2012 Multihull Rendezvous an unforgettable success

The 2012 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was a spectacular success and confirmed what most boaties now believe: more hulls simply means more fun!

Staged from August 27 – September 2, the event saw more than 50 participants from all over Australia gather on 15 multihulls, ranging in size from the 28’ Corsair trimaran, Good Times, through to the Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 sailing catamaran, Serengeti.

The Whitsundays provided postcard-perfect weather for this year’s Multihull Rendezvous with powder-blue skies, warm sunshine and starry nights creating the ultimate backdrop to a week of sailing and social action.  Humpback whales, dolphins and dugongs made frequent appearances to the delight of the entrants.

It was clear from the first night’s Welcome Function at Sorrento’s Restaurant in Airlie Beach that the event was set to be memorable. Skippers introduced their crews in a very entertaining atmosphere as the events ‘characters’ made themselves known.

The first day of sailing commenced from the front of Coral Sea jetty with all multihulls enjoying a pleasant downwind sail to Cape Gloucester Eco Resort. Sunglasses were then donned as the “Hawaiian Shirt Beach Party” created a blaze of colour for an afternoon of complimentary drinks and nibbles.  After witnessing whales breaching against a perfect sunset, the group was treated to a magnificent gourmet dinner at the resort’s restaurant, followed by the day’s presentations and live entertainment and dancing well into the night.

A few strong coffees were brewed on the second morning of the event, and all entrants were grateful for the scheduled lay day. After reaching Stonehaven anchorage, the participants took advantage of the sensational weather to snorkel, sightsee, sail and simply relax.  At sunset, the Multihull Solutions opened its committee boat, the Fountaine Pajot Salina 48, for inspection and refreshments, before all retired for a tranquil evening at anchor.

Revived and raring to go on Thursday morning, the fleet set sail for Whitehaven Beach. Many of the multihulls took their time to absorb the world famous scenery, stopping at Hill Inlet to visit the lookout and enjoy a swim at Betty’s Beach.  The highly anticipated annual Prawn and Punch party kicked off at 4.00pm on Whitehaven Beach, and the group set new standards in fun with coconut bocce and other beach games fuelled by Multihull Solutions’ secret punch recipe.  

With a strong southerly change predicted for Saturday morning, the fleet made a decision to head to the shelter of Cid Harbour. The whales were in force to be entertained by the event’s famous Figurehead Competition. Competition was fierce as each boat cruised past the committee vessel displaying their best ‘figurehead’, and the crew of Savannah took victory with their hilarious costumes and song and dance routine.  Celebrations and award presentations were held aboard Multihull Solutions’ committee vessel.

While the southerly wind did blow in overnight, the fleet rested comfortably at Cid Harbour then set off for a leisurely sail to Hamilton Island. Once berthed in the marina, the final night’s celebrations kicked off with sunset cocktails at the picturesque One Tree Hill lookout, followed by a fabulous ‘70s-themed party at the island’s Outrigger Restaurant on Catseye Beach. After a gourmet buffet, presentations and final awards were announced, with overall results calculated on a rigorous scientific formula that considered crews’ sailing performance, costumes, fun factor and enthusiasm in embracing the spirit of the Rendezvous.

The overall winner of the 2012 Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous was Hanuman, Val and Alex Lawson aboard their Fountaine Pajot Athena 38, who were awarded the perpetual trophy along with two night’s accommodation on Hamilton Island. They were followed in second place by Paul and Marg Dougherty aboard their Corsair 28, Good Times 2, and taking third place was Warwick and Chris Conlon, and Alex and Pat Johnston, aboard their Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36, Neko.   The crew of Hanuman also scooped the prize for Biggest Fish Caught, while the Bovill and Russel crew aboard their Lagoon 420, Serenity, was awarded the Best Gourmet Meal Cooked Underway.

After such an enjoyable week, many participants chose to continue cruising for a few more days, while others reluctantly headed home to reality. 

The event was hailed a magnificent success, and Multihull Solutions gratefully acknowledges the support of this year’s sponsors: Sorrento’s Restaurant, Bunkers Wines, Cape Gloucester Eco Resort, Hamilton Island, and Abel Point Marina. The company also thanks Abel Point Yacht Club for assisting in the organisation of the event.

Enquiries are already being received for the 2013 Multihull Rendezvous, which will be staged from 2-8 September.