Emerald Lakes Provides Stage for SE QLD IOMs

Conditions were similar on both days, with an east-north-easterly breeze allowing Race Officer Rex Scott to set a good length course that tested both boat speed and tactical decision making. While the breeze generally provided excellent racing conditions, the occasional wind hole across the course saw places won and lost throughout the fleet, rewarding skippers who were able to identify and stay in the best pressure.

The strong interstate contingent ensured a highly competitive regatta, with skippers representing clubs from as far afield as Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT joining Queensland sailors for two days of close racing.

At the conclusion of the twelve-race series, Paul Jones from Lake Macquarie Radio Yacht Club secured the overall victory with a net score of 23 points. Jones recorded five race wins during the regatta and demonstrated impressive consistency across the weekend.

Greg Torpy from Gladstone Radio Control Yacht Club finished second overall on 34 points, while fellow Lake Macquarie skipper Gordon Maguire completed the podium in third place on 40 points. Paul Morrish from Newcastle Radio Yacht Squadron was only a point further back in fourth, with Grant Hudson rounding out the top five.

The fleet featured a broad range of modern IOM designs including V12, Rogue, Venti, Viss, Orca, K2 and Plan B yachts. Throughout the weekend the racing remained competitive across the fleet, with the challenging wind conditions ensuring that no position could be taken for granted.

Host club Paradise Radio Yacht Club was well represented, with Gary Metcalfe leading the local contingent and finishing 13th overall. The club once again demonstrated its ability to deliver a high-quality event at one of Australia's premier radio sailing venues.

The South East Queensland IOM Regatta continues to attract strong support from across the country and provided an excellent opportunity for competitors to test themselves against some of Australia's best IOM sailors.