The Australian Hobie Series 2 kicked off the 2025 sailing season with an unforgettable regatta, delivering intense racing and unpredictable weather that challenged sailors across multiple Hobie classes. Held over three days, the regatta featured 23 Hobie 14s, 12 Hobie 14 Turbos, 11 Hobie 16 Women and Youth teams, 4 Hobie Dragoons, and 2 Hobie Tiger and Wild Cats, marking an exciting return after the New Year break.
The first day set a blistering pace with six races for the Hobie 14, Hobie 14 Turbo, and Hobie 16 Women and Youth classes. Race officials took advantage of light wind forecasts, maximising races, a decision that paid off as winds lightened further over the following three days, allowing only two races the next day. One the following day . With four races on the final day. The Hobie Dragoon fleet completed 11 races, while the Hobie Tiger and Wild Cat teams competed in seven races.
Despite the light winds, spirits remained high. When calm weather stalled racing on the final day, competitors, led by Geof Rowden, turned beach wheels into makeshift go-carts, entertaining spectators and ensuring fun off the water.
HOBIE 14
The Hobie 14 fleet was stacked with talent, including current World Champion Paddy Butler and his father, former Hobie 16 World Champion Mick Butler. A premature start in the final race cost Mick valuable points, opening the door for Rod Waterhouse to secure second place. Paddy ultimately clinched his first Hobie 14 National Championship. With Mick Butler in third place.
HOBIE 14 TURBO
Andrew Webster dominated the Hobie 14 Turbo class, winning 10 of the 13 races and discarding a fourth and third-place finish to claim the championship. Tim Tutt of Victoria and Craig Hatton from New South Wales rounded out the podium.
HOBIE 16 WOMEN AND YOUTH
In the Women’s division, Michelle Bursa and Emily Chiu narrowly overcame strong competition from Queensland sisters Carmen and Haylie Andrews, with Emma Morris and Naomi Chiu finishing third. In the Youth category, Matilda Morris and Abi Beddoe edged out Lachy Owen and Elisabeth Smith, while Jake Cassano and Hector Labat took third.
HOBIE DRAGOON
The Hobie Dragoon division saw fierce competition among Somers Yacht Club sailors. Finn and Liz Charpentier claimed victory by winning the final race, narrowly defeating Luca Twist and Henry Hutchinson. Eli Crabb and Lachlan Ross took third.
HOBIE TIGER AND WILD CAT
Phil and Caitlyn Epps won the opening race in the Hobie Tiger and Wild Cat class, but it was Peter Manley and Stefan Ochsenbein who dominated the rest of the series, securing the overall championship title.
Congratulations to all competitors, and a heartfelt thank you to race officials, volunteers, and supporters who made the event possible.
Results Photos
