|
2007 NSW State Titles The 2007 NSW State Titles were held over Easter at the Sydney Flying Squadron, the club which will host the 2007-08 Nationals. Five boats attended the regatta, and whilst we had hoped for more boats, it still provided close and exciting racing. Importantly, thank you to the boats who came up from Victoria and ACT to be part of the event.Easter Friday (day 1) provided difficult conditions allowing only one short race to be held in a SE'er gusting to 30+ knots. Whilst there were some very fun rides,the damage amounted to 3 ripped sails and a broken centreboard. Muppet (Oliver and Greg) narrowly beat Lynx (Ben and Rob) in a tight race, with all other boats retiring prior to the start. Saturday (day 2) was looking to be a nicer day, although it was still blowing South at about 20 - 25 kts. Four boats started the first race of the day, although Dukes (Dave and Kate) retired early with a delaminating main sail, Extended Adolescence (Jamie and Todd) also retiring. There was again some close racing although due to some course confusion, all boats retired from the first race. The races were longer than on Friday, taking the fleet into the ferry channel and allowing for a greater spread through the fleet. This was not the case, however, with Muppet not far in front of Lynx and Ghost (Adam and Brett) not far behind that. The third race saw a change in leader with Lynx putting some distance on Muppet, followed by Ghost. Sunday (day 3) was somewhat lighter allowing all boats to compete in all races. It was good to see that between first and fifth in the first race, there was only a difference of 6 minutes, with 1 minute between first and third. Race 2 provided similarly close finishes, although a rearrangement of the placings due to one or two swims. In the end Lynx won, with Muppet 2nd, Dukes 3rd, Extended Adolescence 4th and Ghost 5th. Race 3 started out well for Dukes, taking a solo route up the starboard side of the course and rounding the top mark on 2nd. Unfortunately, a broken trap wire resulted in a couple of swims and Dukes dropping back into 5th, being overtaken by Muppet and Ghost. The overall results were very interesting with a tie between Muppet and Lynx, even on number of races won. It therefore came down to the last race with Lynx taking out the title, then Muppet, Ghost, Dukes and Extended Adolescence. The presentation BBQ was held downstairs at the Squaddy, with prizes as follows: First over-all, first non-racked: Lynx (Ben Strong and Rob Scrivenor) Second 0ver-all, first racked: Muppet (Oliver Merz and Greg Dixon) Third over-all, second non-racked: Ghost (Adam Syne and Brett Wall) Third non-racked, first ladies: Dukes (David McCrudden and Kate Cooper) Second racked: Extended Adolescence (Jamie and Todd Cottee) As said, thanks to the boats who came up for the regatta. Thanks also to the Squaddy who allowed us to use the club all weekend, including a public holiday for which they were not intending to be open. There were four main volunteers (although a number of others who assisted through the weekend) and these were David Speck, Leasa Speck, Derek and Chuck. We could not have had the regatta without their assistance. Full results are as follows:
|