Sport

Wild on the water

Photo: Russell Witt

DURING February, conditions on Lake Cootharaba were some of the wildest seen in many years.

The first two weeks saw strong wind warnings on a regular basis and the waters whipped up to resemble a washing machine.

Wind speeds frequently gusted in excess of 25 knots, at times reaching gale force (in excess of 34 knots).

A 47-knot gust was recorded by the club’s weather station on February 4.

Needless to say, this curtailed sailing activities for most and club racing scheduled for February 6 was cancelled.

But some reveled in the conditions. Windsurfers dusted off their small boards and sails and took to the lake with a display of some spectacular action - at one stage joined in blasting back and forth across the lake by a Hawaiian sailing canoe.

Conditions abated, but only slightly, for the Queensland Moth dinghy state championships scheduled for February 12-13.

The regatta went ahead, but with only six entrants. There was some spectacular action, but the conditions and attrition of competitors through gear failure took their toll and the Moths are keen to return to the lake continue their battle on another day.

Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club has several more regattas scheduled this season, including the Javelin State Titles (March 5-6), Easter Allboats Regatta (April 15-17), and the May Weekend Regatta (April 30 – May 1).

The Easter Regatta includes the state titles for the spectacular A-Class catamarans, the fastest single-handed small catamarans in the world.

Russell Witt

Rhys and Mitchell proudly holding their medals

DOLPHINS ON THE PODIUM

SIX Cooroy Dolphins swim club athletes competed at the 2022 Qld Swimming Sprint Championships in February, achieving many seasonal best times and some even made the finals - which are top-10 placings in Queensland.

Senior swimmers Rhys Bailey and Mitchell Warren excelled, with Rhys swimming a massive personal best time to claim bronze in the 17-yo boys 50m butterfly.

Mitchell meanwhile took out silver in the boys 17-yo 50m backstroke, both boys under the guidance and mentorship of head coach Andrew Cowan.

“The lads are consistently putting in the effort when it counts, and we are always working on ways to effectively develop the stroke,” Cowan said.

“If we can fine-tune them both physically and mentally while keeping our composure in the big competitions, the results will take care of themselves.

“It’s great to see kids coming through the ranks: it means the programs are working and it’s exciting to see the talent grow from the grass roots into the higher performance squads,” Cowan explained.

Cooroy Dolphins Swimming club operates from Noosa District High School’s pool in Cooroy.

Club nights are held once a week during summer (terms 4 and 1). It is always welcoming new swimmers to come-and-try nights with very little experience needed.

The club can be contacted on cooroydolphins@gmail.com

All swimming lessons and squads are operated by Andrew and Georgina of Cowan Taylor Aquatics. If you have any questions regarding learn to swim or squad training contact cowantayloraqutics@live.com.au

TENNIS

Social Cooroy Tennis Club offer Social Tennis three days a week. There is no need to book in advance, simply show up to meet new people and enjoy tennis. Tuesday and Thursday mornings 7.309am, Sunday evening 6-8pm. Members $3, Non Members $6. Contact Ian Garvey 0409 581 870, Dorelle Goldsworthy 0403 737 183 or Lyn Barker 0439 648 407 for more information. Coaching All Play Tennis Academy runs a comprehensive tennis coaching program at the Club. We have something for all ages and levels. James Webber is the Club’s professional coach. Contact James 0473 569 501 or admin@allplaytennis.com.au