Please select your home edition
Edition
Ovington 2021 - ILCA 3 - LEADERBOARD

2025 Victorian Contender Class Championship at McCrae Yacht Club - Day 1

by Shane Baker 22 Mar 14:24 GMT 22-23 March 2025

The picturesque waters and surroundings of McCrae, southeast of Melbourne, were the centerpiece for this year's Contender Class Victorian Championships, held on 22-23 March 2025.

With a record 45 entries, the competition was filled with exceptional talent. Notable names included multiple world champions Andrea Bonezzi, Mark Bulka, and Barry Watson, along with Simon Barwood and Lindsay Irwin, both having podium finishes at the last Australian Worlds.

Local McCrae Contender legends included:

  • Scott Watson
  • Joey Randell
  • Michael Macdonald
  • Michael Hughes
  • Jeff Owen

Would the local sailors have the advantage on home waters, or would emerging talent rise to the challenge?

How it unfolded:

A sunny 5-10 knot west-south-westerly breeze characterized the conditions for the three races that were held on Day 1. The course featured a triangle followed by a windward return triangle finish, with a tight and highly competitive start line—a make-or-break moment for many. A significant wind shift rewarded the sailors who chose the left side of the course, with the tide having little effect on the racing.

But it was Randell and Bulka battling it out, with some discussion between them at various points on the racetrack.

Provisional Results after Day 1:

1. Mark Bulka
2. Joey Randall
3. Grant Robinson
4. Michael MacDonald
5. Andre Webster
6. Simon Barwood
7. Andrea Bonezzi
8. James Ellis
9. John Humphries
10. Lindsay Irwin

The sailors returned to shore for an awesome gourmet dinner, where they socialized and recapped the day's thrilling events.

During dinner, the audience was entertained by several guest speakers. Barry Watson, a guy called Crazy, John Lindholm, and Sam Reid with some past Contender adventures.

Racing will continue tomorrow.

For more information, check out the links below:

Related Articles

Kieler Woche Day 10
Seven nations celebrate victories at the finale On the final sailing day of Kieler Woche 2025, there were beaming faces all around the Olympic Centre in Schilksee. Eleven decisions were made on Sunday and alongside Germany, Denmark, France, GB, Malta, Sweden, & Hungary were able to celebrate victories. Posted on 29 Jun
SGS Gold at Kieler Woche goes to France and GB
The best German team, Theresa Löffler and Christopher Hoerr, finished fifth With a victory in the final medal race of the Kieler Woche, the British team of Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris secured gold in the 470 class on Sunday (June 29). Posted on 29 Jun
Kieler Woche Day 9
Hosts without Sailing Grand Slam medals, but leading in five classes The final six medals in the mixed classes of the Olympic Sailing Grand Slam (SGS) at Kieler Woche will be awarded on Sunday (June 29) without any German contenders. Posted on 29 Jun
Kieler Woche Day 8
Mourniac & Retornaz take the lead in the Nacra 17 class A dream day ahead of the second weekend at the Kieler Woche regatta off Schilksee: Moderate to fresh westerly winds with strong gusts, alternating sun and clouds, provided ideal sailing conditions for all participants on Friday. Posted on 27 Jun
Poole Contender Open
Fine conditions for Travellers Trophy Round 4 The weekend of the 31st of May to the 1st of June saw the fourth round of the Contender travellers' trophy at Poole Yacht Club. With competitors making the trip from as far as Scotland, the last morning in May greeted them with glorious sunshine. Posted on 11 Jun
Yorkshire Dales Contender Open
Superb weather greeted the 17 helms over the weekend Superb weather greeted the seventeen Contenders attending the Open Meeting at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club over the weekend of 10th & 11th May. The forecast for the two days was good with the promise of slightly more breeze on Sunday. Posted on 13 May
Contender Open at Mount's Bay
A 'take your pick' forecast for the sailors Despite a 'take your pick' forecast and a few unlucky regulars whose boats were still in delayed container from US Worlds, 12 Contender sailors were all smiles arriving at their 2026 Nationals venue - the stunning Mount's Bay SC, to join the Ospreys. Posted on 8 May
Oxford Contender Open
A weekend of thrills and challenges The Oxford Sailing Club played host to an exhilarating weekend of racing at the Oxford Contender Open, where sailors faced a mix of sunny skies and blustery winds ranging from 14 to 22 knots. Posted on 11 Apr
2025 Victorian Contender Championship overall
Bulka adds another regatta victory to his name Light weather continued to prevail, with glassy conditions greeting the sailors. Perhaps a few sore heads from the previous night's festivities—those who know, know. Posted on 23 Mar
Contender Worlds at Pensacola overall
British winner after lights winds on the final two days of the event After a very chilly third day, the final two days of racing were forecast to be in light winds. On day 4, PRO Hal Smith and his professional crew were able to make a start on time, but the wind also decided it was too cold to hang around. Posted on 27 Feb