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Monday March 24, 2025 - Today marked the first day of the 2025 Hansa and Para Worlds, as 200 excited sailors and race officials from around the world gathered at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) on Pittwater for a practice race, followed by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, opening the Championships.
The event takes in the Hansa World and International Championships, Australian and NSW Hansa Class Championships plus the Para World Championships. Among those competing are Paralympic gold, silver and bronze medallists and world champion sailors.
Registration of competitors ended with the Spanish team the last to check in. Then it was time for the practice race and the sailors got off lightly in a 2-5 knot easterly, suiting some, but not all. For most, it was a pleasant way to get used to sailing on Pittwater.
Pittwater alive with colour of Hansa 303s.Photo: Alex Dare, Down Under Sail, Hansa Worlds
The Race Briefing followed at 4pm and then the best of the day, the Opening Ceremony started at 5pm with the Parade of Nations and a Smoking Ceremony and Traditional Aboriginal Welcome by Walangari Karntawarra.
International Hansa Class Association World President, Vera Voorbach, who is also a competitor at this event, welcomed all to the event.
RPAYC Commodore, Robert McClelland, also welcomed official guests, competitors, officials and the multitude of volunteers:
“This event is a celebration of freedom, independence, and inclusivity—principles that are at the very heart of Hansa sailing and fundamental to our Club,” he said.
“The Class has opened the doors of our sport to thousands of people, allowing sailors of all abilities to compete on a level playing field.
“None of this would have been possible without one man’s vision. Chris Mitchell is the founder, designer, and driving force behind the Hansa class. His dedication has resulted in over 3,800 Hansa boats sailing in 38 countries, introducing approximately 200,000 people to sailing every year,” the Commodore said.
The Governor of NSW, the Honourable Margaret Beazley, then officially declared the Championships open, as a flag bearer raised the flags of each nation.
Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW opened the Championships. Photo: Alex Dare, Hansa Worlds
A gourmet dinner is to follow at RPAYC. Much talk was already centering around the day’s practice race, the beauty of Pittwater, when most have never visited before – and of course, tomorrow’s first race of the Championships. Racing will commence from 1pm on two course areas and everyone will enjoy live music from 5pm back at the Club afterwards.
Racing in the Hansa 2.3, 303 (one and two-person), Liberty and SKUD18 classes will take place every day from tomorrow until the final races on Sunday 30th March. The Closing Ceremony and Presentation will follow.
A total of nine races are scheduled for each class and racing will take place every day until the final races on Sunday 30th March. The Closing Ceremony and Presentation will follow the last race.
The Worlds take in the Hansa World and International Championships, Australian and NSW Hansa Class Championships plus the Para World Championships.
Sixteen nations have been competing at the Championships hosted by RPAYC on Pittwater in NSW: Australia, Chile, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain and USA.
RPAYC Commodore Rob McClelland, Hansas Jackie Kay and Chris Mitchell and RPAYC Vice Commodore, Julia Hornsby. Photo: Alex Dare, Hansa Worlds
For all the week's Worlds news, including ''New world champions decided at 2025 Hansa and Para Worlds'', the reports by Di Pearson, run HERE
Byron Bay was a sea of colour and energy on Sunday, March 23, as adaptive competitors from around the world marched through Byron's main street for the Parade of Nations, kicking off the BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships presented by Forward Ability Support. Vibrant crowds lined the streets to celebrate the athletes ahead of stop one of the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP) 2025 World Tour.
Parade of Nations preview. Photo: Cameron Bloom
The Opening Ceremony featured a traditional Welcome to Country, followed by a Pouring of the Sands ritual, where competitors combined sand from the beaches of their home nations - a symbol of unity and commitment among the adaptive surfing community.
Following its historic debut last year as Australia’s first-ever international adaptive surfing contest, BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support returns to Byron Bay from March 23 – 30. As a premier event on the AASP World Tour, the competition unites elite adaptive surfers from around the globe, showcasing incredible skill, resilience, and the power of inclusivity in sport.
The first eight Australian Para Surfing Champions were crowned at Byron Bay Main Beach on Tuesday March 25, with the nation’s top adaptive surfers delivering elite performances at the 2025 Australian Para Surfing Titles.
Despite small conditions, competitors displayed outstanding talent, showcasing the continued growth and development of adaptive surfing in Australia. The event serves as an inspiring showcase of courage, perseverance, and athletic excellence, motivating both spectators and future generations of para surfers.
The Australian Para Surfing Titles brought together para surfers from across the country, competing across multiple divisions to determine the National Champions and ISA World Para Championship Qualifiers.
