Boxing Day Race Report
Published 11:31 on 27 Dec 2025
Boxing Day Pursuit Race 2025
12 boats took to the water on a sunny Boxing Day morning in a fine North Easterly breeze in pursuit of the annual Boxing Day trophy. A big course consisting of most of the buoys on the lake, taking advantage of the fact that we were the only group using the water. Helms were busy writing on hands, pieces of tape and tying to commit it to memory before the start.
First to set off was Arlo Braun in a Fusion with 3 sails rigged. Arlo did a fabulous job in reading the conditions and building up an almost unassailable lead. Next to depart was the Vision of Michael Haynes and Glen Pratley with the pair debating whether to deploy their gennaker when able. Setting off in hot pursuit was the Solo sailed by Chris Abela followed, a minute later, by the two Streakers of Max Reid and Mike Truman who battled their way around the whole course, swapping places and using all known tactics to get ahead of each other. The two Vareos of Michelle and Terry Brooks and Steve Woods in his ILCA 7 were a minute after that. Michelle made her bid for the best dressed Christmas competitor, dressed in a Christmas jumper and Christmas tree earrings sparkling in the sunshine. Terry was doing his best to get ahead but sadly suffered a wine glass gennaker plus a swim at some point. The ILCA 7 battled bravely through but the gap to the Streakers and Solos plus the disadvantage of not having clean air proved a step too far.
Only two minutes after these boats, an Argo crossed the line helmed by Monty Cooper with his Dad, Mike crewing. Monty did a fabulous job keeping his craft on course and had a wonderful sail, picking up valuable racing experience before his campaign towards the Feva nationals next summer.
We then had a long wait before the experienced hands of Chris Howe piloted his Contender across the line, followed in the next few minutes by the dream team of Grant Blake and Andy Jarvis in their Alto and finally Charlie Smail, bravely sailing his RS 700, setting off a full 27 minutes after the Fusion. Charlie battled the conditions of a round the cans course in a boat that is much better suited to a windward leeward course. Despite a few swims, he was still smiling at the end, a true ambassador of the sport.
From the committee boat we watched as some boats were chased down by others and noted the changes in places as the 80 minutes ticked by. It was nearly 70 minutes before the Fusion and Vareo were approaching No 3 on opposite gybes but Michelle was flying in a huge gust of wind whereas Arlo was bobbing along in a more gentle breeze. Arlo squeezed through around the buoy but couldnt hold onto the lead any further and Michelle steered ahead, taking a well-earned first place once the 80 minutes had passed.
Meanwhile, the Alto and Contender had worked their way through the fleet and in the final minutes were closing in on the Fusion but he held onto 2nd with the Alto just in 3rd and the Contender in 4th. It was all very exciting to watch from the patrol boat where we were waiting to signal the end of the race. Other battles throughout the fleet told stories of close racing and everyone came off the water with a smile on their faces and a real sense of achievement.
We held a small celebration after racing, with prizes, mulled wine and mince pies and it was lovely to chat to everyone, hearing stories of the day.
Huge thanks must go to George Barker and Guy Williams for their sterling work in the safety boat where it was quite cold! Also, to George for opening and closing the site for us, without him, this event would not have happened.
Many thanks to all those who came sailing and created such a wonderful event. It would be lovely to see more boats on the water for future one off events in 2026.
Last updated 11:37 on 27 December 2025