Sydney’s had a run of “interesting” weather this season, with the planned first leg of the B14 NSW States postponed from 25 October after Woollahra cancelled racing due to a howling southerly. Racing was cancelled the following Sunday with southerly gusts in excess of 30 knots. And the rerun of the States on 8/11 saw southerlies again, albeit not ridiculously strong, but still gusty and swinging wildly.
Six boats braved the conditions to complete 3 races. It wasn’t easy to sail well, and some less than graceful manoeuvres were displayed! Of note was the less-than-a-minute-to-go-to-the-start-of-the-first-race capsize by class veterans Sophie Hunt and Andy Payne in Purple Cow aka Hunt Leather. But like the pros they are, they managed to finish in second place behind Richie and Lissa in The Nude.
Glenn Cardwell and super-crew Audrey Schue in Bandit were with the Hunties going around the top mark but their mast hit the water, pushing them back through the fleet. The boom also hit Audrey’s head during righting, which might partly explain Bandit’s unanticipated performance – they were not their usual highly competitive selves, chalking up 3 fifths.
On the other hand, Yellowbone (Anthony House and Natalia Wu) and Usain Boat (Nathan Reynolds and Ellen Noye) both had sustained periods of brilliance. The most impressive was the third race when they led the field to the first top mark, going around together. The Nude and Hunt Leather managed to get around the pair, with Yellowbone finishing up third and Usain Boat fourth in that race, and indeed in the regatta.
Despite not much time in the boat this season, Stan Bland and daughter Anna showed good pace, particularly off the start and upwind. The full results are here.
On a demographical note, it was a very balanced regatta, with one female and one male on each boat. The age range was also impressive, from 16 to 66!
Good fun was had by all and hoping others can join us for the second leg of the States to be held at Illawarra Yacht Club on 14th March.
 B14 results States Round 1.JPG | [ ] | 85 kB |
- Details
The Australian Nationals planned for Woollahra Sailing Club have been cancelled, due to the uncertainty surrounding the event caused by COVID-19. Potential last minute lockdown and travel restrictions make it too hard for participants and organisers to plan. However, some B14ers are looking at some informal sailing during the week of January 3-7 with whomever can make it to Sydney.
At this stage we would be looking at returning to Sydney in January 2022 for the Nationals. The Worlds in Lake Garda are still scheduled for 4th – 14th July 2022 at Circolo Torbole.
- Details
The final leg of the B14 NSW State Titles was held at Woollahra Sailing Club on 15th March, just before COVID-19 started shutting down pubs and clubs in Australia.
![Download this file (Screenshot_2020-03-15 Sailwave results for B14 NSW State Championships 2019 20 at IYC WSC 2020[7948].png)](https://b14.org/attachments/article/536/Screenshot_2020-03-15 Sailwave results for B14 NSW State Championships 2019 20 at IYC WSC 2020[7948].png) Screenshot_2020-03-15 Sailwave results for B14 NSW State Championships 2019 20 at IYC WSC 2020[7948].png | [Final results] | 39 kB |
- Details
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 |
- Details