The 27th Navigator’s Cup race, sponsored by Mudgee Concrete, was held on 15th March 2025.
Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the race was postponed due to big seas and gale force winds. Despite the challenges on the originally scheduled day, conditions on race day delivered a warm start with a promising sea breeze that set the stage for an exciting day on the water.
Fleet and Participation
- Total Boats: 24
- Divisions: Two divisions raced simultaneously from a long start line designed to accommodate both groups.
- Participants:
- Local yachts from CSC
- Entries from our mates at RMYCPH
- 5 Catamarans from MCYC
Race Highlights
- Start and Strategy: Crews had the choice of varying strategies. Some opted to skim Jibbon Headland to catch the sea breeze early, while others steered left towards the beach. Those who balanced between these approaches managed to get an early lead out of Bate Bay.
- Course and Conditions: As the sea breeze built, many crews hugged the coast while crossing tacks heading north toward Botany Bay.
- Botany Bay: Served as the pivotal point where the two divisions split.
- Division 1: Continued on the northern side of the Bay’s mouth, tacking and rock hopping their way to Wedding Cake Island—the final rounding mark.
- Division 2: Took the southern exit from Botany Bay, reaching for the Waverider before gybing over to race home towards Bass & Flinders.
- Finish: Division 1 yachts hoisted their kites and executed well-timed maneuvers—some with giant asymmetrical spinnakers and others opting for a square run with one gybe—to make a strong finish at Bass & Flinders.
Results
Division 1 Winner:
- Let’s Go! – Skipper: Tim Macgillray (Back-to-back win)
Division 2 Results:
- Sea Twist – Rod Nairn
- Cattyshack – Lynne Clark
- Chillout – Paul Booth
Additional commendations go out to all crews for their skill and perseverance during a long, challenging day on picturesque waters.
Acknowledgements: The race organisers extend heartfelt thanks to:
- Sponsors:
- Mudgee Concrete & Multihull Central
- Barracouta Sails & Cronulla Sailing Club
- Volunteers and Contributors:
- Tayla, Bruce Swane, Rob Croucher, Jack Macgillray, Mitch Backhouse, and everyone else who played a role.
- Special mention to Warren “Bucko” Buchan, whose lively banter as he announced the results added an extra spark to the celebrations.
It was a day filled with memorable racing, great sportsmanship, and a community coming together to celebrate another successful Navigators’ Cup. Congratulations to all participants, and a special salute to Tim Macgillray and the crew of Let’s Go! on their victory.
