Their arrival was made even more special by the welcome awaiting them on the dock, with Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Dr Jeannette Young ac psm, Squadron Patron Professor Graeme Nimmo rfd and Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn all there to congratulate the crew. Consistency proved the winning formula for Balancing Act, taking out the ORCi, PHS and Double-Handed divisions after making smart tactical decisions throughout the race. As PHS division winners, Balancing Act became the first recipients of the event’s unique perpetual trophy: an authentic tug bell generously donated by Pacific Tug Group, which is sure to become one of the race’s most sought-after honours in the years ahead. Anton Prange (far right, above) and the crew aboard Ignition quickly became crowd favourites, making the decision to join the unofficial ‘Race to the Party Division’ by choosing to motor into Bundaberg to make it in time for the Saturday afternoon party ashore. They ensured the race village had its very first arrivals and plenty of stories to tell. They weren’t alone, with Not Guilty and Not a Diamond making the practical decision to head for the celebrations too, rather than remaining becalmed offshore. It certainly became one of the talking points of the inaugural race! Balancing Act’s Skipper Tony Craner (blue shirt) receives the inaugural Pacific Tug Group perpetual trophy from Bundaberg Port Marina General Manager Brett Hensler. Anton and his ‘was there ever any doubt?’ Ignition crew were determined to not let the lack of wind get in the way of kicking-off the arrival party celebrations! Not Guilty’s Skipper Jamie Renwick received his arrival certification from a reinvigorated RQYS Commodore Curtis Skinner. Background: It wasn’t all ‘plain sailing’ as this rainbow- and wind-blessed scene captured by Mike Middleton attests! 43 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook Mainsheet 2026 Brisbane to Bundaberg Offshore Race Report
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