Hot on the keels of Sail GP on Sydney Harbour and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Melbourne played host to another great sailing event from 13 – 17 January – Sail Melbourne. A sensational annual event, Sail Melbourne is sailed on Port Phillip and attracts competitors from across Australia. The 2022 Sail Melbourne event saw several of Australia’s sailing competitors from the Tokyo Games return to the water.
Sail Melbourne is a regatta which showcases a number of sailing classes and can provide motivation to purchase a yacht and experience the enjoyment that sailing offers both as a recreational activity and a competitive sport. We cover off on this regatta and provide finance information for those planning the purchase of a sailing boat.
2022 Sail Melbourne
Sail Melbourne is an annual regatta which, since its start in 1992, has grown to become the largest, annual off-the-beach regatta in the entire southern hemisphere. Held on Port Phillip Bay it is hosted jointly by the Royal Brighton Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.
The regatta features Olympic and invited classes and is extremely important to nurturing junior sailors in Australia. In addition to these classes, the event has also included a number of world championship events in its program.
The classes of boats in this year’s regatta included the Laser, 49er, 420, 470, 29er, Kite Foiling, Techno 293, Hansa 303, Tasar, Waszp, Wing Foiling and Wind Foil amongst others. Kite Foiling attracted plenty of attention as it will debut at the Paris Games in 2024.
Just a year on from Tokyo, a number of Aussies that featured at those Games were in action at Sail Melbourne. Matt Wearn was one of the Aussie Olympic champions to compete at Sail Melbourne. Matt showed his dominance by posting multiple wins in the ILCA 7 (Laser) class to take the title.
National Champions in Para Sailing Classes were decided at the regatta. Sailing is currently not included in the Paralympics and Aussies are behind the push to have it reinstated from the 2028 Los Angeles event. Chris Symonds took out the Hansa 303 class.
Connecting with Sailing
There are many more events on the sailing and yachting calendar for 2022. Australia Day sees the Sydney Harbour regatta and other smaller events across the country. Weekly yacht races are hosted by clubs across the country and give newcomers a great opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ by signing up to crew.
For those that like to get involved as a spectator on your own boat and you like your action fast and furious, head to Sydney Harbour on a Sunday for the 18 Foot Skiff Racing. Raced out of the 18 Footers Club in Double Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, these events have plenty of action, spills and thrills.
For ways to get into sailing and start experiencing the thrill of competing or just the leisurely and relaxing lifestyle that yachting offers, check out the resources at Discover Sailing.
Getting Involved
While watching sail and yacht racing can be fun, it’s not quite the same as sailing or power boating on your own vessel. Whether you prefer sail or power, Jade Boat Loans as cheap interest rate boat loans to assist you to get involved in boating with your own boat.
Deciding what type of boat you will purchase will depend on numerous factors, many of which are personal preferences. Some of the basic deciding factors usually include:-
- Sail or power.
- Trailer boat or permanently moored/marina for quick access when you want to head out. Trailer boats are convenient as you can take them to different waterways but you do need a vehicle with the correct towing capacity and somewhere to store the boat and trailer when not being used.
- Skill, experience and capabilities. Are you confident to handle a boat of that size/power alone? Do you have family/friends to crew?
- Where you plan to boat will be a key factor. Boats are rated for their suitability to inland/riverine waterways and for offshore/blue water.
- How long you plan to head out on the water for. If planning overnighting and with family/friends, then accommodation and facilities will be a necessity.
- Level of comfort and luxury preferred.
Then of course there is budget. Even within one class or type of boat, the prices can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Manufacturers can offer several models in one range with different levels of inclusions so buyers have plenty of choice.
Selecting a Boat Loan
While there are a myriad of options and questions in selecting which boat is right for you, when it comes to finance, Jade Boat Loans makes the loan selection extremely straightforward. Our Secured Boat Loan is suitable for most new boats – sail or power. The boat is used as the security for the loan, we offer fixed loan terms and cheap fixed interest rates which relate to fixed repayments.
If Sail Melbourne and the other exciting yachting events this season have motivated you to make the move into sailing or power boating, contact us to discuss how we can assist you to quickly and easily make it happen.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 for boat loan quotes
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MIS-PRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
