Geraldton Yacht Club praises world-class local conditions as Hobie 16 State titles run

The Geraldton Yacht Club is becoming recognised as a top sailing destination, with a world champion taking out last weekend’s Hobie 16 State titles. Local racers were high up in the results, with Tony Marsh and Jess Felix winning the grand masters division of the competition on Su-Ton over the long weekend, while Phil and Caitlyn Epps came fourth overall on No Excuse. Perth-based Gavin Colby, a two-time world champion, won the open class. Commodore John Gummery said Geraldton was becoming a destination for big regattas and gaining recognition as one of the best spots in the world for sailing with some of the best racers. “These (the competitors) are world-class sailors,” he said. “The Geraldton guys are seen as some of the best in the world.” He said Epps was one of the best in the world and had competed at two world titles, while Colby had placed Geraldton in his top four spots to sail Hobie Cats. “We are a venue of choice to hold major regattas,” he said. He said the club would be focusing on the Geraldton to Fremantle yacht race later this year, as well as the Lobster Pot Series of local racing. The club will open its new storage area on Sunday from 9am with Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton and Durack MHR Melissa Price. The new storage area was made possible through a grant from the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund. The State Government, the City of Greater Geraldton and Geraldton Yacht Club all contributed a third of the funding. The public are welcome at the event. More information is available on the yacht club’s social media or by calling 9964 1664.