News

The Gladstone Radio Controlled Yacht Club hosted the 2023 QLD IOM Championships with 28 entrants representing all States.  16 races with 2 heats using the HMS were held over the two days. Thank you to all those who travelled to join us, and also to those who joined us for a casual meal and a few drinks at the Gladstone Yacht Club on Saturday night.

The Gladstone Marina venue again provided fair breezes from the E through NE during the day on Saturday with it strengthening in the afternoon, but still comfortably A Rig.

On Sunday the breeze started lightly from the SE but filled in steadily, moving through E to NE, with some skippers contemplating B rig as the breeze lifted in the afternoon.

Unfortunately a broken down trawler berthed at the end of the wharf created some problems with setting courses for the weekend.

The fleet was competitive over both days, with 7 skippers finishing first at least once and 9 skippers having a top three finish.

At the end of racing, it was Sean Wallis who prevailed followed by Greg Torpy with Paul Jones a very close third. After 16 races there was only 5.6 points between the three of them. Glen Fitzgerald took out the Masters Division.

Thank you to the volunteers who assisted in making the event run so smoothly. Trevor Fisher for being the RO, Gwen Warne for doing an excellent job of scoring for us with Laraine assisting, Phil for observing finishes, Greg for operating the course/rescue boat and Aaron as Commodore for keeping a weather eye on proceedings and adjusting courses to get the best out of the conditions.

We look forward to seeing you all and more in October next year at the World Championship.

Ian McKay

Secretary GRCYC