The Twofold Bay Yacht Club is gearing up for its biggest annual meet next weekend.
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The Twofold Bay Regatta is an open invitation sailing event on what organisers said is one of the “best deep water harbours of the world” in Eden’s Twofold Bay.
A wide array of boats will head out for two days of sailing fun with specialised courses for the varying classes.
Officials said the club’s regular fleet was ready to unfurl its sails and hit the water, but visitors and newcomers are also welcome to take part.
“The club will have three or four Bic class boats available for us and all racing is based on handicaps,” a spokeswoman said.
Organiser Ted Dexter said the club welcomes a number of visiting sailors to compete and last year even hosted a junior division.
“The two-day regatta attracts keen sailors for racing on Eden’s brilliant bay where boats include skiffs, catamarans, trailer sailors and keel boats,” Mr Dexter said.
“We’ll see boats from the local area and widely as Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.”
Lunches are also available through the club and members will host a get-together barbecue on Saturday night.
Officials said conditions last year were idyllic, some clouds dwelled over proceedings, but the boats set sail in steady winds with gentle undulating swells.
Conditions are expected to be good again for the regatta with anyone interested in trying the sport encouraged to take part.
Mr Dexter said sailing was a great hobby as well as a life skill and was open to people of any age.
“We’ve had kids as young as four involved and you can sail until the day you drop,” he said.
Mr Dexter said Gemma and Reif Oliver were two of the club’s youngest proponents, but the duo had already achieved excellent things.
The pair competed in the Bic Open nationals and are continuing to sail the class regularly both in Eden, and on Wallagoot Lake.
“Sailing is just a talent that kids can pick up with amazing ease,” Mr Dexter said.
“The club has seen younger sailors quickly moving up from learning the skills to competing at high levels.”
Anyone with a boat who wants to compete, or anyone looking to take up the sport are encouraged to contact the club to register.
The Yacht Club also hosts regular tuition sessions on Tuesday afternoons.
It is a friendly learning to sail program open to everyone young and old aimed at sharing skills and enjoying the wonderful sport.
Entries are open, contact Ted Dexter on 0414 550 915 to register.