Perfect conditions for the great Whitsunday Fun Race

 Only in the Whitsundays would sailors race for an empty bottle of rum.

 The annual Great Whitsunday Fun Race is a tradition that started in 1976, as a private contest between sailing vessels ‘Dahlia’ and ‘Torres Herald II’. Owners Bob Porter and Allen Southwood originally competed for the grand prize of a bottle of Bundaberg Rum. After three decades of racing history the trophy has been downsized - to an empty bottle of Mount Gay Rum. No wonder the entry fee is only $10!

 With 10-15 knot SE winds and clear blue skies, the sailing conditions were perfect for the 57 yachts competing on Pioneer Bay. Five divisions with two classes in each saw popular local yacht “Merit” take line honours ahead of “Spirit of the Maid” and “Reignition”. 

 Other popular wins were Col Pruden’s “Sandpiper” in the 30-40ft Cruising Monohull division and Craig Piccinelli’s “Wobbly Boot” in the under 30ft Monohull Racing division. “Cynophobe” took out first place in the Multihull Racing division while Laurie Cox’s “Pronto” took first place in the Multihull Cruising division.

 Lugger’s, Gaffers and Square Riggers saw the beautiful “Pequot” win as the only boat in her division while the Traditional and Classic yacht division saw “Centurian” and “Alegria” add more colour and style to the fleet.

 As part of the fun, skippers are expected to dress their boats and theme their crews and outstanding efforts were made by “Whitsunday Getaway”, “Alegria”, “Thylacine” and “Tongarra”.  The overall winner of the best themed boat and crew was “Whitsunday Getaway” (with a Roman toga theme) and “Alegria” winning best dressed crew as traditional pirates. 

 Happily Fun Race isn’t just for sailors. Would-be models can also compete for the hotly contested ‘Mr Six-Pack’ and Miss Figurehead’ titles. This year’s prize for ‘Miss Figurehead’ was a generous $500 while ‘Mr Six-Pack’ commiserated with a (full) bottle of Mount Gay Rum. 

 The after party at the Whitsunday Sailing Club was well attended by participants and spectators alike.  Entertained by “Rock Stars on Vacation”, party goers were lit by clear skies and a full moon. 

 While no-one can reveal the names of Mr Six-Pack and Miss Figurehead, Sailing Secretary Tania Watson did say the contestants “put on a seriously good show!”