Cape Hillsborough will be a sea of sails when Mackay’s Central Queensland Blokart Club (CQBC) holds its annual regatta from September 8 to 10.
Returning to the sandy flats for the 15th year, the CQBC Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta has become the second biggest blokarting event in Australia, welcoming competitors from Victoria, southeast Queensland, Capricornia, Whitsundays and north Queensland.
With strong links to sailing, blokarting is a rapidly growing sport that involves maneuvering a wind-powered, three-wheeled kart along the hard, sandy expanses of the beach, following similar rules and format to yacht racing.
CQBC President and Founder David Moore grew up sailing yachts in New Zealand and discovered the sport after moving to Mackay and working in waterskiing and catamaran sailing on Brampton Island.
“It’s my love of sailing that put me there,” Mr Moore said.
“As I got older, I was getting a little bit old for getting out on these high-speed yachts.
“Blokarting is what we call armchair sailing; you’re sitting in a seat with a seat belt and helmet on.
“You’ll find a lot of blokarters are retired people because you can still do your sailing, but you can do it without wearing yourself out with old age.”
Competitors will race two configurations of kart - production class and performance class - across four weight divisions for each configuration.
16 races will be held over the weekend, with an accumulation of points to determine the champions.
Operating under Marine Park Permits and Public Liability Insurance, Mr Moore encouraged the public to come along and have a look as he aims to get more people involved in the club.
“The public can bring a chair with them, sit under a gazebo, watch us silly buggers run around the track, be in the shade and have a day out,” he said.
There will also be a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available for purchase, with all money raised going back into the club.
Local blokarters will then travel to Yeppoon in February 2024 where National Titles are being held.
WHAT: CQBC 15th Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta
WHEN: September 8 to 10
WHERE: Cape Hillsborough
This is a free event.
David Moore founded the Central Queensland Blokart Club 18 years ago. Photo supplied
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