05 The Great Eastern Mail MARCH 2018 THE 50TH anniversary of the Marlay Point Overnight Race last weekend had over 220 boats participate in the event. Entry numbers reached over 220, making it the strongest fleet for over 20 years and one of Australia’s largest yachting events this year. Boats and crews came from Queensland, NSW, ACT, Tasmania, WA and all over Victoria to compete, with 90 different kinds of boats were represented in what is considered the Sydney-Hobart of trailer sailer racing. The competition was fierce among some classes as the competition heated up. Over 75 of the entries were doing the iconic overnight race for the first time, proving that the Marlay Point is still on every trailer sailer’s bucket list. Some unique groups came together to contest the race, including a sea scout group, a school group, and several families raced together, including the Dyer family, who have been a part of the event for the past 50 years. BillShandandAlanHillboth competed, commemorating their ongoing participation in this historic race. Shand took out line honours in the very first race on his Flying Fifteen while Alan Hill raced in honour of his late father Reg, who took the overall win in the first race in his Hartley TS16. The race originally started at Marlay Point and sailed through to Metung. These days, it starts at Marlay Point and finishes at Paynesville. It was a weekend of nostalgia for many who returned to race, and a weekend of adventure for those who competed for the first time. No matter the conditions, everyone who does the Marlay Point agrees that it is a huge challenge involving great concentration and excellent navigational skills. Division A saw yacht, Infusion, take line honours whilst Derelict finished top handicap. Line honours in Division C was taken out by yacht, The Other Woman, and handicap winner was Pipalini. Retuned was the Division D line winner with Scratch taking top handicap placing. Division M saw Sknot take line honours and Shockwave the handicap winner. Locals and many people from far and wide turned out in support of the event and helped celebrate the milestone race with crews, family and friends. Running with the wind HUGE SAVINGS ON BRAND NAMES Including... Plus many more! KITCHEN-DINING-PLUS 30-70% OFF ALL FLOORSTOCK CLOSING DOWN SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO!! 46 Bailey St. BAIRNSDALE 3875 Just past King & Heath PH: 5153 2033 Now specialising in all your Kitchen and Dining needs... come in and see what is new! 46 B il S BAIRNSDALE 3875 Just past MAREE HAS DECIDED TO RETIRE AND IS OFFERING YOU THE CHANCE TO GRAB A GREAT BARGAIN! CLOSING END OF APRIL