Well-attended Walpole regatta in tough conditions

More than 100 boats hit the water for the annual Walpole Yacht Club In The Trees Regatta held on Nornalup Inlet at the weekend.

The event was open to any off-the-beach dinghies, trailer sailors, catamarans and shallow-draft keel boats.

In total 139 boats competed in the tricky conditions, with the range of different classes requiring three races to classify for consistency and championship trophies.

A full day of racing across the 12 divisions was contested on Saturday, with officials amending the program to consist of two heats rather than three with boats spending more time on the water than expected to start and complete each race.

After stormy conditions overnight sailing was unable to resume when scheduled on Sunday and all races were postponed in the hope wind conditions would improve.

That didn’t happen and by mid-morning Sunday’s racing was cancelled.

A terrific crowd of 400 people attended the customary presentation evening held at the Walpole Recreation Centre.

Highlights were the gaff-rig contingent of 15 boats competing on their own this year along with the junior division of 14 boats consisting of Pelicans, BIC, Optimist and RS Reva.

The Walpole Yacht Club thanked their numerous volunteers for making the regatta happen and the Shire of Manjimup for allowing the event to grow over the past few years.

Full results can be found on the club’s website.