The 56th edition of the Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race has been run and won, with 119 boats taking to the water in mono-hull, multi-hull and sports trailable yachts.
Eager sailors travelled from all over Australia to be part of the race that is an institution for so many, where people continue to participate every year, with families having competed across multi-generations.
The Marlay Point Classic, hosted by the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club and Lake Wellington Yacht Club is the only overnight race for trailer sailors in Australia and is on the must do bucket list for many.
The race began at Marlay Point on Saturday night at dusk, and culminated on Sunday in Paynesville.
The course takes sailors across the broad lakes and through narrow straits, all under the cover of darkness, adding to its challenge, excitement and intrigue.
The finish time for each class of yacht is always weather and wind dependent, with many craft struggling in the light wind.
The first craft across the line this year, in darkness was Rush, who took line and handicap honours in division “D”, finishing eight hours and 25 minutes.
Pathfinder, with Peter Taylor skippering was the first yacht home in division “A”, with Slow and Low (Lachlan Gibson) taking handicap honours.
In “B” division, Wild Warrior (Matt Johnston) was the handicap winner, with Vincit Omnia (Sean Ryan) taking line honours.
Waratah (Glenn Ashby) was the first boat home in “C” division, with handicap honours going the way of Pipalini (Mitch Baylis)
Triple Expresso (Andrew McColl) dominated section “M” winning handicap and line honours.
