Regatta Report - NSW & ACT State Championships Youth, Open & Masters

Campbell Patton and Healy Ryan showing good form. All photos by Craig Ryan.

Wangi RSL Amateur Sailing Club, Wangi, Nsw

Ian Tudball reports:

Wangi is an incredibly friendly and special venue for a State Title, which was confirmed by the large entry list of 122 boats in all divisions, from 4 different states. Not many venues can boast a lush lawn rigging area only metres from the waters edge, with a club house run by friendly volunteers, and coupled with the adjoining RSL Club that pumps out live Rock’n’roll music and a good range of food.

A total of 36 DBSC members attended the regatta, 28 of whom store their boats at the Club, many rely on Club trailers and dollies to transport their boats. Dave Newman did an awesome job in managing boat transport and accommodation, whilst dedicated parents of youth sailors made their own contributions for youth sailors to attend.

The first 2 races on Saturday were sailed in perfect 18 knot breezes gusting over 20 knots. Reaches were exhilarating. Race 3 was the tricky one as the breeze suddenly disappeared to 1-2 knots just when the 4.7’s were due to start. The breeze quietly built to 8 knots during this windward work for all Classes, but a massive wind swing meant some boats could never recover.

Sadly, the forecast for light winds on Sunday was correct and by 1:30 pm on Sunday there was no sign of a consistent breeze to race in. As luck would have it, the breeze came in at 8 knots, 10 minutes after racing was called off for the day. It was therefore a 3-race regatta with no drops.

The result sheet yet again confirmed that the top sailors consistently do well in all conditions, and it was a top effort by our sailors Sylvie Stannage in the ‘6’s and Campbell Patton in the ‘7’s to defend their Titles in the overall categories. Zac Howell was 1 st overall in the 4.7’s. DBSC sailors excelled in all the different categories, and it was one of the club’s most successful performances in terms of both number of attendees and results.

It was a fun regatta, and it did have its amusing moments. The best story was Michael Morris working hard in Race 1 only to capsize and lose valuable time righting his boat. The dark side of the story is he had the dorsal fin of a bull shark slowly circling him, moving closer and closer to speed him on his way.

(above) DBSC’s ILCA-4 sailors in action

Special mention must be made for retiring NSW ILCA Chairperson, Kevin Phillips and his wife, Sue who have coordinated our NSW regattas for many years. Their contribution to the Class has been massive, and they have always been so helpful and friendly.

Thank you also to Craig Ryan and Ben Byford for RIB support, and posting photos on our WhatsApp site, and to Commodore Steve London for always ensuring the Club is well represented at regattas including providing DBSC attire for our sailors.

(above) Racing in the ILCA-6’s was close

(below) DBSC’s ILCA-7 sailors in action

Campbell Patton retains the trophy for ILCA 7 State Champion

Results for DBSC sailors are as follows. Full results are HERE. and for more photos, including presentations, please check the members’ WhatsApp group.