Historic regatta hits the water

IN the early colonial days the only means of transport between Hobart and townships down the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and on the Huon River was by sailing boat.

Keen rivalry existed as to who owned the fastest boat under sail, both private and commercial. So evolved the Port Cygnet Regatta, first held on Kangaroo Bay, off the Huon River, in 1853.

The regatta continued spasmodically for century and more until revived as an annual event by the very proactive Port Cygnet Sailing Club some years back.

This weekend nearly 50 racing yachts from Hobart and clubs down the Channel will compete in the 2020 Port Cygnet Regatta, now expanded to three days of competition, starting today.

Tomorrow, these fleets will be joined by boats from Kettering Yacht Club in a 22-nautical mile race down the Channel to Cygnet and on Sunday will compete in the traditional Port Cygnet Regatta Race, sailing somewhat near the same course as the colonial sailing boats raced 157 years ago.

Heading the fleet starting off Hobart’s Castray Esplanade at 11am is the former America’s Cup challenger

Gretel II, with owner Mike Maxwell flying in from his home on Lord Howe Island yesterday.

Former champion Dragon sailor Stephen Shield, as sailing master, has put together a crew for the 12metre class yacht that includes some prominent young sailors, including Dan Townsend, Tim Vincent, Nick Smart, Max Gluskie and Finlay Crisp.

Another classic yacht, the eight-metre Varg, skippered by Kraig Carlstrom, heads the fleet racing from Cygnet to Kettering, also starting at 11am today.

Fresh south-westerly winds are forecast for today.