The 2025 Worlds in Qingdao China have run their course. I’ll let the great British ILCA sailor Mickey Beckett sum up the regatta -

“Underperforming and subsequently blaming the event is a well trodden path and often not a dignified one. However (hold my beer) we spent the first 4 days event of this event not racing due to no wind, followed by not racing due to current and finally not racing whilst getting lost in fog. most of which wasn’t fun  Ironically this event came down to one nuking offshore day without a final series, which is the last thing you’d expect. It’s hard to feel like the massive effort that goes into preparation is in any way vindicated by an event like this, however so it goes.

The above complaint aside, the Chinese hospitality and organisation was wicked, so thanks  congratulations to the medallists too”

Mara Stransky, who had hoped for the steady onshore winds to prevail, and they certainly threatened to, showed what she was capable of winning the opening race. Yet she too fell on the sword of the “nuking” final day, very disappointment to finish 21^st. Frances Beebe enjoyed a Stellar final day, leading the final race at times to post her best race finish of 4^th and end up a very creditable 28^th overall in the 99 boats women’s fleet. Issac Schotte sailed very strongly to post a super consistent scorecard in the wild conditions. He finished an extremely creditable 23rd in the 128 strong men’s fleet.

    Other than organising good winds for the regatta, the Chinese did an amazing job organising this event. They had trackers for every boat in every race and provided live streaming with professional commentary. The food was wonderful the people super friendly and the Chinese super efficient in everything.

            Back at home there is a lot happening! This weekend of the 24th/25th there is the Women’s and Girls Regatta at the Humpybong Yacht club. Check out the Humpybong Yacht Club website for the details- https://www.hyc.net.au/events/279787   . Mara Stransky will be one of the special guest coaches present.

            Exciting things are happening on the Sunny coast starting with the Mooloolaba Winter Series, which has scheduled the following dates-

1.   June 8th

2.   June 29th

3.   July 27th

4.   August 10th

5.   August 24th

Details can be found here -https://sailsunshinecoast.com.au/

Registration here - https://www.revolutionise.com.au/mooloolabayc/events/296634

            At the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron the Frostbite series is also underway, with racing on May 31^st, June 14^th and June 28^th. Also coming up is Queensland Youthweek starting 10^th July. For details check the RQYS website here- https://www.rqys.com.au/

            The next big, important regatta coming up for Master’s sailors is the South Pacific Laser Masters or SPLM. Held from the 25^th - 28^th of July.  This is a great regatta to keep one inspired over the mild winter months. For all the details and entry portal check here- https://www.rqys.com.au/event/south-pacific-laser-master-2025/