The Australian University Regatta is almost here! (15th to 17th April)

6:19 AM Mon 30 Mar 2009 GMT

'Regatta Poster - 2009 Australian University Regatta' Tom Mallet

With only two weeks to go, the final preparations are being made to ensure that the first Australian University Regatta for almost ten years is a success. Commitments have been made by seven universities with an additional two finalising on their logistics.

The Regatta from the 15th to the 17th of April will bringing together university representative from around the country and signal the re-establishment of University Sailing in Australia. While the US and Europe have thriving university competition, Australians has dwindled to a small number of clubs with limited or no interaction but this is all about to change.

One of the main features of the regatta is that it will take place under a yard stick system that ensures that any boat or windsurfer can compete under varying divisions that take into account the size and type of boats or windsurfer. As a result the event has something for everyone and is the reason why the turn out to this inaugural event is expected to be so high. Queensland University of Technology are planning to bring both mono hulls and a multi hull while ANU and ADFA are planning to bring a fleet of Envys as well as some of the more traditional university classes such as Lasers, Tasars and Sharpie. From the universities that no longer have their own university clubs, the focus will be on performance in the form of; 470s, 49er's and the alike. While the main fleet may be based around sailing dinghies, windsurfers also have their place. The UNSW windsurfing club will bring a fleet of boards to ensure there is something for everyone. The Regatta will be like no other, the versatility of the yard stick system means that the event can be inclusive of everyone.

The other most significant aspect of the event is the 'social side' and it does not look like it's going to be a let down. For those coming from interstate and everyone else who just want to join in on the fun, the majority of the competitors will camp on Cockatoo Island, just west of the harbour bridge. Each day everyone will then make their way up the harbour to Woollahra Sailing Club where two races a day will take place on Rose Bay. The peak of the social aspect of the event will be on Thursday (16th) night, 'nautical themed' harbour cruise. The cruise will be open to both competitors and the general public with full ticket details to be released soon via the Sydney University Sailing Club website & facebook group.

As time marches on it is an important to add that a late fee applies after the 8th of April so get your entries in soon. An Australian University Regatta may have been a miss in recent years but will be no longer!

Go to www.usydsailing.comfor race and entry form + join the facebook event at www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70995300718#/event.php?eid=60791816033&;ref=mf