Media Information: Posted Friday, September 6, 2012.
For immediate release.
The 2012 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was a spectacular success and confirmed what most boaties now believe: more hulls simply means more fun!
Staged from August 27 – September 2, the event saw more than 50 participants from all over Australia gather on 15 multihulls, ranging in size from the 28’ Corsair trimaran, Good Times, through to the Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 sailing catamaran, Serengeti.
The Whitsundays provided postcard-perfect weather for this year’s Multihull Rendezvous with powder-blue skies, warm sunshine and starry nights creating the ultimate backdrop to a week of sailing and social action. Humpback whales, dolphins and dugongs made frequent appearances to the delight of the entrants.
It was clear from the first night’s Welcome Function at Sorrento’s Restaurant in Airlie Beach that the event was set to be memorable. Skippers introduced their crews in a very entertaining atmosphere as the events ‘characters’ made themselves known.
The first day of sailing commenced from the front of Coral Sea jetty with all multihulls enjoying a pleasant downwind sail to Cape Gloucester Eco Resort. Sunglasses were then donned as the “Hawaiian Shirt Beach Party” created a blaze of colour for an afternoon of complimentary drinks and nibbles. After witnessing whales breaching against a perfect sunset, the group was treated to a magnificent gourmet dinner at the resort’s restaurant, followed by the day’s presentations and live entertainment and dancing well into the night.
A few strong coffees were brewed on the second morning of the event, and all entrants were grateful for the scheduled lay day. After reaching Stonehaven anchorage, the participants took advantage of the sensational weather to snorkel, sightsee, sail and simply relax. At sunset, the Multihull Solutions opened its committee boat, the Fountaine Pajot Salina 48, for inspection and refreshments, before all retired for a tranquil evening at anchor.
Revived and raring to go on Thursday morning, the fleet set sail for Whitehaven Beach. Many of the multihulls took their time to absorb the world famous scenery, stopping at Hill Inlet to visit the lookout and enjoy a swim at Betty’s Beach. The highly anticipated annual Prawn and Punch party kicked off at 4.00pm on Whitehaven Beach, and the group set new standards in fun with coconut bocce and other beach games fuelled by Multihull Solutions’ secret punch recipe.
With a strong southerly change predicted for Saturday morning, the fleet made a decision to head to the shelter of Cid Harbour. The whales were in force to be entertained by the event’s famous Figurehead Competition. Competition was fierce as each boat cruised past the committee vessel displaying their best ‘figurehead’, and the crew of Savannah took victory with their hilarious costumes and song and dance routine. Celebrations and award presentations were held aboard Multihull Solutions’ committee vessel.
While the southerly wind did blow in overnight, the fleet rested comfortably at Cid Harbour then set off for a leisurely sail to Hamilton Island. Once berthed in the marina, the final night’s celebrations kicked off with sunset cocktails at the picturesque One Tree Hill lookout, followed by a fabulous ‘70s-themed party at the island’s Outrigger Restaurant on Catseye Beach. After a gourmet buffet, presentations and final awards were announced, with overall results calculated on a rigorous scientific formula that considered crews’ sailing performance, costumes, fun factor and enthusiasm in embracing the spirit of the Rendezvous.
The overall winner of the 2012 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was Hanuman, Val and Alex Lawson aboard their Fountaine Pajot Athena 38, who were awarded the perpetual trophy along with two night’s accommodation on Hamilton Island. They were followed in second place by Paul and Marg Dougherty aboard their Corsair 28, Good Times 2, and taking third place was Warwick and Chris Conlon, and Alex and Pat Johnston, aboard their Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36, Neko. The crew of Hanuman also scooped the prize for Biggest Fish Caught, while the Bovill and Russel crew aboard their Lagoon 420, Serenity, was awarded the Best Gourmet Meal Cooked Underway.
After such an enjoyable week, many participants chose to continue cruising for a few more days, while others reluctantly headed home to reality.
The event was hailed a magnificent success, and Multihull Solutions gratefully acknowledges the support of this year’s sponsors: Sorrento’s Restaurant, Bunkers Wines, Cape Gloucester Eco Resort, Hamilton Island, and Abel Point Marina. We would also like to thank the Abel Point Yacht Club for assisting in the organisation of the event.
Dates for 2013:
Enquiries are already being received for the 2013 Multihull Rendezvous, which will be staged from 2-8 September. To express your interest please email Rachel and she will keep you posted on further developments.
Photo Gallery:
- Click here to visit the 2012 Photo Gallery
Further information and images are available at www.multihullsolutions.com.au/events/multihull-rendezvous or by calling 1300 855 338 (within Australia) or 0508 MULTIS (within New Zealand).
Here’s what some of our participants had to say:
Dear Rachel,
Most sincere thanks from the crew of Poppycat for the seamless performance of your team in organising Multihull Rendezvous 2012.
As newcomers to this event we were surprised and thrilled at the variety of social and sail events held. We all felt privileged and special to be a part of this wonderful experience. We met and made many new friends including your team.
If this function is a fair indication of Multihulls business prowess and professionalism then the companyshould most certainly be the first port of call for potential buyers and sellers of multihulls.
Congratulations and thanks again from all of us.
Best regards, Phil Connolly and crew – “Poppycat” – Lagoon 380.
Hi Kim,
On behalf of the crew on ‘Savanna’,I would just like to thank you and all your team for a fantastic time on the rally. I cant imagine how you could improve on what you have done.
It was a good mix of fun people – sorry we missed the last night. We will be there again next year for sure and hopefully at Pittwater in March.
Best Regards,
Ray & Kerry Cavanagh and crew – “Savannah” – Lagoon 400.
Hi Kim,
Can’t thank you enough for your amazing hospitality. We had a fantastic time and found it very difficult to leave the beautiful Whitsundays, so we’ll be back!!!!
Hope all is well with the crew from the mother ship. Please give them our regards.
Paul and Marg – “Good Times 2” – Corsair 28.
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