SB20 Australian Championship at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron - Overall
by Colleen Darcey 6 Mar 2016 07:37 GMT
3-6 March 2016
Bourke, Bulka & Jefferies crowned champions
Queensland's Glenn Bourke (helm), owner Robert Jefferies and Mark Bulka (Red) sailed a consistent and competitive regatta over the four day regatta taking the title from the Tasmanian crews of Nick Rogers, Col Dabner and Simon Burrows (Karabos) on 19 points and Michael Cooper, David Chapman and Matt Johnston (Export Roo) in third place on 19 points.
In what was a frustrating end to the championship event, Race Nine (the first of up to three races scheduled for the last day) was delayed 3.5 hours with PRO Kevin Wilson finally sending the fleet on its way just after 1.30pm. Before heading out a number of crews were keen to sail just the one race while others were keen for at least two races knowing that a drop after Race 10 would impact the final series standing.
Bourke was all class in Race Nine which started in very choppy conditions in 15 knots of breeze and an individual recall for Michael Cooper (Export Roo). Bourke gained a healthy lead on the first beat which he didn't relinquish for the rest of the race. Scott Brain (Ronald Young Builders) and Nick Rogers (Karabos) sailed a personal duel within the race with Brain holding out Rogers to take second place and Rogers third. Michael Cooper (Export Roo), who was sitting equal second with Rogers going into the final day's racing finished in fourth place.
PRO Kevin Wilson sent the fleet on their way for the final race of the regatta, Race 10.
Race 10 saw a clean start with Matthew Pilkington (Balios) leading the fleet to the top mark, closely followed by Bourke (Red) for a fast downwind run in strengthening conditions. Bourke regained the lead by the second lap to take out the last race of the series. Michael Cooper (Export Roo) finished second, with Matthew Pilkington (Balios) finishing a strong third.
Presentations were held at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron to finish off an excellent week of top quality racing. Along with presentations to the top three winners, a Corinthian prize for first non-professional crew was awarded to the crew of Ronald Young Builders, Scott Brain, Bill Lawrence and Michael Viney.
Overall Results:
1. Glenn Bourke (Red) 12pts
2. Nick Rogers (Karabos) 19pts
3. Michael Cooper (Export Roo) 19pts
4. Scott Brain (Ronald Young Builders) 30pts
5. Matt Pilkington (Balios) 40pts
6. Stephen Catchpool (Hypertronics) 47pts
7. Phil Reid (Mind Games) 54pts
8. Russell Rooney (Back of the Bus Boys) 62pts
9. Stephen Fries (WYSIWYG-VII) 66pts
10. Hughie Lewis (Nautilus Marine) 70.5pts
11. Andrew Smith (Fruit Machine) 71.5pts
12. Richard Fader (Sudden Impulse) 77pts
13. Mark Wolkenden (For Sale) 90pts
14. Nick Bez (A-Play) 94pts
15. Jan Talacko (Foreign Object) 99pts
Full race results are available at www.bys.asn.au/2016-sb20-australian-nationals