Catamarans clash for titles

While Safety Bay Yacht Club took a break from sailing over Christmas, members were busy preparing for this week's Windrush Catamaran Association of WA State Championships.

Association president Rob Thompson said he encouraged visitors to the Safety Bay foreshore to look out for a colourful display of sails on the water over the nine-day event, which began on Saturday and will continue until this Saturday.

"Our membership spreads from Geraldton and Carnarvon to Esperance and Albany," he said.

"Yachts are competing in four classes and will attract local and country visitors to the yacht club.

"The event has been gaining a lot of attention from locals and tourists, which is a fantastic result for the sport."

The association holds its State titles alternately between country and city yacht clubs.

Last year, the event was held at Princess Royal Yacht Club in Albany and SBYC is excited to be hosting the 2016 event, which will see 18 yachts compete.

Club member and current State champion in the 14ft cat class Keith Saw said it was a great opportunity to mix with talented sailors from all over the State.

"I'm looking forward to some keen competition in some of Safety Bay's famous sea breezes," he said.

"We didn't get off to a flying start on Sunday as we faced a light south-easterly, which swung around to a south-westerly breeze.

"We saw better conditions on Monday afternoon with two back-to-back races held in a good 17-knot south-westerly breeze."

For more information, see the yacht club's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/safetybay yachtclub.