THE 2018 CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA – Bribie Island

By Neil Wilson - Sub Editor for the Bribie Islander

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Tags: THE 2018 CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA. Boating. events. Bribie island. Brisbane. Queensland

ON THE WATER

Anyone who owns a boat, no matter what type or how big or small, will always be quick to tell you that some of their fondest memories are of times spent out on the water in their pride and joy, and I’m sure that all of the fifty-three boat owners who attended the Bribie Island Boating Club 2018 Classic Boat Regatta in May will now have many great memories of what was hailed as a really great weekend.

Featured Image(above): The dedication to detail was very evident on all the vessels

This year marked the twentieth year of the event and fittingly, it was also the most well attended with ten more boats than two years ago. The boats that made up the fleet this year included a variety of sail and motor powered craft with even a few vessels that relied on the strength of the owner to row them along. Participants travelled from near and far to attend this now very popular event on the boating calendar and the one common feature that was evident on all of the fleet was the painstaking work that had been done to keep the vessels looking spic and span.

Kathryn and Michael Simpson from Maryborough attended the Regatta with their lovely five-metre sail-powered catamaran, “Princess Too.” ‘We bought her about two years ago,’ said Michael. ‘She was originally built in 1985 and there was a fair amount of rot that I had to remove before she was seaworthy. I have just purchased a six-metre boat and it is in worse condition than the Princess was,’ he said.

After a leisurely Saturday sail to Toorbul for lunch, the participating vessels returned to the Pacific Harbour Marina where the public was given an opportunity for a closer look at the well-maintained craft and, after a cruise around some of the canals on Sunday morning, the fleet gathered on the foreshore at Sylvan Beach where the main chance for the public to be involved began. Many of the boats were moored at the water’s edge so people could talk to the owners and inspect the obvious dedication to detail that had been necessary to keep the boats in tip-top condition.

On the area above the beach, the local Vietnam Veterans (who had been providing breakfast each day for the boaties during the weekend) had set up their food stall and were serving their delicious hamburgers and other food. Boatcraft Pacific from Loganholme had a stand there and was displaying their range of products for all to inspect. Boatcraft Director Ian Phillips explained that the company sells everything that is needed to build a wooden boat. ‘Most of the boats here have some or all of our products in them,’ said Ian.

‘We also sell some of our glues and paints to people who work with wood such as the Woodcrafters here on Bribie,’ he told me. Also above the beach, the Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Canoe Club had their bright yellow tent and some of the members were kept busy telling people about the activities of their club. A welcome addition this year was an ice cream vendor and I have to say, there is nothing quite as good as a nice big soft serve ice cream. Wherever there is a gathering of people who are there to enjoy themselves, some type of entertainment is always welcome and, for the third year in a row, the four members of The Mullet Gut String Band kept everyone happy with their sea shanties, Irish folk and country music.

Band member Greg O’Grady told me that they are from the Redcliffe Peninsula and the name of the band is a tribute to the hard-working mullet fishermen who can be seen on the beaches of the area. He said that if anyone would like to inquire about having them entertain, he can be contacted on 0467 597867.

Other features of the Sunday at Sylvan Beach were a number of races and demonstrations and Bribie Island Boating Club CEO Doug Wilson said that the highlight of the day was the demonstrations by the Dragons Abreast, Mahalo Outrigger Club and the Surf Club. ‘To see the canoes of those clubs parading past was really something special.

Everything about the weekend was good and this was due to the wonderful participation of both the Bribie Island Sailing Club and the Bribie Island Mahalo Outrigger Club as well as all the boat owners who attended,’ said Doug. ‘I would also like to say how much we appreciate the support of the sponsors including Nautilus Marine Insurance, MBRIT, Division One Councillor Brooke Savige and the Wooden Boat Association of Queensland,’ he added. Doug pointed out that the public attendance on Sunday was the best he had ever seen.

I have been told that there has already been much positive feedback about the regatta and so I am now looking forward to the 2019 Classic Boat Regatta which I reckon will be even better than ever. If anyone would like more information about the Sailing Club or the Mahalo Outrigger Club, the number to call is 0490 471 930.

Other Articles

https://thebribieislander.com.au/bribie-island-boating-clubs-classic-boat-regatta/

https://thebribieislander.com.au/bribie-island-boating-sailing-club/


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A highly successful sales and leadership career working in a number of different and very competitive industries. Engaging with decision makers at all levels in business and government. Three decades employed by corporations, SME businesses in senior roles and almost twelve years operating as a freelance contractor has equipped me well for all aspects of business. Whether leading and mentoring sales teams, or in a direct sales role I enjoy the challenge to meet and exceed expectations. Making a real and tangible difference in either a team environment or as an individual is an important personal goal I have consistently achieved throughout my career. In all of my business and personal dealings over the years there is one issue that stands out above all others - communication. Excellent communication skills creates trust, helps with mutually beneficial outcomes and above all cements long lasting positive relationships. I strive everyday to communicate effectively with the people I encounter.