2025 Victorian Contender Class Championship at McCrae Yacht Club - Day 1
by Shane Baker 22 Mar 14:24 GMT
22-23 March 2025
The picturesque waters and surroundings of McCrae, southeast of Melbourne, were the centerpiece for this year's Contender Class Victorian Championships, held on 22-23 March 2025.
With a record 45 entries, the competition was filled with exceptional talent. Notable names included multiple world champions Andrea Bonezzi, Mark Bulka, and Barry Watson, along with Simon Barwood and Lindsay Irwin, both having podium finishes at the last Australian Worlds.
Local McCrae Contender legends included:
- Scott Watson
- Joey Randell
- Michael Macdonald
- Michael Hughes
- Jeff Owen
Would the local sailors have the advantage on home waters, or would emerging talent rise to the challenge?
How it unfolded:
A sunny 5-10 knot west-south-westerly breeze characterized the conditions for the three races that were held on Day 1. The course featured a triangle followed by a windward return triangle finish, with a tight and highly competitive start line—a make-or-break moment for many. A significant wind shift rewarded the sailors who chose the left side of the course, with the tide having little effect on the racing.
But it was Randell and Bulka battling it out, with some discussion between them at various points on the racetrack.
Provisional Results after Day 1:
1. Mark Bulka
2. Joey Randall
3. Grant Robinson
4. Michael MacDonald
5. Andre Webster
6. Simon Barwood
7. Andrea Bonezzi
8. James Ellis
9. John Humphries
10. Lindsay Irwin
The sailors returned to shore for an awesome gourmet dinner, where they socialized and recapped the day's thrilling events.
During dinner, the audience was entertained by several guest speakers. Barry Watson, a guy called Crazy, John Lindholm, and Sam Reid with some past Contender adventures.
Racing will continue tomorrow.
For more information, check out the links below: