Multis wrap up & head home or north to Gladstone

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QLD Multihull Championships
Day 4 – Sunday 9th April
By OG

With the final day of racing upon them, the crews aboard the multihulls competing to become the next PR or OMR champion of Queensland hoped their prayers would be answered and that the pressure would kick in. But once again, they were disappointed, and instead of a perfect 15 to 20 knots, they were welcomed with zero to 5 knots with a blazing Autumn sun and a spectacular day for picnics. However these guys and girls didn’t wish for picnic weather but rather constant breeze to push them around the numerous marks and islands that make up the pristine Moreton Bay.

So there they were, again becalmed on crystal blue water with soggy sandwiches and the ever lasting after taste of Snake Penis Wine prominent on their sensitive taste buds. There really isn’t much to entertain one when floating aimlessly around a bay waiting for the pressure to build, so the majority of the crews spread themselves on the decks staring into space and even opting for a wee siesta.

The 2006 Queensland Multihull Championships would have to be one of the most difficult regattas these sailors have competed in. Sailing in light winds is far more difficult than 15 to 20 knots because every single breath of air that gently fills the sails can mean meters of distance gained over the other competitors. Like rain in a drought, even inch matters.

Eventually the afternoon sea breeze filtered in, meaning the fleet could finally start the final race of the series. With the five minute gun shoot into the clear blue sky the crews were finally increasing their heart rates for the first time in hours. Some however were still waking up. They were the group who consumed the copious amounts of foreign liquor then washed it down with a rum or bourbon and good old coca cola.

Even though the breeze stayed light, it did remain consistent. Everyone sailed well and enjoyed the casual north easterly breeze that just barely managed to fill the mains, jibs and spinnakers of the competing boats. But it didn’t really matter, because at the end of the day, these multihull sailors are happy uniting with old friends from afar, catching up on general chit chat and banter, and just getting out there and giving it the best they can on the day.

Best of luck to those multihulls competing in the 2006 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race – look out for the LSD flag proudly flying on “Voodoo Spirit”!