Largest ever Queensland Laser fleet sails at Redcliffe

A record breaking fleet of Laser dinghies launched from Humpybong Yacht Club on April May 31 and May first.

Humpybong Yacht Club president Ryan McLaughlin said the event was the 2023 International Laser Class Association ILCA (formery Laser dinghies) competing in their Queensland state titles on Bramble Bay.

"The regatta was the biggest ever fleet of Lasers in the class history in Queensland and attracted not only top state and , national entrants but also world and Olympic level competitors."

"Entrants came from as far afield at North Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne who welcomed our much warmer weather. Mr McLaughlin said.

He said a large team of humpybong volunteers ensured that the first days competition saw three races successfully held in light and shifty winds after a week of strong winds and big seas.

"Despite light and testing conditions the three laser classes were able to complete their races in time."

"There were 28 juniors sailing lasers with 4.7 square metre sails, 46 sailors with 6sqm sails and 26 in the senior weight division sailing the largest 7sqm sails.
Many of the skippers were caught out by the light winds and strong outgoing tide which saw tacking duels and close quarter action at rounding marks and finishes." Mr McLaughlin said.

He said Sunday dawned bright and sunnybut the fleet spent all day floating around as race officials tried desperately to find steady wind. Sadly the wind never arrived and races were cancelled after competitors had been on the water from 11am until 3.30pm.

Read more here: https://www.hyc.net.au/home/

By Mark Dawson