The Sailing Cruising Group put on an impressive show with 16 sailboats making the journey to Canaipa. Unfortunately, the wind failed to read the sailing instructions and barely showed up on Saturday, forcing many proud sailors to commit the unthinkable… starting their engines. Yes, several yachts temporarily became powerboats, though we’re assured it was only a phase.

Meanwhile, the Power Cruising Group fielded a formidable fleet of two boats, both crewed by ex-sailors who have well and truly crossed to the dark side. With numbers like that, traditional favourites such as cricket and tug-of-war were deemed wildly unfair, so the organisers wisely pivoted to less physically demanding games that everyone could enjoy.

Thongs, Glory, and Measuring Tapes

Proceedings kicked off with the time-honoured Australian event: The Greatest Aussie Tosser aka thong throwing. Events included longest throw and closest to the pin, with fierce competition demanding very serious judging.

• Men’s longest throw saw Arvy from Sensation absolutely send it, launching his thong over an impressive 45 metres, a throw that may still be travelling.
• Women’s longest throw was claimed by Suzie from Ocean Serenity, proving technique beats brute force every time.