Having already been named the Victorian Sailor of the Year, Mark Bulka capped off 2025 by winning his first Impulse National Title at Altona over Christmas.
Bulka piloted his boat ‘Shaky Knees’ to five victories in the regatta held from 27 December to 3 January, to win the title ahead of Peter Kemp from Beaumaris
Yacht Club in second and Queenslander Dave Harrison in third.
While it was Bulka’s first national title, the winning skipper said it was another first that made the victory extra special.
“For me, sailing the same regatta with my son, but for the first time in competition with each other, means a lot,” Bulka said, adding that conditions were challenging.
“The breeze on day two was juicy with the big waves plus close racing and a good size fleet of 46 boats.”
The regatta coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Australia Impulse Association and Altona Yacht Club Commodore, Paul Lindemann said it lived up to the occasion.
“It was a great regatta with varying wind conditions,” Mr Lindemann said before thanking the club members who helped make it possible.
“Thankyou to our canteen volunteers, shore crew, powerboat crew and race committee.
“There is a great community culture at Altona Yacht Club with many new faces getting involved in the many facets of what make a great club.”
Altona Yacht Club will again provide sailing training for both children and adults each Saturday morning from 31 January to 28 March.
Inquiries: training@altonayachtclub.org.au
