Geographe Bay Race Week 2025 was a resounding success, with UK Sailmakers Fremantle customers claiming victory in five divisions. Geoff Bishop, owner of UK Sailmakers Fremantle, was thrilled with the event, celebrating both the outstanding performance of UK sails and the camaraderie shared by clients and sailors on and off the racecourse.
With over 80 boats on the water, this year’s regatta featured a stellar lineup, including America’s Cup sailors, Olympians, and multiple World Champions. Alongside them were passionate club and social racers, all embracing the excitement of competition.
“What a great week at Geographe Bay Race Week our clients and myself had,” said Geoff. “Fantastic racing and lots of fun on and off the water. With 10 divisions, yachts with our sails onboard won five! A huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Scott Olney and his team of volunteers, the crew at Port Geographe Marina, and the talented event photographers. See you all next year!”
Race Week Conditions
Day 1: A light southwesterly wind, which then turned northwest, set the stage for the regatta, with racing unfolding against the iconic backdrop of Busselton Jetty. Shifty winds led to multiple mark changes in the one design windward-leeward racing, while the start team worked to select the right course for the keelboats, adding an extra layer of challenge and anticipation for Day 2.
Day 2: The northwesterly filled in, gusting over 15 knots—perfect for an exhilarating passage race. Division 1 IRC saw OBSESSION hit their stride with a commanding lead. As the breeze clocked further north in the afternoon, sailors enjoyed true champagne sailing conditions.
Day 3: The morning easterly gradually built, sending the cruising divisions off on a passage race while Divisions 1-4 battled through two intense windward-leeward races. By midday, winds had freshened to 15-20 knots, keeping crews on their toes.
Day 4: After a well-earned lay day, the fleet returned to a lively 15-18 knot northwesterly breeze and a challenging sea state. Divisions 1–4 started the day with a windward-leeward race before joining the other keelboat divisions for a longer set course. This delivered some of the most exciting sailing of the week, with epic kite runs and thrilling reaches to the finish.
Day 5: A 16-knot southwesterly hit the start line just in time for the morning’s first race. During the race, some boats saw gusts of 30 knots on parts of the course, making for a fast and exhilarating final day. The fleet wrapped up in time for the scheduled 1:30 p.m. presentations to close out the regatta.
Notable Overall Results
- MAT 1245, OBSESSION, skippers Paul & Ceris Arns, tied for 1st place in Division 1 IRC, racing with Titanium sails and Matrix Spinnakers.
- Farr 395, GIDDY UP, skipper James Halvorsen, tied for 1st place in Division 1 IRC, racing with Titanium sails and Matrix spinnakers.
- S97, SILVER FERN, skipper Alastair McMichael, won 1st place in the S97 Championship Division, racing with X-Drive sails.
- Farr 9.2, ITINERANT, skipper Mark Hansen, claimed 1st place in Division 3, racing with X-Drive sails and Matrix spinnakers. Ernie Delfos’ Sun Fast 32, WINDSWEPT, placed 3rd.
- C&C 110, FORTUOSITY, skipper Janet Hornbuckle, secured 1st place in the Premier Cruising Division, racing with X-Drive sails and Matrix spinnakers. David Clifton’s S125, THIRSTY WORK, came 3rd.
- S&S 34, HUCKLEBERRY, skipper Phil Somerville, won 1st place in Jib & Main – B Division, racing with a varied UK Sailmakers inventory including X-Drive and Radial sails.
For full overall results, please visit here.
