Despite extreme weather conditions, the 2008 Crown Series Bellerive Regatta was a great success with 211 yachts competing over the weekend from Friday 22nd February to Sunday 24th February.

Since the first Regatta in 2005 the annual series has been established as Tasmania’s major yachting event, open to all comers from IRC rating boats to all dinghy classes and off the beach catamarans. The racing is accompanied by a great social program based around the Bellerive Yacht club including music, food and sponsors beverage products.

The Friday Twilight Race was sailed in a drifter with pouring rain however all but two divisions recorded a finish in the light conditions and the shelter of the Bellerive Yacht Club was eagerly sought together with the accompanying food, music and beverage.

As predicted by Regatta meteorologist, Roger Badham, both Saturday and Sunday brought consistent gale force westerly winds, however only one session of racing was cancelled and the testing conditions produced exciting racing and provided great examples of skill and seamanship.

The co-operative effort of sailing staff from Bellerive Yacht Club, Lindisfarne Sailing Club, Sandy Bay Sailing Club, Derwent Sailing Squadron and Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania under the leadership of experienced Principal Race Officers, Richard Gilbert, Graeme Foale, Roger Martin and Nick Hutton ensured the best possible racing under the conditions.

Despite the the challenges faced on the water in the rugged conditions a highlight of the weekend was again the Ronstan Sumo Wrestling Challenge on the clubhouse lawns which provoked some aggressive and extremely humorous competition for a big audience.

Planning for the 2009 Crown Series Bellerive Regatta is underway and if you have not competed before and wish to register an interest in competing or joining the team of support staff please contact the Event Manager at office@belleriveyachtclub.com.au