Invited classes join Olympic boats on second day of Sail Sydney

The second day of Sail Sydney welcomed all classes to Rose Bay and Botany Bay, with spirits high despite the consistent rain and challenging conditions.

Joining those who began their campaigns yesterday, seven classes, including three Optimist categories, today made their debut at the 2024 event across Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC) and Georges River Sailing Club (GRSC).

While light and variable winds of up to six knots saw racing postponed or abandoned across several classes, local Optimist Green Fleet sailor Heidi Sinclair-Hill (WSC), was thrilled to take to the water this morning in her second ever regatta.

“I really, really love sailing and hanging out with my friends, so Sail Sydney has been really good so far,” said Sinclair-Hill.

“The wind was pretty light at points, but I know pretty much everyone in my fleet because this is my home club, so that’s really fun.

“I really love the water and being in my own boat, so I’m looking forward to sailing again tomorrow and seeing how the results turn out,” she said.

In the Optimist Intermediate class, Gary Zhu (Hunters Hill Sailing Club) was positive about the day despite the lack of wind and racing.

“It was really light out there with a couple of shifts, but it got windier as soon as we came in,” said Zhu.

“While we were out there waiting we caught some jelly blubbers and also made an island of boats, that was fun.

“Sail Sydney is really cool because it brings people together. I met someone named Charles [Ball] who’s from the host club and he’s really nice.

“I raced here in Green Fleet last year and really enjoyed it, so I have some good memories at Woollahra Sailing Club and I’m happy to be back,” he said.

On the Charlie course, the wind picked up late in the afternoon with enough time to fit in two races. Finn sailor and WSC Commodore Jay Harrison noted the fleet was happy to get a couple of races in.

“We went out there and waited for a while but the committee was very patient and very professional and in the end we got two good races in,” said Harrison.

“In our fleet, a lot of us have been sailing together for a long while. Nick [Kennedy] and I sailed an 18ft Skiff together 50-something years ago, so it’s good to be out on the water with everyone still. 

“They’re a beautiful bunch of guys, we’re very lucky,” he said.

Sail Sydney is taking place at WSC and GRSC from December 6-9.

To find out more, click here.

To view full results, click here.