Australian Sailing has been hosting meetings of the Owners’ Working Group periodically to discuss issues which are of interest and link to keelboat owners in Australia.

Recent meetings have looked at double handed yacht racing. Once the specialty discipline mainly seen in the Melbourne Osaka Yacht Race, this area of the sport is experiencing exponential growth with many owners taking up the challenge and preparing boats to deal with the specific needs the format presents. Most major offshore events are now offering double handed divisions as a matter of course. The Owners’ Working Group are looking at ways to promote this discipline, and better recognise the success of competing yachts.

From a more technical aspect of big boat racing, readers may remember a successful submission made by Australia to the IRC Congress proposing that boats can have multiple TCCs or certificates so that they are not forced to amend their certificate when switching between inshore and offshore configurations. This is still being worked on by the IRC Technical Committee and whilst it is not available yet, it is still a priority.

The Australian Yachting Championship is on the Owners Working Group’s agenda. Discussion is focused on the format and policies surrounding the event, and where it will be held over the next three years. Clubs have been invited to express interest in hosting the event. This invitation was included in the March edition of the Club News email newsletter, and the form to express interest can be found here.

Finally, and on the same topic of yachting championships, the 2022 Australian Yachting Championship at Hamilton Island Race Week is an exciting fixture on the sailing calendar. Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban has won the past three IRC Division 1 Australian Yachting Championships and is expected to be a strong contender this year. Please note that entry to this event has closed. Later in the year however, there is still a great opportunity. On the way home from Hamilton Island for yachts travelling south, the 2022 Queensland Yachting Championships have been confirmed for 19th and 20th November at the Southport Yacht Club.

For information about IRC click here.
To read about the 2022 Australian Yachting Championships click here.
To enter the 2022 QLD Yachting Championships click here.

By Glen Stanaway https://www.sailing.org.au/about/ourstaff/

Photo Steb Fisher