Big fleet expected for Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta

7:02 PM Sun 28 Mar 2010 GMT

'Dinghy start - Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta' Steve Harrison Click Here to view large photo

The Port Esperance Sailing Club is expecting a big fleet of yachts and dinghies to hit the water for next weekend's Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta. It is the 149th anniversary of the regatta which was first sailed in 1862.

The regatta has separate series for racing yachts, cruisers, and dinghies. This year Port Esperance is hosting the Tasmanian Championships for Sabre class dinghies.

'The Sabre sailors had such a great time at the regatta last year that they decided to hold their States here,' said Event Manager Steve Harrison, 'It's a real coup for our small club and for sailing south of Hobart.'

The Eighty Options Sabre State Titles begin on Friday 2 April and wrap up on Sunday 4 April after six races.

Racing keelboats compete for the Huon Tasmanian Salmon Trophy while off-the-beach dinghies compete in the five race Boat Sales Tasmania Series. Cruisers race the more leisurely three race Woodbridge Hill Hideaway series. Both keel boat series comprise a mix of distance and round the buoys racing on the magnificent waters of the d'Entrecasteaux Channel and Port Esperance.

'The scenery is so beautiful down here that one interstate competitor once referred to the event as Hammo without the heat,' said Steve Harrison.

Those remaining on land have not been forgotten either. Meals are available on all nights and live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday nights. Locals mix with yachties for a party atmosphere unique to the Port Esperance event.

Full details of the event can be obtained by visting www.eightyoptions.com.au/regatta_entry

Classic start - Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta - Steve Harrison

Adamsons Oedipus - Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta - - Steve Harrison Click Here to view large photo

The Port Esperance Sailing Club would like to acknowledge our silver sponsors, Tasmanian Private Realty, Dover Pharmacy, the Little Watch Shop, Driftwood Cottages and the Huon Valley News.

by Steve Harrison