Electrifying performances at the Australian Nationals at Illawarra Yacht Club
When you only have to drop seconds, you know you’ve had a great regatta.
Craig Garmston and Paul Flemming in Snatch won 6 out of 10 races at the B14 Australian Titles at Illawarra Yacht Club in January.
But that wasn’t the only electrifying performance of the regatta.
A massive thunder storm, much needed given the devastating bushfires this summer, sent the fleet scurrying for shore on Day 4. Everyone got home safely, despite some really weird wind on the way back, including huge gusts then nothing. Great pics from Jasmine Young capture the moment!
Garmo and Paul Flemming sailed incredibly consistently to win, but they were kept honest by Brent Frankcombe and Leigh Dunstan in Where’s My Box. The guys racked up three wins, one cracked head (Leigh’s) and a broken mast and did enough to stay ahead of multiple world and Nats title holders Guy Bancroft and David Grace in Bonewerk. Full results are attached.
Handicap winners were Ewan and Tori Campbell sailing in Bluey, who improved throughout the series and did better when it blew.
Other notable performances were from Glenn Cardwell and 16-year-old Audrey Schue from the host club Illawarra Yacht Club and returnees to the class Sophie Hunt and Andy Payne, who have still “got it” after a spot of Parental Leave. Audrey was one of 12 sailors aged under 25 boosting the fleet. It was great to have such an injection of young talent into the class.
And of course the 7 women in the fleet rounded out the regatta with the traditional champagne in the showers. For some the first step in preparing for the regatta was to buy a bottle of bubbly.
 B14 Australian Championships 2019-20 at IYC | [Final results] | 72 kB |