LIGHTWAVE YACHTS VOLVO PENTA ROAMING REGATTA08
This three day extravaganza, was the fifth Annual Regatta Lightwave Yachts has hosted since 2004. Extreme weather conditions didn’t dampen the high spirits of the Lightwave Owners and their Guests who braved blustery, wet weather over most of the Event time. The format for this year’s Regatta was for the fleet to “roam” from their birthplace on the Gold Coast throughout the wide expanse of the sheltered blue waters of Moreton Bay.
The program kicked off on the Gold Coast with the Lightwave fleet anchoring off the Sovereign Islands and going ashore to a warm, dry venue for the Lightwave Cruisers Presentation “Cruising the Kimberleys & Pacific Islands”, presented by LWY Operations Manager & World sailor, Mike Sabin, with contributions by fellow Lightwave cruisers and popular cruising author Alan Lucas. Principle sponsor Volvo Penta Representative Clive Anderson declared the Event open and assisted greatly with Event “wet- weather” contingency plans. Renowned Marine Photographer Julie Geldard, was present for the TAKE ME THERE photo competition judging, which proved to be a difficult task with the overwhelming excellent submissions by Lightwave Owners of their TAKE ME THERE moments.
Lightwave Yachts Regattas are run using a “hands on” approach by Lightwave Yachts own staff with the emphasis on fun and include parties and social functions every evening, not just for Owners but also for their crew and friends. ”Our aim is to deliver an exceptional, professional event that celebrates everything that is Lightwave”, comments Louise Overell, LWY Representative. “This event celebrates the unique Lightwave family spirit that exists between our Owners, pride in their Lightwave product and the camaraderie that has always existed between our Owners and the Company. The Event encourages the many friendships that have been founded at our Regattas, as well as the sharing of cruising experiences and places visited”.
The opening night Event, “The Black Party” scheduled for “Under the Stars” was hosted “Under the Tarps” where Regatta participants and special guests were treated to a delicious Spit Roast dinner and Live entertainment. The following morning, competitive crews rose early to prepare for the judging of the SEABREEZE Best Dressed Crew and Boat and enjoy a Gourmet Deli Breakfast ashore. Colin Albrighton, from SEABREEZE attended the breakfast and judging. Finally, a winner was announced, with the SEABREEZE Portable Air Conditioning Unit being awarded to Lightwave 45 “Tribal”.
Day two of the Event saw the Lightwave fleet battling the rain and wind, to the Canaipa Passage where boats were tucked into a safe anchorage and crews ferried (extreme weather contingency plan!) to an evening of entertainment and dinner at Coochiemudlo Island. The weather pattern made for great sailing conditions, as Lightwave crews experienced first hand the benefits of a protected steering station!
