Learnings from “Top of The Lake Regatta” 2025 – Albert Park Lake.
Introduction – The following insights are from the Top of the Lake Regatta held
on Albert Park Lake in June 2025.
As I sat there on the run being passed by three Opti’s I thought WHY am I sailing here? It wasn’t until after the race when I was talking to my brother Peter that it occurred to me that there was a lot to learn from
Lake sailing, including Boat handling, roll tacking, getting you head out of the boat
etc etc etc.
So I asked various people to send me what they were learning or could
learn from sailing here.
Murray O’Brien has provided the comments in Green and Alan Riley who was watching from the side lines gave another perspective of the racing his comments are in Blue.
1. Boat Speed – It’s not all about boat Speed at Albert Park Lake (APL) it is
more of a boat handling venue than a boat speed venue – Allan.
2. Starting – not many of the fleet were on the line at the gun – Allan.
3. Sailing Area – Albert Park has narrow sailing areas each side of the island – Allan.
4. Which Tack – If undecided which tack is most advantageous – Murray.
5. Get you head Out of the boat – I spent too much time concentrating on the
tack I was on
6. Review the course– you are sailing on.
7. Downwind – Keep scanning back to see any lines of breeze coming down the
course – Murray.
8. Look Ahead – The wind constantly changes direction so look ahead one, two
or three shifts ahead
9. Know the boundaries – How close can you get to the sides of the Lake
10. Never Give up – if you find yourself behind other Sabres as there is always a
possibility of some pressure coming in from a different direction
11. Before Tacking or Gybing – Check to see what the wind is about to do
12. Experience – In a fleet with various classes check out for others that are less
experienced or a bit more reckless and make allowances.
13. Mark Room – Organise your Mark room early and make sure everyone is
aware you want your entitled room
14. Hiking – Be very careful extending yourself flat out leaning. The wind can
change dramatically
15. Sail Setup – Have more out haul on when sailing on the lake than the bay,
making the sail generally flatter
Albert Park Lake is a Great training venue. You get a lot more practise at Boat handling skills, reading the wind on the water for strength and Direction, tactical considerations both up and down wind. All play a bigger role in Lake sailing compared to Bay sailing.
Those that intend to go to the 2nd Winter Nationals to be sailed on Lake Cootharaba on the weekend of 30 & 31 August 2025 and/or the Nationals at Christmas time, should seriously consider some practise down at a lake near you.
We intend to have another go at taming that beast. It’s also good practice in
learning to stay calm.