Pittwater Online News

When two iconic work boats of Pittwater, ‘Laurel Mae’ and ‘Trump’, drop their moorings in Treharne Cove on a sunny Australia Day weekend for the Woody Point Yacht Club, you know that you are in for a spectacular day.  That is certainly what turned out to be, last Saturday.

The Start / Finish line for the Wooden Putt Putt & Gentleman’s Launch Regatta was laid.

Competing boats from all over Pittwater and beyond, motored up to Toby on the ‘Laurel Mae’ to receive their handicaps for the two staggered starts.  The furthest travelling entrant was Mike, the new owner of ‘Rosebud’ who brought her on a trailer from Newcastle.  Her new side valve Simplex gave her a new lease of life.  Neil Mulcahy represented the Davistown Putt Putt group and brought the immaculate Blaxland twin powered ‘Triple B’ down from Gosford on a trailer. 

Our Handicappers, Col Bailey and Mick Cardiff, both fine wooden boat building craftsmen, calculated the start times. A fresh antifoul did not go unnoticed unless they were distracted with an enticing cold beer.

Meanwhile as the spectator craft of all shapes and sizes gathered, the tide was falling away from the golden sand.  Steve and his numerous volunteers from The Quays Marina could be seen transferring the BBQ, food, serving tables, garbage bins and equipment for the fun day ahead on the beach.

It wasn’t long before the first of the five Putt Putts were off and racing towards the western side of Scotland Island, to round anticlockwise and then back to the finish line.  It is a beautiful sight to see those historic boats race with their crews dressed in their period outfits.  Some of the crews took the dignified laid-back approach. Unfortunately, ‘Rosebud’ with our fearless Commodore up front, was forced to take evasive action on the way to the start line.  The sudden pull on the tiller caused the rudder to shear and they had to retire. All the glory and first place went to the beverage swilling crew of ‘Eloise’ Captained by Lewis Molloy. He and his mates had only acquired their Putt Putt the previous week. Apparently, it was difficult to start. A quick once-over and the addition of a very old lawn mower fuel tank did the trick. The boys were seen refilling the fuel tank as they were racing. ‘Provender’ came second, helmed by Justin Singleton of Bayview. Third was ‘Rose’ helmed by Roger Maynard, McCarrs Creek.  Fourth was ‘Trible B’ by Neil Mulcahy and ‘Rosebud’ was a very disappointing DNF.

The Gentleman’s Launch race was fought out with notable determination.  There were 20 boats entered and two famous trophies sought after:  To win the race and to win the dress-up.

The first boat to appear in the distance was ‘The Galloping Maggot’ crewed by two highly qualified Marine Surveyors, Ian Grant and Russel Machan. They crossed the finish line a good five minutes ahead of the competitors. It would appear that the gentlemen got ‘finish line fever’ as they rounded the island.  In their pursuit of glory, their misty eyes did not notice the bright red mooring buoy outside of them.  Photographic evidence was forwarded and Toby confirmed that it was a nice new buoy that he had laid.  Disqualification was the order from the judges. Similar orders were also given to the glamorously presented ‘Stardust II’ and ‘Bungaree’ for being a little too enthusiastic on the throttle, creating a bow wave in the ‘no wash’ zone. 

It was down to a photo finish for first place. The trophy went to ‘Escort’ with Mark Humphery of Newport in control.  Second place went to ‘Black Cockatoo’ helmed by Colin Campbell from the Central Coast and third to ‘Piranha’ by Northy of Careel Bay.

Ther ‘Best Dressed Boat’ prize went to the hands-down winner ‘Titanic’. It was a splendid sight to behold. The four-chimney stack with bellowing smoke was magic and the impending iceberg dangled in front was to great effect.   Joy and Craig have done it again. They even changed the colour of their Halvorsen for the occasion.

The ‘Major Perceverance’ gave it a good crack with their theme ‘What the Trump!’ but it was not worth storming the judges, claiming they were robbed. All of the competitors are to be thanked for adding to the spectacle.

There are lots of photos, thanks to Michael Mannington at Communityphotography.org   A selection can be seen on the WPYC website. 

The afternoon was celebrated on the beach with free sausage sizzle and BYO beverages. The atmosphere was in the full spirit of the club’s founding members. It was a family event with Mums and Dads, the odd senior plus lots of children. Dennis said the children were so polite and patient when waiting for their sausage sandwiches and it was a delight to see them all playing. To see Liz in her glamorous tight red dress and movie star hairdo, step out of her tinny into water over her knees and walk to the beach was so Woody Point.

Thanks need to go out to lots of people: