Victorian Mosquito Cat Rigged State Titles at Altona Yacht Club
by Matt Stone 10 Mar 08:15 GMT
March 7-9, 2026
The Victorian Mosquito Cat Rigged State Titles delivered three days of spectacular sailing at Altona Yacht Club, with conditions ranging from wild to windless and everything in between.
Day One
Racing began at 2 pm in a brutal 17 to 22 knot breeze and a steep 1.5 to 2 metre sea state. The fleet spent most of the afternoon riding what felt like a bucking bull, with short sharp chop punishing every mistake. Competition at the front was fierce, with second, third and fourth places constantly changing hands.
There were port and starboard dramas at the top mark, several impressive nose dives, and more than one skipper launched skyward by a transom slap. Early contenders for the infamous Clap Hanger included Andrew on Bandit for a capsize, Gary on The Bees Knees for the same, Tim Shepperd for choosing a holiday over racing, and Michael Anthony who arrived without his sailing gear, drove back to Bendigo to collect it, and returned again.
Day Two
After a sleepless night of 27 knot gusts and halyards hammering masts, the fleet emerged tired but determined. The morning breeze sat around 22 knots with a heaving sea state. An AGM was held while waiting for conditions to settle and, in perfect timing, the wind eased to 15 knots as soon as the meeting ended.
Racing was fast and physical. The first race saw tight finishes separated by seconds. The second race delivered mechanical carnage with Pete Kiely's traveller car exploding and Jaime Zizman snapping a foot strap. The Joker briefly led before being overtaken by Shannon Wilson. By the third race the fleet was exhausted, the top mark had drifted onto the reef and was being pounded by breakers, and several sailors collected new bruises. Pete Kiely attempted a heroic trapeze recovery, only to nose dive, dent the hull, crack the deck and retire sore but smiling.
Day Three
Sailors asked the wind gods for lighter conditions and received them, but without direction. The breeze spun in circles at five knots, forcing the course further offshore. A massive sixty degree shift in the first race turned the reach into a run and the race was abandoned.
The restart brought more chaos with huge shifts and sudden fifteen knot blasts from every angle. Those lucky enough to be in the right place enjoyed perfect flat water trapezing, while others were forced to dodge dive boats anchored inconveniently on the course. As the leaders finished, the wind collapsed again and the final race was abandoned.
Overall Results:
State Champion: Shannon Wilson sailing Taboo
Second Overall: Matt Stone sailing The Joker
Third Overall: Gary Maskiell sailing The Bees Knees
Youth Champion: Rowan Fairlie sailing The Oaks
Encouragement Award: Steve Gillanders sailing Cant Stop
Clap Hanger Award
Michael Anthony for driving to Bendigo and back after forgetting his sailing gear.
Altona Yacht Club delivered outstanding race management across a challenging weekend, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. The Mosquito fleet once again proved its resilience, humour and competitive spirit in a championship that will be remembered for years.
Full results available at Sailres.