The International B14 Tasmanian State Championships were held over the weekend of 29th & 30th of March at Leven Yacht Club (Ulverstone), a fleet of ten boats made the trip and despite a very wet Saturday some excellent sailing was enjoyed by the crews, if a little light in the breeze department.
Photo: Phil Good
Only two races were possible in the light (under 5 knots) and lumpy conditions with a bit of sea sickness among some of the crews on Saturday. Sunday was a much better day with 5 knots to perhaps up to 8 knots and a calmer sea (if not yet flat) making it more comfortable and easier to keep moving.
The racing on Sunday was very close and even with only a few seconds separating boats. Because of the light and shifting breeze the courses were very short and a little lopsided putting the pressure on at the start as a clean getaway was vital. ”Rocket Ship" with National President Adrian Beswick and crew Jono LeBis took out the title 1,1,1,1,2,(3) :6 from MPYC boat "Phantom" Steve Miller & crew Lauren Bird (4),3,2,3,3,1: 12 only one point clear (after winning the final heat) of "Strait 4
Devils" Ben Price and Josh Phillips 3,2,4,2,(5),2 : 13
After a problem with the time sheets (no times on the second day) handicap trophies were allocated as follows. First “Epic” Chris Wells and Rani Dabner second “Bondi Tram” Stephen Mitchell and Adrianne Daley with “Cromarty Engineering” Cole Dabner and Clare Cromarty in Third.
Ben Price too home the most improved skipper award and Adrianne Daley took home the most improved crew award. Sailing on "What Ever", Scott Wilkie and Perry Caulfield were 10th but improved throughout the series and took home the Encouragement award. It was great to see a reasonable number of boats on the water and the level of racing improve with most boats finishing in quite a tight group.
We are hopeful a good representation will be making the trip to McRae next year for the Nationals and Worlds and there is genuine hope of growing the fleet with some new members
next season.
All Photos taken by: Phil Good
