Race Report - Saturday 26 April 2025

Anzac Weekend Sprints

The predicted rain held off and produced a fine final racing day of the season with a stable 8-12 knot north-easterly breeze kicking in just in time for the first start.  22 Lasers participated in five 25-minute races with a slowly building incoming tide.  We made two changes to help with congestion: ILCA 7's starting one minute ahead of 6's and 4's and an extended offset at the top mark which provided a short reach before the run.  All races were close affairs with tactical challenges of selecting the best upwind routes, balancing pressure, shifts and which end of the gate to round.  Ten starts and no general recalls (maybe the slight tide helped?).  In the ILCA 7's, Zander Bijkerk chalked up most of the wins, challenged closely by Healy Ryan and Rod Barnes.  Sara Bruce had a great day in the ILCA 6's with various close challengers including Charlie Byford, Katie Hugh and Peter Heywood.  Charlotte Jenkins and Raphael McLachlan in the LICA 4s had a sensational photo-finish in one race (we think Charlotte pipped it), before opting to sail off into the distance for a while.

All sailors safely ashore by 4:20pm with no capsizes, plenty of smiles and a few final beverages.  A short break now before the Winter series commences!

The team in the RIBs were Jason Wilkins and Ben Byford in the Bergman and Max Djura and Patrick Black in the new Paul Adam.  Thanks to the canteen team of Shirley, Paul assisted by Kerryn Smith and Tim Heath. 

-by Jason Wilkins PRO