Contest Director - Glen Elliot said:
"Finals day has been incredibly successful, an amazing day full of friendly comradery and fierce competition. The spirit of Para Surfing is alive and well in Australia!"
4X World Para Surfing Champion, Sam Bloom (NSW), took home another victory in the PS - Prone 1 Women's Final. Her Australian Title win not only marks a personal achievement, but Sam couldn't help but note the significant growth of adaptive surfing in Australia.
Sam Bloom said:
“This is the biggest Aussie titles competition we’ve ever had. There are so many newbies here, it’s super unreal!"
The influx of new talent at the Australian Para surfing Titles demonstrates the expanding reach and influence of adaptive surfing, elevating the competition to new heights and setting the stage for future champions to emerge.
Mona Vale's Emma Dieters, having a great time. Photo: Surfing Australia
For further information, please visit www.adaptivesurfproaustralia.com and surfingaustralia.com/parasurf
Follow the event via Social Media on: @adaptivesurfbyronbay
Results and Reports by Surfing Australia- In full HERE
Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards
- Margaret White, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches
- Philip Jackson, Warringah Rats Rugby Club.
- Vivien Jackson, Women’s Resilience Centre
- Christine Boyce, Cicada Australia
- Marita Macrae, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association
- John Pratten, Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- George Wester, Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club.
Profile of the Week Brian Friend OAM, Q.C., B.C., - on 50 Years of Coaching Avalon Bulldogs Rugby League LittliesBrian Friend, known is ‘Friendly’ and now 82-years-young, has commenced his 50th year of coaching the little ones at Avalon Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Club for the Winter Season.
After the Season for youngsters closes in August, there's a short pause, and then the Touch Footy Season, to keep the kids outdoors in the fresh air having some fun with their mates, begins - a few years ago the Avalon JRLC they had 730 youngsters doing handstands and cartwheels in between sprints down the field with the ball tucked firmly under one arm.
In April 1788 Australia's first Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip, led a reconnaissance party from Manly Cove seeking fertile land for growing crops. On this journey, he noted the tall trees which were to provide timber for the growing colony.
By December 8 1795 there was a prohibition on timber cutting on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, an Order that was issued by Captain John Hunter, RN, who took office as the second Governor of New South Wales on September 11, 1795.
By October 1803 the third Governor, Captain Philip Gidley King, RN, ordered settlers to desist and commence re-planting.
Environment Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Open for Feedback: Closes March 30, Palmgrove Park Avalon planting morning, Record number of sea turtle nests rescued before cyclone, Macquarie River welcomes back Murray Cod rescued in 2019 drought, More Mulloway for Georges River fishers, Native fish return to the Warrego River, Coastal Dynamics 2025 Conference, Grants open for the $81 million FOGO fund, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, ‘1080 pest management’, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, The 2025 federal budget fails the millions of voters who want action on Australia’s struggling environment, The 2025 budget has few savings and surprises but it also ignores climate change, Protecting salmon farming at the expense of the environment – another step backwards for Australia’s nature laws, A budget splash to conserve 30% of Australia’s lands will save species – if we choose the right 30%, Dutton unveils plan to force more gas into Australian market and expand production in major pre-election pitch, When a 1-in-100 year flood washed through the Coorong it made the vital microbiome of this lagoon healthier, Deep-sea mining threatens sea life in a way no one is thinking about − by dumping debris into the thriving midwater zone, Mystery solved: our tests reveal the tiny algae killing fish and harming surfers on SA beaches, Adelaide Hills water crisis: a local problem is a global wake-up call, Ants in your house? Here’s how they get everywhere – even high up in tall buildings, Plants breathe with millions of tiny mouths; We used lasers to understand how this skill evolved, Bread Ties For Wheelchairs: Mona Vale drop-off point, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +
Aquatics Shark Nets to Come out Monday March 31 Due to Increased Turtle Migrations + Research: Green lights on fishing nets could slash bycatch of sea turtles + Record number of sea turtle nests rescued before cyclone
Children Sunday Cartoons this week: DreamWorks Madagascar's I Like To Move It, If— by Rudyard Kipling, Dinosaur tracks made 140 million years ago have been found for the first time in South Africa’s Western Cape, Curious Kids: How many types of insects are there in the world? + how do mountains form? + what makes a shooting star fall? + why do you blink when there is a sudden loud noise close by?, Stories this week: Uh Oh My Dragon's Hungry by Katie Weaver + 'My Brother Charlie' read by Holly Robinson Peete, + more for you
