RGYC Sailors Shine at Twofold Bay Yacht Club’s 2025 Regatta

The 2025 Australian Fireball Championships were held at Twofold Bay Yacht Club from February 13-16, with seven Royal Geelong Yacht Club crews making the trip to Eden, NSW, to compete against some of the best in the class.

Despite the excitement leading into the event, the weather had other plans, with gale warnings forcing the abandonment of two out of the four scheduled race days. The regatta, initially set for ten races, was reduced to just two, both held in light winds with a following swell and outgoing tide—challenging conditions for even the most experienced sailors.

International competitors, including the current Fireball World Champions from the UK, made for tough competition, but RGYC sailors put on a stellar performance. Brendan Garner and Ben O’Brien secured second place overall and were awarded the 2025 Australian Fireball Championship title as the first Aussie boat. RGYC stalwarts Heather McFarlane and Chris Payne rounded out the podium in third place.

RGYC was well represented across the fleet:
🏆 Australian National Champions – Brendan Garner & Ben O’Brien (2nd overall)
🏆 Handicap Division Winners – Addy Bucek & Peter James (9th overall)
🏆 Bombay Bowl – 1st Youth Skipper (U25) – Ben Garner & Sam Williamson (10th overall)
⭐ Classic Boat Division Winner – Myles Gavin & Bruno Lanati (7th overall)
⭐ Susannah Gilliam & Andrew Butler – 8th overall
⭐ Nick & Simon Gunner – 13th overall
⭐ Georgia Delaney & Conall Green – 15th overall

While the racing was limited, the camaraderie and hospitality at Twofold Bay Yacht Club were second to none. The club’s volunteers put on a world-class event, with fantastic meals and a welcoming atmosphere that made the regatta a great experience both on and off the water.

Congratulations to all our RGYC sailors on an outstanding regatta! 🚀⛵

Pictured (LEFT): Ben O’Brien & Brendan Garner | Pictured (RIGHT): RGYC Crew with Robyn Malcom, AKA “Drew’s Mum“