In almost perfect conditions 98 boats converged in the waters off Westernport Yacht Club for the 2022 Westernport Challenge. 

By race day, 4 clubs had sent teams to the event - Somers YC (39 entries), Merricks YC (15), Cowes YC (14) and this year’s hosts Westernport YC (20).

The racing was hectic, with a large mixed fleet and the faster fleets dodging through the slower ones, making situational awareness and attention to rules paramount.

Despite this, the event was sailed on great spirit by all competitors, and it was very pleasing indeed to note the lack of protests.

Thanks are due to Race Officer Mark Graham and his on-water team for setting a course that had something for everyone, and on the smooth execution of both the racing and the scorekeeping.

In the end it was Somers YC who narrowly took the win with WYC 2nd, Cowes 3rd and Merricks in 4th

Individual Winners were:

• Overall Multihull - Ant Richards - Taipan 4.9 - Westernport
• Overall Mono winner - Pat Moore - Contender - Somers
• Division 1 - Ant Richards - Taipan 4.9 - Westernport
• Division 2 - Matilda Morris and Emily Chiu - Hobie Dragoon - Somers
• Division 3 - Pat Moore - Contender - Somers
• Division 4 - Mal Otto - Impulse 6.6 - Somers
• Division 5 - Lucy Laverty - Optimist - Somers

Congratulations to all the winners, but the real winner was Sailing on Westernport. It was the biggest fleet we’ve had for a good while and a reminder that we all share a passion, a friendly competitive spirit, and a wonderful place to sail.

Thanks to All and see you next year!!

James Cooper
Rear Commodore, WYC