Kioni sweeps Queenscliff Cup and Commodore’s Trophy 2025

Easter 2025 provided an array of variable weather reducing the planned five race series for the annual Queenscliff Cup and the female helm two race Commodore’s Trophy to a two race event.

Saturdy 19 April. QCYC Club Captain Mike Phelan with the assistance of the QLYC race officials on board their race management vessel Swan, got the fleet away for the first short race in light winds with Ian Staley on Dreamcatcher taking out victory.

Race 2 followed, a longer passage event run by QLYC, with Dreamcatcher well settled in their groove leaping to the lead. However failing winds and adverse tides forced an abandonment of the race and no more sailing for the day.

Sunday 20 April, Race 3 was the women’s turn to take up the helm to contest the Commodore’s Trophy. Local QCYC member, Kate Suter, a KISS program graduate from 2023, seized the opportunity to helm the family boat Kioni and took out the PHS honours.

Race 4 was to follow, but with a forecast of deteriorating weather and warnings of significant lightning, this race too was abandoned.

Monday 21 April had been scheduled for a possible resail, but with a weather forecast predicting a brisk 20-30k southerly change at 1000hrs, the regatta came to a close.

Congratulations to the ”Kioni family” who pulled off the double, winning both the Queenscliff Cup with Rob Dott on the helm placing second in the first race and backed up by partner Kate Suter’s win in the second race, the Commodore’s Trophy female helm race.

Dreamcatcher from RYCV, despite good early form, placed second in the Queenscliff Cup overall, followed by Karina (David Gibson) from HBYC placing third. Julianne Gibson took out second in the Commodore’s trophy.

For an adventurous crew, a special Determination Award went to Eugenie Virster and Daria Mikhaylova on board Sea Dog. And dogged they were with a DNS (non starter) for the first race and a DNF (non finisher) for the second race, but they were all beaming smiles at the presentation for the recogntion of their efforts.

Commodore Hugh Pilsworth and Robb Dott

Thanks to Club Captain Mike Phelan and the QLYC race management for putting on the event under trying circumstances. Here’s to fair winds and following seas for next year!

Eugenie Virster and Daria Mikhaylova

Commodore and Ian Staley

Commodore and Julianne Gibson

Commodore and Kate Sutter