Clipper Fraser regatta

For the fifth-consecutive year, the Clipper Motor Yachts Fraser Island Regatta was run recently with 14 boats participating in the nine-day cruising experience along the Fraser Coast.

The impressive procession of boats including four Clipper Heritage 40s, three Corodova 48s, a Cordova 45 and two 52s, Hudson Bay 50, Princess 61 and Sunseeker 60, met out at Sovereign Island at 1100 hours and continued to cruise up the Canipa with the high tide.

Clipper’s managing director, Brett Thurley, caught up with the crew at Myora in true style, in the brokerage’s new 7.5m Avalon RIB with a 300hp Suzuki outboard – suitably dubbed the ‘super tender’.

With the super tender in full swing, everyone went ashore to kick off proceedings at the Little Ships Club with a meal and a few beverages before it was back to the boats for a good nights sleep.

Anchors were up by 0800 with the fleet heading across Moreton in magnificent weather, passing Redcliffe and along Bribie Island to arrive at Mooloolaba mid afternoon. Mooloolaba Surf Club was the popular spot for dinner and some relaxing drinks before another early night – a result of Master Class 5 skipper, Jeremy Cooper calling an early morning start due to the tide times at Wide Bay Bar.

The fleet filed out the Mooloolaba Marina at 0400 to begin cruising up to Fraser. True to its name, the ‘mad mile’ threw some washy water in the path of the vessels, but aside from that, bar conditions were ideal and all boats crossed the bar together. Sublime conditions saw them through the Straights and over Sheridan flats, into the anchorage at South White Cliffs/Yankee Jack Creek for sunset drinks at anchor.

The crews were pleased to enjoy a well earned sleep-in and awoke to a young humpback swimming around the boats inside the anchorage, and getting up close and personal with several of the boats.

They then headed off to North Fraser Island, epic conditions were again met and everyone enjoyed a leisurely cruise up the Straights and around Moon Point before heading out into Hervey Bay and enjoying more fantastic whale encounters.

The boats then made their way over to the anchorage at Arch Cliffs for a spit roast that the Clipper crew had been preparing during the afternoon. That night a bonfire and fantastic meal was enjoyed ashore where new friends were made and old friends caught up.

On day six strong northwest going southwest winds arrived so the decision was made to have a night at in the marina at Urangan. All enjoyed a meal at the Hervey Bay Boat Club then back to the boats for a good nights sleep.

The next day was also a lay day, which gave people a chance to refuel and prepare for the journey back south then a pontoon party and BBQ with a few beverages and laughs were had.

Day eight saw the winds drop out and although the trip was cut short due to unfavourable weather, several owners made their way further north to encounter a ‘glass off’ at Lady Musgrave Island and enjoy the warm winter conditions of the Whitsundays.

For the others it was a beautiful day breezing back through the Sandy Straights to Tin Can Bay Marina for the remainder of the regatta where dinner and entertainment was booked at the Black Cockatoo restaurant making for a great night of music and fabulous food.

The last leg of the journey begun with an early start to get out to the bar but more whales and great conditions were encountered for the cruise back down into Moreton Bay – topping off yet another fun-filled Fraser Regatta.

The crew is already looking forward to the next Clipper regatta. If you’d like to join them on the next cruise, please contact Mel on (07) 5519 4019 or mel@pacificmotoryachts.com.au