NSW Hobie 14, Women & Youth State Championships | ENTRIES OPEN

The NSW Hobie Cat Association, in conjunction with Great Lakes Sailing Club, are proud to release the Notice of Race and offical open entries for the 24-25 NSW Hobie 14, Women & Youth State Championships, to be held from the 21st-23rd of February 2025.

Racing will be held on Friday afternoon, no start before 1700hrs, Saturday and Sunday.

Additionally, the NSW States will be the concluding event for Great Lakes ‘Midcoast Festival of Sail’, three consecutive weekends of championship and fun sailing during the month of February 2025. This exciting festival promises something for everyone, from thrilling races to family-friendly activities, and is proudly supported by Midcoast Council. Enjoy the action at Wallis Lake, where spectators can watch top tier sailing competitions or simply soak in the stunning lakeside scenery. Public viewing areas will be available at the southern end of the grounds, while the main grassed area will be reserved for competitors.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Camping & Saturday evening meal will be included in the entry fee.
• Hobie 16 & Hobie 18s will racing on yardstick for the Youth/Women’s State Championship.
• Entries are OPEN to non-Youth/Women’s teams in the Hobie 16/18s.

MINIMUM CREW WEIGHT:

• For Hobie 16/18 Women & Youth Divisions, the minimum crew weight is: 118.2 kg
• Dragoons: 80 kg
• Waves: 54.43 kg

For any questions, queries or concerns, get in contact with the NSWHCA via info@nsw.hobiecat.asn.au and we hope to seeing a bunch of you in Booti Booti National Park this coming February!

NOTE: All skippers must be financial members of the State Association. The NSW membership form can be found HERE. For interstate travellers, please head to your State Association Website.

MULTI SERIES FORMAT

The NSW Hobie Cat Association will again run two State Championships throughout the 2025 Championship Tour. In running a split series, the NSWHCA wishes to encourage our Women & Youth members to develop their skills and sail in a competitive environment. Additionally, we also recognise that many of our members own and race a number of different classes of Hobie Cat.

At the suggestion of members a number of years ago, the NSWHCA decided to expand the the State Championships to allow Youth, Women and sailors of multiple classes to compete on any Class of Hobie Cat. The NSWHCA hope to both encourage Youth & Women to race on different Hobie classes, and to provide members with multiple classes the opportunity to compete in State Championships for all classes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS THIS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ALL HOBIE CLASSES?

These States are for the H14, along with the Women & Youth Divisions for the H16 & H18. The H16/18 will be raced in a single division and will be scored on Yardstick as per Australian Sailing’s OTB Catamaran Yardstick. The H14 Women & Youth Title will be awarded separately to the 16/18 Title. Additionally, the Wave and Dragoon’s State Championships will also be run at this event.

All other Hobie Class boats are encouraged to attend, however, they will compete in the miscellaneous fleet and no State Titles will be awarded for these classes.

E.G. A father sailing with his child on a Hobie 16 will race against all other Hobie 16 & 18s in an open event, however will not be awarded a State Title if they win; however, are in the running for ‘Best Placed Family Team’ OR ‘Rookie Award’ if it’s their first event.

WHEN WILL OTHER HOBIE CLASSES HAVE THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS?

The State Championships for the H14-Turbo, H16 & H18 Open, Tiger & Wildcat are yet to be announced. However, a forum will take with members place at the upcoming State Championships to determine the best time and location for this event. The States for these classes will take in the second half of the 2025 calendar year.

WHY SPLIT THE FLEETS?

Many of the people that sail H14s also sail H16s and/or H18s. Additionally, a lot of Women & Youth are regularly crewing for others and don’t get the chance (or have a boat) to skipper themselves. By providing a separate event for these classes, it allows many of our members the chance to sail H14 & H16, and/or Women & Youth, with different skippers/crews or by themselves!

The NSWHCA wants to see ALL Hobie classes grow, and this is a great way to grow Women & Youth participation without affecting the participation in other fleets. It is also a perfect opportunity for all the Hobie Family to get together for another weekend of sailing, and socialising.

CAN I COME IF I’M NOT ON A H14 OR A WOMEN/YOUTH TEAM?

Yes, of course! This is a Hobie Regatta! We want as many Hobie Cats as possible to enjoy the time on and off the water with the Hobie Family!

Plus, it’s the Great Lakes Sailing Club. Do we need to provide you with any other excuse than that?!