The 54-foot blue water cruiser Calypso was the sole boat visiting Eden’s Twofold Bay after encountering steering troubles. 

“They had some steering issues was the main problem and the skipper had a family issue and flew out the next morning,” Twofold Bay Yacht Club secretary Robyn Malcolm said. 

The team were presented the local yacht club’s ‘Lump of Wood’ trophy as the first – and only – boat pulling in to port, but the crew were in high spirits also accepting a take-home plastic trophy.

“The skipper who came in did say they were never in the running for the silverware at Hobart so accepting some plastic [trophy] in Eden was a nice consolation,” she said with a laugh. 

“They had it on the table outside on display the next morning, they had a little giggle about it.”

Ms Malcolm said they were able to fix their issues and set sail again about 10am the next morning. 

“They retired the race, but continued on to Hobart once they had it sorted.”

Boats raced out wider to catch some wind against otherwise mild near-shore conditions, but the retiring crew said sailors had been “having a great time” in fairly calm seas.

Tasmanian boat Alive was presented the handicap win on Sunday morning – two days after finishing the race – but it was a close second for the all-female crew of Wild Oats X who caused a great stir for female sailors around the world. 

Ms Malcolm said it was wonderful as a woman-sailor to see the crew do so well.

Their second time competing in the event with the 65-footer, the crew even bested the 100-foot super maxi Wild Oats XI on handicap. 

Ms Malcolm said radio crew and volunteers were delighted with the smooth sailing. 

“We were able to sleep,” she laughed. “We were still up at midnight to check the radios and we followed procedure, but it was less stressful.”

In other sailing news, the Twofold Bay Yacht Club racing returns soon with Tuesday afternoon lessons returning with everyone welcome.