Lagoon owners celebrated in style during the annual Escapade in the Whitsundays
by The Multihull Group 30 Sep 2020 21:38 BST
3-4 September 2020
2020 Lagoon Escapade Whitsundays © The Multihull Group
On the 3rd and 4th of September, The Multihull Group (TMG) were proud to host what has now become a must-do event on the annual calendar for lucky Lagoon owners. Despite the cloud of COVID causing cancellations here, there and everywhere, the team at TMG were determined not to disappoint all of the owners who had managed to venture north.
Stepping up to the plate was Rowan McMahon, the QLD manager for TMG, accompanied by his wife Kylie and young son Spencer who all flew up to host the Lagoon owners and ensure everyone had a fun-filled time.
Here, Rowan recalls how the even ran.
"As tough as 2020 has been for all of us, we felt we owed it to all our boat owners and that the show must continue... and continue it did! I originally thought The Lagoon Escapade was going to comprise of myself and maybe a handful of boat owners sitting on the beach drowning our sorrows but as time neared we started to see a trend that many people were out enjoying their boats, the Escapade became bigger than any of us expected which was incredible to see. With 17 Lagoons attending and 5 groups by car the 2020 Lagoon Escapade went off without a hitch. Obviously abiding by the latest rules we managed to have just under 60 people enjoying the beautiful setting of the Whitsundays and to make this year even more special I recruited the help of my wife Kylie and 5 year old Son Spencer.
This year we decided to base the event at Cape Gloucester and begin the festivities on the Thursday evening with a meet and greet for Sundowners on the western shore for what was a stunning sunset. As the tiki torches started to fizzle out, the group of Goonies made their way up to Cape Gloucester Resort for a fine meal.
The following morning the French delivery man came out again to drop off an assortment of muffins for the upcoming Lagoon parade and sail around Middle Island.
At 0930 sharp, anchors were lifted and mooring lines dropped to congregate into (almost) perfect formation for some great footage from above. Once the cameraman was happy the vessels broke away to hoist the sails and be prepared for the 10 o'clock start line. This was supposed to be a casual 14 nautical mile casual cruise but of course, the competitive spirit does get the better of us and prior planned tactics became obvious.
The conditions could not be better with 15-18 knot SE winds giving a nice broad reach north to Middle Island. Many people say cruising cats don't point very well but as the return leg required everyone to be close hauled the boats all steamed home with ease.
Once back at the anchorage the group of turquoise dressed Goonies made their way ashore for an afternoon of cold refreshments, tasty food, fabulous prizes topped off by the famous paddleboard race and berret throwing contest.
From the whole team at TMG and my family we thank ever boat owner for attending this annual event. Please put early September 2021 in the cruising calendar for next year's Escapade and don't forget to invite your friends!"
Commenting on the event, owner Greg Harding said "Even with COVID the Lagoon family still managed to come up and celebrate in style. It never ceases to amaze us how many people come and from all over Australia and beyond. The families really made it an inclusive event with the children running around and having so much fun, we truly feel a part of the Lagoon family at these events"
A big thank you goes to Julie and the team at Gloucester Eco Resort for their fabulous welcome!
For any enquires, and to find out more about Lagoon Catamarans please contact www.themultihullgroup.com