SheSAILS Following on from our Australia Day Regatta, which was a big success, we hosted an equally successful SheSAILS race in quite windy conditions; the girls rose to the occasion. A big thanks to Lyn McAllister, Emily Fatches, and Cloe & Emma Wilson for all the behind-the-scenes work that made it so successful. The next round is on Sunday, 1 March, at RMYC, followed by 29 March at LMYC. Combined Twilight Races Our Friday Night Sailors recently joined in with LMYC sailors for a couple of Combined Twilight races, one finishing at Belmont and the other at Wangi. The races gave us the opportunity to race against a variety of boats in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Hobie Cat States Thanks to Steve Watt and his team of volunteers for successfully hosting the NSW State Hobie Cat Championships at our club earlier this month. I believe several Wangi Old Boys came out of retirement to try their hand at competing in the regatta. Not sure if it was such a good idea. Wangi Sailors Dominate Heaven Can Wait Wangi sailors delivered an exceptional performance at the recent Heaven Can Wait Charity Regatta, with 8 entrants securing five podium finishes. The club celebrated victories across all three major races, highlighting the skill and dedication of its members. Windwood claimed first place in the One-Lap Dash, Wright of Way took the 12-hour race, and Tim Binns of Titoki sailed just over 103 nautical miles in the 24-hour race, bringing home the champion trophy. Thanks to the remarkable achievements of all participants, Wangi once again brought home the Heaven Can Wait Club Trophy for the second consecutive year—a testament to the collective strength and spirit of the team. The contributions of Wangi sailors went beyond their performance on the water. Together, they raised $5,964 in support of the regatta’s beneficiaries: the Hunter Branch of the Cancer Council and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie. Their efforts were part of a broader success: the Heaven Can Wait Regatta raised just over $80,000 this year, bringing the 20-year fundraising total to an impressive $820,000! Upcoming Events Sunday 1 March, SheSAILS race at RMYC. Thursday 12 March, Wangi Sailing Club Meeting. 7 pm at the Sailing Club Guest Speakers will be Tim Bins and Francess Beaumont, who will talk about their recent Sydney Hobart Race. Drinks and Nibbles provided. Saturday 14 March, Fun Trivia Night. 7 pm upstairs at the sailing club. Come along, get some friends together, and have some fun. This year's theme is the “Best of British”. BYO Nibbles, Drinks and Wine Glass. Great Prizes: $10 a head payable on the night. Thursday 19 March, Sailor’s Meeting at 6 pm upstairs in the clubhouse. Please note this has been changed from what was originally in the calendar. Saturday/Sunday 21/22 March, NSW OK Dinghy State Championships. Contrary to rumours going around, this regatta is not cancelled as it is definitely still going ahead at Wangi. It will, however, be our last regatta for the season. Please let Helen Dounis know if you can help in the canteen, and let me know if you can assist on the water. Sunday 29 March, SheSAILS at LMYC (resail of previously abandoned race). The Sailing Club is also planning a free Thank You Barbeque for all the volunteers who helped on and off the water with the regattas over the summer. Further information will be provided once details have been finalised. Cheers, Tony Outteridge Commodore WASC