The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron was the venue for the Championships sailed in Moreton Bay, Brisbane. The weather was mostly grey & drizzly but warm at 23-24 degrees so only 1-2 layers of clothing were required. The wind was 5-8 knots apart from one race at 10-15 knots. A thunder storm came through in the last race which was abandoned for safety reasons.

There were 27 entrants including 3 times World Champ Adam French & 2009 SPM winner apprentice Danny Fuller. Christine Bridges current Womens World Champ, Kerry Warraker, a GGM ,previous World Champ & Jan Kemp a light weather speedster & many more fast Aussies completed the mix.

It was a very well run regatta with 7 races being sailed & no black flags-wow! The competition was fierce going by the generally high drop races. I had the most consistent regatta of everyone with a 7th as my drop race compared to Adam dropping a 12th & carrying a 10th and Danny dropping an 18th & carrying a 12th.
My results were a consistent 3,7,3,6,5,3,3 which secured me third overall and second Master.

Things I need to work on are starting, especially getting in the front row and holding my lane. Also, it was important to get the shifts on the first beat correct. I had super fast speed off the wind in planing conditions but  had my fair share of ‘playing catch up’ after bad starts, missing shifts or having to do 720’s.
I was pleased with my speed in the light weather so felt my boat set up & technique was good.
Hopefully I can bring some knowledge back to Christchurch to share with everyone.

In the Full rig fleet local sailors Master Greg Adams won with  Apprentice Master Tony Baisden 2nd. Kiwi Bob Blakey from TYC finished a creditable 4th overall & 1st GGM with a consistent 6,7,7,6,8,3 series. Jack Hanson also from TYC finished 13th & 2nd  GGM in the 24 boat fleet.

Radial results       Standard results