2021 RM Southern Tasmanian Championship

Personally, I had feared for the lack of wind today, given the last few windless days.

Looking outside this morning, there was some evidence of a slight breeze, so hopes were there that the Katabatic could be assisting us today.

So pleasantly surprised when, on arrival at MBYC, there was a stiff C rig northerly, ideal sailing conditions. By button press, we had nine eager sailors - all rugged up in the almost freezing conditions (3C and wind chill on top) with around 15 knots. A small amount of weed early struck those unlucky ones, but generally it stayed away, and we all enjoyed some really close racing.

Seven races were completed by lunch time, with C rigs favoured for all but the last three races, where some skippers elected for their B rigs. The fleet split 50/50 with the choice.

Stu Dawes had claimed an early lead, on 13 points, from Ray Joyce (15) and Kyle Stewart (23).

During the lunch break, the breeze softened, and all sailors resumed racing with their A rigs. This brought about some excellent, close racing, even overhearing the Pro on the day commenting on what a great start the entire fleet had on one particular race. All on the line at just the right time, and with enough room between all the yachts to be able to have all yachts away in one big floatilla.

By the end of the day, Stu had stretched his lead out to win by ten points, on 30, to become the deserved winner of the Southern Tasmanian Championship. Congrats Stu.

Ray Joyce maintained his 2nd spot, on 40 points, with Lisa Blackwood having an exceptional afternoons racing, taking 3rd, on 43 points.

Well done to all skippers for a thoroughly enjoyable and tightly contested day. The quality of the field is improving every time we sail, and will make a very competitive unit should we enter interstate events as a team.

Thankyou today to our Pro's Les Hanson and Michael Hickman, as well as Anne Cole-Cook, recording the finishing sequences. We also had new member, Andrew Price, taking some photos today. We look forward to seeing them soon, and will share once we have received them.

​Lastly, thanks to Ted Stevens, for making the trip south to compete with us today. We really appreciate the effort you take coming down to sail, and enjoy your comradare, both while racing, and when chatting afterwards.