(Sydney, Australia)- Over 80 boats took part in one of Sydney’s oldest
sporting events on Sunday, the Balmain Regatta. Hosted by the Balmain
Sailing Club ,the regatta was first held in 1849 and continued until
1934 when it was discontinued. It was revived in 1994 by the Wooden Boat
Association and today the regatta is run by the Balmain Sailing Club,
in association with other sailing clubs and community organizations.The event is a real celebration of Balmain, the harbour and Sydney’s maritime heritage and attracts vessels such as classic skiffs, wooden boats, dinghy’s, lasers, classic and modern yachts, making it one of the great annual spectacles around Balmain. This year’s regatta saw sailors and spectators somewhat frustrated with little wind making it a long day for all, including the local seagull who took time out to inspect the lingering fleet. In addition to the very, very cool looking vintage wooden "18 foot" skiffs, the J/24s had a go of it as well. Leading the charge hope having a grand time of it all was Chris O'Neill's team on his J/24 MADDER N BADDER. Coming in a few dozen yards astern was Tim Briggs' SAILPAC and third was Ralph Pickering's WATERHOUND. Sailing photo credits- Barbara Hamilton For more Balmain Regatta sailing information
