Frankston Victoria- 07 to 11th November 2006

Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby today won the Australian Championships with a convincing lead of 14 points at the F18 Australian Championships. The fleet of 30 boats enjoyed excellent wind conditions seeing a full series completed.  Wind gusts reaching 25knots tested all abilities whilst the four seasons of Melbourne were experienced over the four day series. 

Bundock and Ashby on the Nissan Hobie Cat competed against a tight competition from the fleet. The team had a comfortable lead coming into the final day of racing though 1st place was not secure. Mark Laruffa with Crew Daniel Sums in second position and Steve Brewin with Crew Andrew Williams in third, battled with Bundock & Ashby though were unable to overcome the Nissan Hobie Cat team within the final day of racing and held their consecutive positions.

Ashby no stranger to the F18 Australian Championships has won the regatta in 2004, 2005 and now 2006. Previous wins Ashby skippered his way to victory though this year he partnered Olympic Tornado team member Darren Bundock.

Ashby commented “Fantastic to be able to win for the third consecutive year! We had an excellent regatta with some good competition.

The regatta provided both Bundock and Ashby first-rate training leading to the 2007 World Championships in Yeppoon, Queensland in February which will attract the top catamaran sailors from Australian and International waters.