The first race of the Winter Series was held on 2nd May 2009. The club also hosted the Freedom from MS Fund raising regatta supporting Sailability and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

There was a sea of red as everyone was dressed in a special MS Regatta T-shirt and received a goody bag. The sun was shining and the wind was a kind 8-12 knots from the South. The competition was so strong a number of boats were racing before Dobbie’s horn sounded. We saw 24 boats competing in a one race regatta over a short course.

MS Regatta organisers supplied trophies to the winners which were determined by yardstick which gave Under 18’s 1st place to Adam Mariani (Take Aim - Sabot), 2nd Jessica Shore (Wallie – Laser Radial), and 3rd went to Samantha Rose (C.J.- Sabot). The senior winners were 1st Martin Stone (Sailboard), 2nd (Sailboard) and 3rd was Thomas Koch (Wings – Laser Radial).

The entry fee of $10 from each boat for this special event was donated by DAC to the participating charities. A number of competitors raised lots of money for sponsorship of their boats. With the assistance of a bucket, Phil Rose managed to collect over $125 from those who ventured through the gates. He also managed to entice the rowing community to make a donation to the worthy cause.

Everyone agreed that it was a great day and the MS committee representatives thanked everyone from DAC that supported the event.

This will be a continuing event at DAC and next time we hope to hold the event during our Summer season of racing to entice a few more entrants.

Well done to all competitors!!