A severe storm cut short racing on Lake Macquarie at the weekend, leaving a trail of broken masts at the Australian Skiff Championships. The event, hosted by the Belmont 16s sailing club, features both 16ft and 13ft skiff categories.
Australian Skiff Sailing Association president Ben Bruniges said the championships have attracted more than 100 crews, with 72 16ft skiffs and 31 13ft skiffs registered. He highlighted the strong female participation, noting 18 entries in the 16s category with at least one female crew member, many of whom are skippers.
Racing began Sunday afternoon with an invitational race in breezy conditions, but was shortened due to incoming storm cells. Bruniges said the race committee set a shortened course, allowing most of the fleet to return to shore just before the storm hit. Volunteers worked with competitors to secure equipment, though some support vessels were caught out.
Damage included several broken masts. Sydney sailor Lindsay Stead described crews returning early “with their tails between their legs” but noted the fun conditions before the storm. The regatta officially started Monday, with nine races scheduled through Sunday.
Bruniges said the association stocks spare equipment, and crews are working to prepare boats for the first heat. Wind conditions are expected to moderate during the week before strengthening toward the weekend, promising fast racing for the finals.
Belmont 16s Sailing Club commodore James Griffith called the championship the pinnacle of Australian skiff sailing. Club CEO Scott Williams said recent facility upgrades aim to future-proof the sport and inspire the next generation of sailors.
