Numbers and top-shelf conditions make for successful Hillarys Easter Coaching Regatta

The Laser fleet about to hit the line at Hillarys first Easter Dinghy Coaching Regatta © Verma Vitales

Hillarys Yacht Club has declared its inaugural Sail Easter coaching regatta a resounding success with 64 registered entries and eight classes hitting the water over the three day event.

Held in one to one and a half metre seas and winds ranging from 5kt to 25 knots, the three day event commencing on Good Friday has been described by the club as the largest and most successful regatta to date.

"It was fantastic to see so many boats and sailors of all ages competing in the top-shelf conditions between the marina and Little Island," said Hillarys commodore Neil Harrison.

"Although Saturday afternoon became a little too boisterous for safe sailing with gusts in the 25kt to 30kt range, the remainder of the weekend gave every class an opportunity to practice and perform to their best in a variety of conditions," he said.

420 Olympic gold medalist and WA Institute of Sport head sailing coach Belinda Stowell was one of five coaches at Hillarys first Easter Dinghy Coaching Regatta - photo © Verma Vitales

Classes and divisions involved in the regatta included Optimist bronze, silver and gold, Laser 4.7, radial and standard, Mirror, 125, Tasar, 29ers, 420 and BIC.

Mr Harrison said the coaching element of the regatta proved to be a major drawcard with 420 Olympic gold medallist and WA Institute of Sport head sailing coach Belinda Stowell and fellow coach Ryan Palk helping sailors on all three days as well as Dennis Jones, Chris Kelly and Chelsea Bradford.

A further drawcard was the attendance of the Open Bic Worlds team and the earlier decision by the Optimist Association to make the event a ranking regatta.

Mr Harrison said the club was looking forward to mounting a bigger and better regatta in 2019.

www.hillarysyachtclub.com.au