Geographe Bay Yacht Club, Busselton, Western Australia
The 53rd Australian Hobie Championships Series 1 for the Hobie 16 class got underway in spectacular fashion in Busselton, Western Australia, with Geographe Bay Yacht Club proudly hosting the event. The Australian Hobie Championships rotate annually between states, and in 2025, it was Western Australia’s turn to welcome competitors from around the country.
Busselton is renowned for its sailing conditions, particularly the famous “Fremantle Doctor” — a strong, reliable sea breeze that typically builds through the afternoon during the summer months. Combined with the vast, open waters of Geographe Bay and the iconic Busselton Jetty as a backdrop, the venue provided a fitting stage for one of Australia’s premier Hobie events.
Day 1
The opening day of racing presented a real challenge for sailors, testing patience and tactical skills. Competitors were greeted with extremely light and shifty conditions in the morning, with winds coming from the north and constantly changing in both strength and direction. Race management worked diligently to get racing underway despite the difficult conditions.
The afternoon session brought a welcome improvement as a southwest breeze filled in, allowing racing to continue under far more stable conditions and giving sailors a taste of what Geographe Bay is known for.
Day 2
Day two delivered exactly what Busselton promised, with the Fremantle Doctor arriving with real authority. Sailors were treated to a big day on the water, with three races completed in the morning session, followed by another two races in the afternoon.
The stronger, more consistent breeze allowed the fleet to stretch their legs and put speed, boat handling, and endurance to the test. With five races completed in a single day, the regatta was brought back on schedule and momentum firmly established as the championship progressed.
Day 3
With an unstable and gusty southeasterly breeze sweeping across the race course, sailors were pushed to their limits from the outset. Shifting wind angles and sudden pressure increases demanded constant concentration, quick decision-making, and precise boat handling. Those who read the conditions best and adapted on the fly were rewarded, while even small mistakes were quickly exposed in the challenging conditions.
Day 4 and the final day
A light Northwest breeze greeted the sailors on the last day of competition. Cam Owen and Suzzi Ghent headed into the final day with a 15-point lead. With consistent sailing in the difficult conditions, Cam Owen and Suzzi Ghent maintained their lead and won the 53rd Australian Hobie 16 Championships
Hobie 16 Overall Champions
Cam Owen and Suzzi Ghent
Grand Masters Division
Darren Smith and Claire Bisgood
Great Grand Masters Division
Kevin Inder-smith and Michael Verrall
Masters Division
Cam Owen and Suzzi Ghent
Overall Results
Hobie 16 Divisions
📘 IHCA Facebook:
Event Photography
The regatta has been superbly captured by Down Under Sail, with hundreds of high-quality photographs showcasing both the on-water action and the atmosphere ashore. The images reflect the intensity of racing, the conditions sailors faced, and the camaraderie that defines Hobie events.
📸 Photo gallery:
📘 Facebook:
A big thank you to Down Under Sail for making the photos available so quickly after racing and for their excellent coverage throughout the event.
A big thank you to the sponsors
📘 Australian Hobie Class Facebook:
