the day to hoist a sail or two for the odd impromptu bumping race on Port Phillip Bay.

The class always had devotees but the fleet slowly depleted in the 1990’s as keen sailors were attracted to newer designs. Over the last 20 years the boats have been patiently restored. Soon there will be some 10 yachts regularly sailing in Victorian waters

The top end of the course near Port Melbourne means tricky twisting shifts off the beach and apartment infill but flat water. The southern end exposed beyond Altona produced difficult rolling slop for the downhill legs. Thrown in on both days on the western side of the course was a huge tidal outflow from the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers with recent rain and floods.

A tricky day on Port Phillip, with torrents of brown water gushing out of the Yarra and wind from 14-28 knots with rain squalls. Big congratulations to the boats that completed the two races.

It is impossible to stand under Lonsdale Lighthouse and not wonder just how those early pilots guided a ship into this harbour. And, how did those on board feel, after a 6 month journey, from the other side of the world.

I have heard Dugga speak over the years and been enthralled by his story telling and depth of knowledge acquired over years of being out, working the same stretch of water.

Plans were thrown into chaos with boats trapped on the hard and crew travel arrangements stymied, undaunted, Peter Costolloe pressed ahead and those who made it to the start line didn’t regret it.

I had a quick look at Yachthub to see what else you might find for this price…Nothing against old Beneteaus, but if space and comfort are your priorities then I suggest you stay at home.