Skiff champion wins State title
The 9th Tasmanian B14 State Titles were run by Midway Point Yacht Club over the weekend 26th - 27th March. Former dual National and runner up World Champion Nick Richardson won the series but not without some close tussles during the 8 race series. As is always the case with B14s the racing was very close with most races only decided in the last few metres, this proved exciting for the spectators and great fun for the sailors.
The 12 boat fleet included crews from all over the state with experienced crews who have been in the class from its inception to a crew who borrowed a boat and sailed together for the first time in a B14 plus one 29er who joined in for the fun.
The first race saw local sailors Steve Miller and Lauren Keil in Phantom street the fleet in very light conditions to win by 9 minutes from Pigs Arse (Nick Richardson and Mike Fuller) and Early Warning (Ross Daley and John Genders) in the only big gap of the series. Race 2 was also sailed in light breezes with Pigs Arse getting home first, from the fast finishing Phantom then Early Warning.
Races 3 and 4 were sailed in a light sea breeze with Pigs Arse winning both races - from Early Warning and Smokin (David Cromarty and Cameron Gibson) in race 3 and Strait4devils (Adrian Beswick and Josh Philips) and Early Warning in Race 4. Sunday morning saw a very light breeze delay the start but eventually Race 5 got away and again Pigs Arse got the win from Not Just Yet (Jeremy Coles and Nathan Mcmillan) and Strait4devils.
After lunch the remaining 3 races were sailed in a steady but light sea breeze.
Race 6: Strait4devils from Pigs Arse and Early Warning. Race 7: Pigs Arse, Early Warning and Strait4devils. Nick Richardson did not contest the final race with Early Warning winning from Strait4devils and Not Just Yet.
Overall the runner up was Early Warning from Strait4devils and Handicap honors went to Tang (the 29er of Claire Cromarty and Megan Grant).
The 2012 National and World titles will be held in Perth, WA and anyone interested in becoming involved with this exciting class is invited to contact Adrian Beswick on 0438 253111 or Steve Miller on 0406 864602. Or via the B14 forum - register on the home page.