29/07/2025
Mick Hole Winter Regatta 2025 â Day 2: A Frosty Start, A Fiery Finish
One could be forgiven for thinking competitors had woken up on the ski slopes rather than the Northern Beaches, as Pittwater greeted sailors with a crisp 3-degree morning. But the chill didnât deter the 30-strong fleet from returning to the race course for Day 2 of the Mick Hole Winter Regatta, determined to complete the four remaining races needed to round out the series after Saturdayâs light and fickle conditions.
With another early dock-off and a 1000 start scheduled, a gentle westerly welcomed Race 3, gradually building to a steady 10â12 knots. Race 4 saw the breeze begin to shift southward, but it held firm long enough for the race to be completed.
The battle from the front runners in the Etchells Class saw Flirtation take the lead from 2107 Racing, closely followed by DOT. In the multihulls on Yardstick handicap, The Barbaloots took two clean wins from Superdeep, as two Easy Tiger Racing in the Sportsboat Fleet scored on Event Handicap.
With all races counting, and no discards in the regatta, you had to bring your A-Game.
By midday, however, the southerly influence had calmed the breeze once again, eerily echoing the slow-down experienced on Day 1. But this time, the Race Committee was one step ahead. Reading the forecast and relying on constant updates from the mark boats, they wasted no time in moving the course to suit the approaching southerly.
Southerlies on Pittwater always bring a new flavour to racing, and this one was no different. As the new course was set, the fleet chased the committee boat to the new starting area, eager to make the most of the freshening wind. After two postponements and growing anticipation, Race 5 got underway, although a few eager starters paid the price, forced to return (OCS) and restart as others capitalised on the fresh breeze. Great use of the Vakaros RaceSence System in alerting those over!
The sports boats and multihulls, in particular, came alive in the revitalised conditions, making the most of the breeze and enjoying the downwind thrills Pittwater is known for.
With the finish line in sight and just one race remaining, tensions ran high. The Race Committee resorted to the black flag for the final starts, a necessary move to maintain order among a highly competitive fleet. After five hours on the water, multiple mark changes (more than an echidna has spikes), and a full day of tactical, high-pressure racing, the 2025 Mick Hole Regatta came to a thrilling conclusion.
2025 Winner of the Mick Hole & Etchells Champion Perpetual Trophy was awarded to the Team of Flirtation, Jason Antill, Matt Crawford and Scotty OâConnor.
Etchells Overall: Scratch
Flirtation, Etchells Jason Antill 16pts
Sports Boats Overall: EHC
Easy Tiger Racing Team, Elliott 7m Chris Way 12.5pts
