3 GREAT SABRE EVENTS, THE BEST OF WHICH IS YET TO COME
We've recently enjoyed two really good Sabre events. Go for Gold at Black Rock and a very good turn out for the Sailing World Cup at St Kilda. The next is the Sabre National Championships at Black Rock which will be a great event but numbers are currently very disappointing with only 60 Sabres and significantly only just over 30 from Victoria. Where are all the Victorians? If you are still considering entering Black Rock is a great place to sail and you can find free all day parking just a short walk from the club in the side streets off Beach Road. Late entry fee has been waved so come and join us. 60 boats would be very good for most classes but not for Sabres
Go For Gold 20 Sabres were greeted by a blustery 20 knot wind on the first day of the event. The wind was not the biggest problem as strong overnight winds had built up some very impressive waves. the photo above shows our President Russell almost wiped out by a breaking white top. Photo is courtesy of Susannah Gillam who spent the day on a rescue boat. Day one saw a very tight race between Gary, Nick and Murray for the top spot. Day two was a lot easier giving some of the lighter crews a chance to be competitive. Gary McLennan pulled of two bullets to give him a clear lead with Nick Mouat 2nd and Murray O'Brien 3rd. Steve Douglas was never far behind in 4th.
SAILING WORLD CUP The Sabres showed off their stuff with a 27 boat fleet and some very competitive racing. Day one was a repeat of day one at Go for Gold. We all sat on the shore hoping that the 30 knot breeze would abate. Late in the day we were sent out to pitch our skills in 20 knots with enormous seas. It was a day for the heavy weights and Tim Van der Veen won both races to claim the yellow bib. Nick Mouat was second and Gary McLennan 3rd. The photo above shows Tim enjoying some very fast reaching with the rest of the fleet in pursuit. photo looks a bit more gloomy that it was in reality. Day two was for the light weights starting with a light shifty wind which increased only slightly during a very long day on the water. 6 hrs thats long!. James McLennan who had been hanging on to the leaders on the first day took advantage of his weight and skill to collect 3 first places and the yellow bib. He was chased home by his dad Gary, Nick and Murray. Susannah Gillam picked up three very good places including a 2nd on day two to put her in the lead for the top female.
Day three started light and built up a good 15 knot breeze to end a very varied and successful championship. A 1st and a 3rd was enough to give James the championship with Gary 2nd , Nick 3rd and Murray 4th. Those guys always seem to be there.
Susannah was 10th overall and first female followed not far behind by Lisa Barrand. Despite lacking the required weight Lisa did a great job in the tough conditions of day 1 to finish both races with good placing. It was good to see Peter Whitton and Brad Gorman from NSW making a long trip and joining in the fun.
We are all looking forward to the Nationals now and another chance to pit our skills against the weather and the other competitors.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sabre Nationals BRYC 28th December to 3rd January 2017
Sabre Victorian States at Somers YC 18th 19th Feb
Teams Racing Mordialloc TBA
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