The club is gearing up to host a fleet of about 30 boats across the two-day race series that will feature five main races with sailing from 11am on both days. 

During Saturday’s warm up, in what officials said were ideal conditions, Tony Hastings and Luca Dorrough on NS14 “Superfly” won three of the races showing them in form that could see them defend their regatta title from last year. 

Tony said “we’re very grateful to Rob and Sian Morton, who today gave us a set of sails to use. This enables us to continue racing after our sails were damaged racing in strong winds. Since January we’ve had sticky tape from the Newsagency holding them taped together while baulking at the price of new replacements.”

Terry Kirby’s Sabre won two races and scored two second place finishes in the four races he started.

It’s a good omen for Kirby, who was instrumental in the Wallagoot club playing host for the Sabre State Titles this weekend. 

The club is excited about next week’s regatta, which promises fun racing for competitors and a spectacle for viewers.

Spokesman Tony Hastings said the fleet could head out in anything between five and 20 knots of wind, but said conditions for the weekend were looking idyllic. 

“The forecast is exceptional, Saturday should be about 26 degrees with a building sea breeze,” Hastings said. “Conditions will be light for the first race and then building across the afternoon for the two other races.”

He said the lighter conditions favoured new starters, juniors and lighter sailors, while heavier crews could build more power as winds pick up. 

There will be a mix of casual sailors right up to the very experienced and Hastings said the club was open to people of all abilities. He commended Ava Petersen, who has been sailing with the club for about two years and will have a crack in the Sabre titles on the weekend. 

With a fleet of about 30 boats expected, Mr Hastings said the club would welcome a good number of local sailors and plenty from around the state.  “Visiting boats are expected from all over - from Gippsland to Gosford and many clubs in between,” he said.  Anyone interested in racing is encouraged to check entry details on the club’s website, wlbc.org.au,

Spectators are absolutely welcome and the club’s balcony would provide a strong spectator point. 

Anyone interested in watching the racing is urged to bring some binoculars and enjoy the meet.  The Wallagoot Lake Boat Club is located on Wallagoot Lake Road via the turnoff at Sapphire Coast Drive.