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After a slight downer with some weed affecting races at the end of the day yesterday, we wondered what might turn up for the last day of the state championships today. Initially, it wasn’t the wind, with a delay expected as sailors were getting their boats ready to race. However, at the race course, Ray and his team were feverishly re-laying course marks for “something” and when he came in for the briefing, told us that there was a slight breeze out there and we would be staring on time. The first race today was very slow, however most got off to a reasonable start and subsequently taken out by Ted to bookend the end of yesterday and the start of todays racing. Brilliant stuff in the light conditions. However, soon after, the breeze did come in, albeit only about 4 knots but enough to get some great racing in through to lunch time. Amusingly in the last race before lunch, most competitors had arrived to the start line in good fashion, only for the tide to change as the starting signal had started, and were almost all caught completely unaware with yachts drifting helplessly over the start early, when all the prior races had current flow in the opposite direction, helping us to sit just on the correct side of the start line until the race started. All good with a general recall and re-start…. After then, it looked a bit scarily quiet on the water again and the question was put to the skippers to continue or close the day out. Thankfully, a few did put their hands up and we went for the last session of the champs and got some nice, light conditions with a few shifts and importantly – no weed for the day. Some very close racing today overall, as well as some great battles between individuals. The battle of the North of the State with Ted and Dicko having a great duel throughout. In the end, the battle of the North was won by Ted, albeit Dicko did get bragging rights with a 2nd in the last (last race counts, right?). Likewise, Rod and John fought closely with Rod pulling back the 5 point deficit from day 1 to jump 8 up by the end of the champs. The battle of the top three soon turned into one for the top two with Stu scoring very well, but unable to regularly crack in to the top two spots. Kyle and Lisa had many close races, with a lot of technical elements on show. Lisa’s lighter Cuben fiber jib helping in the really light wind, but lost its advantage over 4 knots where Kyle’s setup was a bit more powerful and pointed a bit more efficiently. In the end though, the consistency throughout the two days was the winning point, with Kyle having only podium positions counted throughout and a few 3rds counted as drops, winning the Championship convincingly on 38 points. Lisa always not far away though, with great pace and efficiency, but not quite the consistency throughout, a convincing second place 12 adrift on 50 points. Stuart had a few more issues today in getting his boat to perform as he would have liked, but was still very much at the pointy end of the fleet, taking third position 16 further back on 66 points. As always, these events do not succeed without the assistance of the volunteer crews. From Ray Joyce’s handling of the entire event as PRO, as well as helpers in Peter Sylvester, Ian Hey and Andre Wardrop. Without your help, the weekend would not have been as enjoyable and successful as it was, so from all the competitors, thank you all for donating your weekend so the rest of us can enjoy a two day championship event. To the three sailors from the north of the state, Ted Ian and Malcolm – thank you for coming down to compete and representing your home clubs in such fantastic manner. We will certainly be returning the enthusiasm, good friendly banter and competitive spirit next year when the Champs moves to the NW for hosting duties. Photos were taken again by Ray today – thanks for these great photos – and available to look at on the RC Sailing Tas Facebook page Coming Up Wednesday 20th – Mid Week IOM Handicap at the Dam, button press at 1030 Saturday 23rd – Woodies IOM at Trevallyn Day, button press at 1100 Sunday 24th – DF95 42 Degrees South Regatta (Get those entries in as soon as possible). Details on the NoR Kyle  
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