2012 Rottnest Foundation Festival of Sail
& Volunteer Convention
Sixty three yachts sailed to Rottnest Island on Saturday, 28 April 2012 as part of the Rottnest Foundation's annual Festival of Sail. One of the richest yacht racing events on the West Australian calendar the two-day event is also unique in that competitors sail to another destination, in this case Rottnest Island.
Visitors to the Island were treated to a spectacle of colour as the Round the Island competitors could be seen from several vantage points around the Island.
The Festival of Sail is the brainchild of Foundation Board Member, Greg Kerr and aims to connect the yachting community with Rottnest Island and raise the profile of the Foundation and its work in 'Conserving the Essence of Rottnest'.
Despite the rain, the weather was perfect for the sailors and the overcast conditions allowed for some fantastic aerial photographs, shot by professional photographer Peta North. Images can be viewed and purchased online at: www.petaannephotography.com.
Presentations were held at Hotel Rottnest, where the 400 sailors converged to discuss the race and enjoy the camaraderie of the days sailing. The place-getters were:
Rottnest Foundation Round the Island Race:
- 1st Prize - Minds Eye $2,000
- 2nd Prize - Lithium $1,000
- 3rd Prize - Mulberry $ 500
The winner also gets their name on the Rottnest Foundation Perpetual Trophy. A bronze sculpture of the Island by well known Fremantle artist Greg James.
Dash for Cash - Transit Race:
- 1st Prize - Steel de Breeze $500
- 2nd Prize - Sante $350
- 3rd Prize - Selkie $150
Quokka Run - Cruising Division:
- 1st Miss Saigon
- 2nd Scaramouche
- 3rd Grey Douglas
Captain Back Pilot Boat Challenge:
In addition to the two main races and the cruising division, the Festival included the 'Captain Back - Pilot Boat Challenge'. A key Rottnest historical figure - Captain Edward Back, Rottnest's first Pilot, lends his name to a fun sailing event commencing in front of the old Boat Shed in Thomson Bay. Representatives from the winning yachts, captained six small optimist boats, usually sailed by children, in a short race in Thomson Bay. With no rules the winner was the first to run through the finish line at the old boat shed.
The Rottnest Foundation would like to thank its Major Sponsor:
and Supporters:
- Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
- Rottnest Island Authority
- Rottnest Express
- Hotel Rottnest
- Peter Barblett
- Pelagic - Rottnest Barge
- Pemberley Wines
2012 Rottnest Island Volunteer Convention
In addition to the Festival of Sail Weekend, the Rottnest Foundation hosted a Volunteer Convention, held on the Sunday afternoon, 29 April 2012. The Convention saw representatives from the key volunteer groups that support Rottnest Island come together to obtain an update on major Island projects, and enjoy the opportunity to network and discuss ideas on how to achieve the goals of each organisation.
The Rottnest Foundation would like to acknowledge the support of the Perth Convention Bureau for this important annual event.
2011 Festival of Sail Results:
Rottnest Foundation Round the Island Race | Transit Race - Dash for Cash |
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