SB20 Australian Championship at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron - Day 1
by Colleen Darcey 3 Mar 2016 06:52 GMT
3-6 March 2016
Red and Karabos on day 1 of the SB20 Australian Championship © Colleen Darcey
The Tasmanian contingent got off to a fantastic start on day one of the 2016 SB20 Australian Championships, hosted by the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron on Port Phillip Bay, Victoria.
PRO Kevin Wilson briefed the fleet at 10 am on the details of the 11-race regatta, with two races scheduled for the first day and three each day thereafter. Race one got underway at 1pm with an individual recall for Glenn Bourke (Red) and Nic Bez (A-Play). The reigning SB20 Australian champion Bourke was made to pay, with the gate left open for the highly experienced and competitive Tasmanian sailors Michael Cooper (Export Roo); former Dragon world champion sailor Nick Rogers (Karabos), and well-known sailing identify and former Farr 40 Class skipper, Hughie Lewis (Nautilus Marine) finished first, second and third respectfully. Bourke finished in fourth place.
The forecast was for a 10 - 15 knot south to southeasterly and conditions were consistent with the forecast. Race two got underway in sunny conditions in a good breeze of 12-15 knots. During the top mark rounding, Michael Cooper (Export Roo) infringed on Glenn Bourke (Red) and took the penalty. Glenn Bourke (Red) went on to win the race, with Nick Rogers (Karabos) second and Michael Cooper (Export Roo) third.
Series results from two races sees Michael Cooper (Export Roo) leading from Nick Rogers (Karabos) on equal points closely followed by Bourke (Red) 1 point behind.
David Chapman from Export Roo said that they enjoyed today's conditions and were really happy with the race course set by PRO Wilson. Chapman stated that for tomorrow's race they will be looking to find their groove early to stay in phase with the fleet to maintain their lead. Chapman dedicated today's racing to his mentor Roger Hickman who passed this week.
In a show of respect for much-loved ocean racing yachtsman Roger Hickman, the fleet sailed with black ribbons, marking the incredible contribution of Roger to all forms of sailing in Australia.
Newly elected SB20 Australian Class President Stephen Catchpool from Tasmania acknowledged that Hickman was lost from the world of sailing far too soon.
"Roger was a well-respected and talented sailor who was a fixture of the Sydney to Hobart race scene. He offered many upcoming sailors the opportunity to join his crew and was a great supporter of increased female participation in sailing, which is something we are working on with the SB20 Class. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to Roger's family, friends and all in the sailing community," said Catchpool.
Three races are scheduled for Day Two of the regatta, with an earlier start of 10am.
Race results at www.bys.asn.au/2016-sb20-australian-nationals