45th Vintage Yacht Regatta – 14th,15th and 16th August 2020 tbc

The Regatta also fondly referred to as ‘The Gaffers’ will be held over the 14th,15th and 16th August, subject to governmental health advisories.  The forthcoming event will now commence with a welcome party on the Friday evening from 6.00pm.

The Motorboat Navigation Trial event will be continued on the list of activities planned for the 2020 Gaffers. Refer to the Invitation to Enter for more details.

The Regatta is open to sailing yachts and dinghies. Motor boats are encouraged to participate in the Concours d’Elégance competition. Berthing for all vessels is free from the Friday evening throughout the weekend.

On both days, two races are held with a short break in between. Three of the races are an ‘around the cans’ format. All boats use the same start/finish line but, the faster boats start 10 minutes earlier than the smaller and slower ones. They also sail a longer course than the smaller boats to keep the fleet together and add to the atmosphere.

The final race of the weekend will be a short passage race, once again with a shorter course for the smaller boats, with the finish line positioned to allow the boats to head straight into the Club for the grand finale of the weekend, the Presentations.

Whilst all the courses do have upwind legs, the focus is one of close reaching and downwind runs rather than long beats to windward. Each yachts handicap changes after each race based on their performance keeping results close and everyone in the hunt for good placing’s.

On shore the restaurant and bar are open throughout the weekend for Breakfast and Dinner. Packed lunches to take out on the boats are available.

The festivities continue into Saturday evening with live music from six o’clock and dinner by the roaring fire.

Concours d’Elégance judging takes place over the course of the weekend and awards are given out in a number of categories

The weekend concludes with the Presentations on Sunday evening followed by dinner.

This is a great weekend for all classic boats, big or small. If your boat dates from or pre 1980 or is a Spirit of Tradition vessel built in the ‘Classic’ style come along for some relaxed social racing and great festivities.

Organised and Hosted by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club