The Great Lakes Sailing Club will hoste the 40^th annual NACRA Association National Championships from December 29 to January 4, 2019 on the waters of Wallis Lake. 

The NACRA association represents 21 different classes of catamarans ranging from resort style single handed catamarans to the racing machines such as the NACRA F20 and the Olympic Class Nacra 17, with many foiling classes seeing boats flying above the water surface in a similar style to the America’s Cup catamarans or the most recent won by New Zealand.

Wallis Lake was chosen by the association due to the incredible sailing conditions in crystal clear waters that are perfectly suited to this type of competition.

The event will also provide opportunities for families to enjoy time away from home during the Christmas/ New Year period as well as experience the amazing amenities in the Mid Coast region.

With more than 200 competitors hitting the water each day throughout the regatta period and an estimated 600 people visiting the region, it is expected to be a huge bonus for local business in what is already a busy time of year.

The Great Lakes Sailing Club (GLSC) will host several social functions throughout the regatta at the club and with the co-operation and assistance of Club Forster will ensure all competitors and their families have a memorable week.

GLSC president Tim Haffner was excited at the prospect of a successful regatta.

“The GLSC, together with the amazing support of the team at National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), have worked hard this year to create a venue that will attract more national regattas such as these.

“We have realigned roads, increased grassed spaces that are a valuable amenity to the sailors and the general public.

“All of this work has meant we now have the space and amenities to meet the needs for a safe and family friendly waterfront reserve that also meets the needs of these regattas and we are looking forward to a hugely successful regatta over the Christmas/New Year period,” Tim said. 

Race director and GLSC commodore Bill Stokes said the regatta is an unmissable event on the sailing calendar.

“This will be a huge regatta for our region and is attracting competitors from all over Australia,” Bill said. 

“I would certainly encourage anyone with any interest in sailing to wander down throughout the regatta and take advantage of the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing state of the art machines.”

Boats will arrive from December 27 to facilitate the running of the event and the safety of competitors and visitors.

Vehicle access to the sailing club picnic area will be restricted throughout the event.

Canteen facilities will be available.

Any inquiries about site access should be directed to National Parks and Wildlife Service on 6591 0300 or Great Lakes Sailing Club on 0416 111 543.