Youth Good Luck to All Aussies 2025 Athletes, If— by Rudyard Kipling, Public schools recognised for lifting HSC results year on year, NSW Government’s Rental Taskforce intervention results in almost $50,000 in refunds for renters; delivers on rental reform by ending no grounds evictions on 19 May 2025, Extension of strict bail laws for young people, New blue plaques celebrate iconic NSW sporting stories, Communities Protecting Biodiversity: Southern Highlands, A Day In The Life... Officials Of State Champs, Opportunities: SHAPE 2025 + Council's 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize judges announced - Entries open now, Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025 + NSW Youth Advisory Council: applications open until April 20 + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open, Word Of The Week: Song, A ‘Google maps for the sea’, sails and alternative fuels: the technologies steering shipping towards lower emissions – podcast, Australia’s ‘wild reciters’ sought to change the world verse by verse; Who are today’s provocateurs?, Mystery solved: our tests reveal the tiny algae killing fish and harming surfers on SA beaches, Glastonbury is as popular as ever but complaints about the lineup reveal its generational challenge, The Glass Menagerie: the haunting beauty of Tennessee Wiliams’ play endures in this Sydney revival, Uncorking the past: new analysis of Troy findings rewrites the story of wine in the early bronze age, Passion, integrity and self-reliance: why Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is a heroine for our times, What makes a good search engine? These 4 models can help you use search in the age of AI, Critical thinking is more important than ever. How can I improve my skills?, local services for you
Seniors Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards, Loosely Woven 30th Anniversary Concerts: 'Unwound', Brian Friend OAM: 50 Years of Coaching Littlies, Vaccination saves lives – prepare and protect, Falling flu vaccinations and potential horror flu season a recipe for more deaths: AMA, New Support at Home pricing guidance, Budget delivers for Health but neglects Home Care: National Seniors, Federal Budget helps ease cost of living pressures for some older Australians; Missed opportunity to put dental in Medicare: COTA, New and expanded cheaper medicines, Aged care residents help improve aged care, Do any non-drug treatments help back pain? Here’s what the evidence says, Early-onset Alzheimer’s: new drug shows promise in slowing the disease, Why rapid at-home PSA tests for prostate cancer are fast, convenient – and unreliable, What makes a good search engine? These 4 models can help you use search in the age of AI, Humans are bad at reading dogs’ emotions – but we can learn to do better, AvPals Term 1 2025, Local services, groups
DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors
Inbox News Central Coast businesses encouraged to apply for new pilot program to strengthen regional manufacturing, $200,000 to support health services for the homeless, Powerhouse Museum Ultimo public domain near The Goods Line - Artist impression, Laws strengthened to tackle road toll on NSW roads, World-first land use data platform Land iQ licensed for industry use: NSW, New blue plaques celebrate iconic NSW sporting stories, $110.6 million renewed commitment to end gender-based violence in NSW, Despite some key milestones since 2000 Australia still has a long way to go on gender equality, Lawmakers worldwide want to talk to the Meta insider whose memoir is a US bestseller – after Zuckerberg took her to court, Silicosis is ruining the lungs of construction workers. An AI-powered breath test can detect it in minutes, ‘Literally just child gambling’: what kids say about Roblox lootboxes and money in online games, ‘We don’t have a cultural place for men as victims’: why men often don’t tell anyone about sexual abuse, Non-compete clauses make it too hard to change jobs. Banning them for millions of Australians is a good move
Food Pears: Autumn Fruits + Packham's Pear - the Australian Pear
Pear crops have been coming into local produce stores during the last few weeks and this year’s fruit is sweeter than it has been for a few seasons. With many health benefits related to these wonderful Autumn fruits, as well as ensuring you get your daily fibre intake for good digestive health, and with prices that reflect a bumper crop this year and freshness straight from the farm, a big bowl of pears for the youngsters to help themselves to may be a good idea.
If you find you can purchase a whole boxful relatively cheaply, you can stew and freeze them or try out the Pear Chutney recipe – a great addition to any cheese plate or on the side of vegetables or freshly caught fish. This Issue a few of our favourte recipes for this seasonal fruit.
Park Bench Philosophers: Australia and Singapore support research projects to reduce maritime emissions + A ‘Google maps for the sea’, sails and alternative fuels: the technologies steering shipping towards lower emissions
Pictures Turimetta Moods: mid-February to Mid- March 2025 by Joe Mills
Events Talk Forums, Book Launches, Pittwater to Coffs 2025, Music, Markets, Social Groups,