The recent Australian Raceboard National Championships delivered two spectacular days of sailing with a mix of light and high winds that tested the endurance and skill of the fleet.

As event organiser it was pleasing to see a fleet of approximately 40 sailors attling it out. As a sailor in the
fl eet it was awesome fun to sail on this great patch of water amongst this skilled fleet.



On Saturday morning the forecast for the day was not looking spectacular with light easterlies predicted.

As event organiser I was getting a bit worried. However,“Hughie” (the wind god)
did not let us down as he delivered a leasant 5 – 10 knot breeze that made for challenging sailing with many tactical duels throughout the fleet.



The first order of the day was the Junior sailing and Selection event to choose who would represent NSW at the Youth Nationals in January in Melbourne on the Bic Techno. Glen and Nick set a great course and got racing underway. It was fantastic to see the future of the sport out there strutting there stuff.

Once the junior racing was complete Stewart set a great “Z” course for the senior racing that saw some tactical
upwind battles as well as some challenging down hill legs that required a lot of pumping in the light winds. To me at least, one of the best things about the racing on the Saturday was the great upwind competition and tacking
duels.

In the light shifty airs there was some great lifts to pick up that assisted in these battles to the top mark.

A total of four races were run on the Saturday which was a challenge in the light winds. There is no doubt about it
by the time the last race was run there were some sore hands from all the pumping. But guys, it was worth it to get the last one done as it allowed us to wrap up that little bit earlier on the Sunday.
At the conclusion of Sailing the BBQ was fi red up and a few sausages and beers was had. It was great to see the whole fleet discussing the days racing and debating who
was quicker than who and what the breeze would do on the Sunday.

Sunday arrived and brought with it the breeze and some hangovers from the night before. Two quick races were conducted in 10 – 15 knots and at last we were moving
with pace. By the time race 3 and 4 came around the wind had picked up to 15 – 20 knots and the fun really started.