The Gladstone Radio Controlled Yacht Club hosted the 2022 CQ IOM Championships with 16 entrants in close to perfect conditions.
Skippers travelled from far and wide to contest the titles, from Eagleby, Wynnum Manly, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast and Gladstone clubs, which allowed for single fleet racing over the weekend and the club thanks all that travelled to join us for racing, and also to those that enjoyed our hospitality with a casual meal and a few drinks at the Gladstone Yacht Club on Saturday night.
The Gladstone Marina venue again provided the opportunity to sail in fair breezes with great vision over the entire course. By mid-morning Saturday, the breeze had settled in from the North East, providing close sailing and for those that picked the occasional shift, an opportunity to catch the front runners. The forecast showers on Sunday morning stayed out to sea so we were blessed again for a great days sailing. The wind had swung overnight and it built steadily from the South East during the day, to be pushing the top of A Rig for some.
The fleet was competitive over both days, with 11 out of the 16 entrants having at least one top three finish and the sailing was conducted in a friendly atmosphere with all racing incidents addressed on the water. However, it was consistency that shone through at the end of the 24 races over the 2 days, Greg Torpy continued his love affair with Gladstone, keeping local champion Aaron Farrar in second. Peter Sherwood and Doug Allen had their own private battle with Peter slipping into third by the narrowest of margins from Doug, only one point further back. Mark Beneke took out the Masters Division. We hope the winners get good use out of their trophies. Thank you to the volunteers who assisted in making the event run so smoothly. Gwen Warne for doing an excellent job of scoring for us, Steve for being first time RO, Greg for operating the course/rescue boat, Ivo and Peter for observing with starts and finishes, Cassie with the photos and Commodore Aaron for
keeping a weather eye on proceedings.
We hope you all can make the return trip some day and bring your fellow clubmates next time we host a Championship.
Ian McKay
Secretary GRCYC
