If you ventured onto the beach at Cape Hillsborough last weekend, you would have been greeted by a spectacular sea of sails as Mackay's Central Queensland Blokart Club (CQBC) hosted its thrilling annual regatta from September 8 to 10. Now in its 15th year, the CQBC Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta has solidified its status as one of the best and biggest blokarting event in Australia, attracting competitors from far and wide.
With participants hailing from Victoria, southeast Queensland, Capricornia, Whitsundays, and North Queensland, the regatta saw a total of twenty-one blokarts vying for supremacy on the sandy flats. The racing was fierce and exhilarating, as competitors navigated the challenging South to Southeast breeze, which ranged from nine knots to gusts reaching an impressive twelve to fifteen knots.
Throughout the weekend, a total of 16 races pushed these wind-powered racers to their limits, with points accumulating to determine the ultimate champions.
CQBC Founder David Moore noted that while this year saw slightly smaller numbers due to simultaneous sailing events and cost of living pressures, the regatta still delivered an unforgettable day of sailing action for all participants.
The competition featured two classes: the Production class, which mandates using blokarts as they come from the factory, and the Performance class, allowing for customisation of rigging, the use of stiffer carbon-fibre mast sections, and a streamlined Pod to reduce air resistance. Various weight categories ensured that the racing remained competitive, regardless of weather conditions.
The 15th Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta proved once again that blokarting is not just a sport but an exhilarating passion shared by enthusiasts from all corners of the country, promising an exciting future for this high-speed event.
The winners were awarded after 16 races over three days. Photo supplied
Blokart action on Cape Hillsborough Beach. Photo credit: Amanda Wright