Posted on: March 6th, 2014 by sailingshack
Lou Abrahams certainly one of Australia’s most prolific ocean racers who raced all over the world and competed at the highest level passed away last week. Lou had a number of yachts and most will be familiar with his line of “Challenge” boats including the Sydney-Hobart winners the famous red Sparkman and Stephens 46 Challenge 2 to Ultimate Challenge and then his line of winning Sydney 38”s he owned. Lou was an icon of the sport and brought joy to the many of sailors who raced with him. The names who sailed with Lou are numerous from Col Anderson, Bernie Case in the early years to Nigel Abbott, John Bertrand and in later days Rowan Simpson, Ian “Barney” Walker, Stuart Wallace, Carl Schimdt and Mark Bulka to name only a few. Before sailing Lou was very competitive in motor sport firstly with speed boats and then racing cars. I was privileged to serve on a committee with Lou of Yachting Victoria’s Offshore Committee in the mid eighties so I got to observe him as a professional off the water too as well as race against him and his always professionally turned out yachts and crew. Although based at Sandringham Yacht Club Lou was known all over Australia and internationally. A great man who will be missed in our sport. Sail on Lou. Rob Hartnett
Posted on: February 2nd, 2014 by sailingshack
Victorian Championships are coming up for many classes over the next two months:
Victorian Laser Championships will be at Mordialloc Sailing Club March 15th and 16th. Mordy has great accommodation for RIB’s, fantastic race support, good trailer access and a new developing 4.7 fleet being coached by Laser Master guru Nev Beeson.
Victorian Optimist Championships will be held at Sorrento at SSCBC March 8-10th. SSCBC has one of the best bar’s and cafe’s on Port Phillip and the amazing Couta Boat fleet is always a welcome sight.
Victorian J24′s Championships will be sailed from Sandringham Yacht Club on the weekend of April 12th and 13th.
Victorian Youth Championships will be back at McCrae YC on the weekend of April 12th and 13th. Hope they get some breeze this year.
NSW Optimist Championships will be held on March 29th & 30th and the Victorian Laser Masters are back at Port Melbourne on the same weekend March 29th/30th.
Victorian SB20 Championships will be held at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron on the long weekend in April 25th-27th.
Best of luck to all competitors and if you would like your class championship promoted please email leisa@sailingshack.com.au
Posted on: January 6th, 2014 by sailingshack
Check out the new video from Sailing Shack’s Ben Hartnett showing the tough going at Sail Melbourne Medal race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pehYM0RfyyU&feature=share&list=UULZ7U9JVUcUE4nTl1MtNqLg
Posted on: November 15th, 2013 by sailingshack
The Victorian Laser Association Port Phillips will be sailed in conjunction with the Go For Gold Regatta at Black Rock Yacht Club. There is already a strong fleet of Laser 4.7′S and a sprinkling of Laser Radials entered. Seems the whether is still too cold for the Open and Masters to enter just yet! For all details please go to
