The Pittwater Regatta, incorporating the ORC NSW State Championship, is fast approaching, so crews can still make their entry for this flagship event in early 2023. Running over three days from 10th to 12th February, the ORC State Championship returns alongside the Pittwater Regatta, in its two-day format, on 11th and 12th February.
ORC Championship 10-12 February
Looking back to 2022, when the inaugural ORC NSW State Championship was held, the host Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club brought together some of the best mid-sized racing and cruiser/racer boats from around the State.
It staged three days of championship-level racing. The multi-format regatta saw incredibly close competition, utilising the flexibility of ORC scoring.
The 2023 edition is shaping up to be bigger and better. Already locked in for a battle in February are the returning 2022 State Champions, Division 1 BUSHRANGER and Division 2 YOUNG AT HEART, who are both eager to defend their titles.
Both boats will have to be at their best if they wish to lift the trophy again, as early entries for 2023 indicate very competitive fleets, across both Divisions, with many other returning and new boats, all keen to knock off the defending champions.
Under the ORC Rule, ‘The Alfreds’ will again run courses and race formats, utilising both inshore and offshore waters, ensuring that the best prepped and best-sailed boats stand proudly on the podium come Sunday afternoon.
The number of boats rated under ORC continues to grow in Australia, particularly New South Wales. Many other significant regattas across the country are also embracing the ORC Rule. So the NSW Championship is an excellent opportunity to grab bragging rights across the State.
PITTWATER REGATTA 11-12 February
Not to be understated, the competitive racing at the annual Pittwater Regatta returns in 2023 also, with inshore racing yachts from club fleets near and far filling the famous waterway on Saturday and Sunday. Two races are scheduled each day for the Pittwater Regatta, providing a variety of courses, taking in the stunning waters of Pittwater and Broken Bay.
The annual regatta features divisions for keelboats, cruiser/racers, plus out-and-out cruising yachts (no spinnakers div available to keep things cruisy), where the ethos is great racing for everyone and an enjoyable regatta atmosphere back at the Club each afternoon.
ASHORE
The weekend is not all about the racing; Saturday night will provide a tasty $25 BBQ-style catering for the crew and family. In addition, the talented sounds of Sax Beatz will get partygoers in the mood to boogie the night away.
A daily coffee barrel draw of $75 will be awarded to some lucky person to spend at the Club.
The now famous RPA Spinnaker hoist off the club mast was extremely popular last year and is making a comeback, so get your crew for this organised as well.
Don’t own a boat? There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved with crewing across the fleets, or if you have the required experience, why not charter an Elliott 7 for the regatta?
The Elliott 7 is an exciting sports boat that is well laid out and great to sail with 4 or 5 crew (350kg is the designated crew weight). The boats are race prepped and run asymmetric spinnakers for the regatta. Highly competitive under ORC, they give you a real chance to be at the front of the fleet while being great value for money – boat and entry are just $550 for the weekend.
Join us on perfect Pittwater for a fantastic social regatta in the heart of the glorious summer sailing conditions.
If you are new to regatta-style racing, this is your chance for local and visiting boats to enjoy RPAYC’s warm welcome and get involved.
For more information and NoR, head to https://rpayc.com.au/pittwater-regatta-inc-nsw-orc-championship/
Enter here https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/13/entry/series/1868/pricing