Posted: 15 September 2014
The fourth annual Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous from 1-7 September was an overwhelming success with an enthusiastic contingent of boats and their crew enjoying a week of unforgettable sailing and social action.
Perfect spring weather greeted the participants for each morning of the Rendezvous and the Whitsundays showed off their natural wonders throughout the event, including breathtaking displays by frolicking whales and their calves.
The Welcome and Briefing function was held at the beautiful Coral Sea Resort where participants quickly became acquainted over sunset canapés and drinks. Eager to embark on their experience, the crews set off on Day Two to glittering calm waters and a gentle 10 knots of breeze. The spectacular sunset was enjoyed with nibblies and drinks onboard the event mothership, followed by a fiercely contested game of Marine Pictionary.
On Day Three, the group completed a speedy sail from Macona Inlet into Cid Harbour where they enjoyed a relaxed lunch before continuing onto Hamilton Island. That evening was one of the event highlights with a party on the Keel Deck at the remarkable Yacht Club with the hilarious entertainment led by Multihull Solutions’ skipper ‘Condorus Maximus’ on bass guitar. The Best-Dressed Party Animal Award comprising two nights Hamilton Island accommodation was won by Gary from the Summerland 40 Retirn.
With the group slow to get started the following morning, a relaxed agenda was set and the fleet cruised to beautiful Whitehaven Beach. A reenergising walk up Hill Inlet from Betty’s Beach got everyone in the mood for the evening’s famous Prawn and Punch Party and Figurehead competition, which continues to be one of the most memorable events of each year’s Rendezvous.
Spectacular weather was again laid on for the following day, and the group took advantage of the incredible surrounds with selected activities including a beach yoga class, bushwalks to Chance Bay, fishing for huge mackerel and delicious painted crayfish, and simply soaking up the sun. The fleet then regrouped and enjoyed a great sail south to Plantation Bay on Lindeman Island where a host of hilarious beach games was contested, fuelled by more sunset nibbles and drinks!
The final day of the Rendezvous started on a relaxing note with snorkelling, playing on SUPs and cooking crayfish on the beach in Plantation Bay. The fleet eventually set sail for Happy Bay on Long Island where the group embraced the fun spirit of the Rendezvous with a Crazy Hat theme for the Presentation Dinner. Competition was tough but the crew of Blue Spirit, a Lightwave 45, took out the honours with their extravagant home-made designs, and they were awarded an accommodation voucher from Cape Gloucester Eco Resort.
The overall winners of the event, decided on the best displays of fun, effort and participation throughout the week, were the crew of the Seawind 1160, Phase 2. Their prize included a superb trophy by stainless steel sculptor Jo at Mojo Creations, as well as the fantastic prize of a free lift, waterblast and seven days hardstand from The Boat Works at Coomera on the Gold Coast.
Anna from Cut Snake, the Stealth 12m, was announced as runner-up for her amazing contribution to the week’s fun, and she was presented with a beautiful SLAM jacket from Mariner Boating.
Other prizes were also awarded for Best Gourmet Meal Prepared Onboard, Biggest Fish Caught, Best Aussie, Best Dancer, along with Sportsman and Sportswomen of the Week.
The 2014 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was an outstanding success largely due to the generous support of the event’s sponsors which included the team at Yaffa who provided Cruising Helmsman and Australian Yachting & Sailing subscriptions, Minuteman Press in Mooloolaba, Bunkers Wines and Wine Shack whose delicious Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Shiraz were absolute winners through the week, and the teams at Coral Sea Resort, Hamilton Island and Breakfree Long Island Resort who helped stage truly memorable functions for the participants.
Funds were also raised during the Rendezvous for Multihull Solutions’ preferred charity Oceanswatch that is committed to preserving the world’s waterways.
There were long faces all round as the participants finally departed the Whitsundays, but solid plans were already being made to return for the 2015 event. Further information on the 2014 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous can be found at www.multihullsolutions.com.au/events/2014-whitsunday-rendezvous or contact Rachel on 1300 855 338 (within Australia) or +61 (0) 7 5452 5164.
