Unashamedly this article is an homage to SoPYC, its incredible on-water race management, off-water organisational skills, and hospitality. From 29 December 2023 through to 4 January 2024, SoPYC was the home of the MPS Windsurfer 2023 World Championship. An international regatta attracting the highest caliber of competitors from around the world, including former Olympic medalists and past World Champions.  

The Club’s professionalism organising and hosting regattas was evident and on display at the MPS Windsurfer 2023 World Championship. The effort, dedication, and ability of the SoPYC team over the duration of the event was second to none, never seeking praise, a cursory pat-on-the-back sufficed.  

Commencing with the confidence of the Management Committee to commit to hosting the event, to RO Les Swinton and RC Christina Heydon and their amazing band of volunteers, to the OWG duo of Matt and Tait, the Food and Beverage staff, and the Office Administration dynamic pair of Dani and Rachael, we should be very proud of our Club.  

Competitor event registration marked Day 1 (of 7), followed by an evening Opening Ceremony, with guest speaker the Hon. Richard Court AC, the stage was set for a memorable regatta. With over 250 competitors from 14 countries, SoPYC was a cauldron of culture and languages. The Windsurfer LT, one design class, moto of 50% fair racing and 50% social fun (and why not) moved into Day 2, the first day of racing. 

Racing: Day 1 

With two course races completed in the morning session in some tricky south-easterly conditions the afternoon session moved to Ladies Slalom and Light Weight Men’s Slalom heats.  

Racing: Day 2  

Two morning course races in moderate 10-12 knots conditions were followed by two afternoon course races in more challenging 18-20 knots winds. But the real challenge was to follow, negotiating the SoPYC New Year’s Eve party attended by over 650 members, guests, and windsurfers. 

Racing: Day 3  

The Marathon Race, and what a race it was. With a start line of around 250 competitors straddling a start line of around 1 km, it was a sight not seen on the Swan River since the last Windsurfer World Championships in 1984. 

Racing: Day 4 

All Slalom, racing over two courses close to shore ensured all heats were completed and class winners capped. Racing at SoPYC would not be complete without a show from our resident dolphins, although initially mistaken for sharks by some out-of-towners.  

Racing: Day 5 

The completion of three morning course races meant competitors were able to drop two results. The afternoon was topped off with some fun and entertaining freestyling at the end of Jetty 1 in some gusty conditions.   

Racing: Day 6 

The final day of racing was reserved for the Super Slalom, best of the best from all classes competed for an outright winner. Again, close to the shore racing entertained the enthusiastic onshore crowd. The afternoon presentation ceremony was exceptionally well attended by competitors, family, volunteers, and guests. 

One competitor suitably summed up the regatta with the words, “there are not many yacht clubs that can host a regatta of this size”. On a final note, thank you to all our Club event sponsors Tom & Amy Purdon, David and Heidi Miller, Mark Nicholas, John Stallwood, Stuart Fysh, Heather and Graeme Monkhouse, Amanda Watson, Robert Burns, and Josh Teh. The success of the event was contingent upon their financial support, thank you. 

A final note of congratulations from the Commodore: The MPS Windsurfer 2023 World Championship was a spectacular success. From Myself, The Flag Officers, Management Committee and Members, I wish to thank all involved from the Organizing Committee, Sponsors, Race Officials, Volunteers, and Staff who organised and executed a very successful world-class regatta. I would like to thank Vice Patron, Life Member, Past Commodore and Chair of the World Windsurfer Organising Committee, Les Swinton who took on so much of the workload. Yes, the Club did it! We should all be very proud of this fabulous achievement

For all MPS Windsurfer 2023 World Championship regatta results, click on the following link: https://legacy.sopyc.com.au/windsurfer-worlds-2023/