Fifty-two boats raced in the Wallagoot Lake Boat Club regatta over the weekend, the largest fleet to sail on the lake in more than 30 years.
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The event included the Sabre NSW state titles, and the NS14 Southern Travellers Trophy. The boats included 25 sabres, 10 monohulls with yardstick less than 114, eight monohulls with yardstick more than 114, 10 multihullls, and one trailer-sailor.
Although the wind was not ideal, causing racing to be delayed when it was too light, and generally ranging from 5-10 knots during the races, all participants enjoyed themselves and vowed to return next year.
Winner of the sabre division was Murray O’Brien on “Purple Patch”, ahead of Liam O’Brien on “Blue Swede”, both from McCrae Yacht Club (Melbourne). Third was Bruce Abbot on “Panache”, from Black Rock Yacht Club (Melbourne).
The lead group of sabres put on an outstanding display of sailing, which left the Wallagoot locals begging for lessons. Top local sailor was Neil Fisher in 14th place, while best race finish was Terry Kirby, with a ninth place. Ava Petersen scored a trophy for third-placed female sailor.
Flying the club flag a little higher were Tony Hastings and Luca Dorrough, on NS14 “Superfly”, who won their division and retained the NS14 Southern Traveller Series Trophy. They finished ahead of Michael Hitchens and Gabbi, on NS14 “Peak”, (from Canberra Yacht Club) and Anton Sasson with Natalie Lynch on a Tasar (ANU Sailing Club, Canberra).
Steve Osbourne from Jindabyne won the other monohull division, on a laser radial “Mostly Harmless”, ahead of Juan Guerschman on laser “Number Juan” (ANU Sailing Club), and local Cadel Boyce on laser radial “Coriolis Effect”.
The club recently welcomed new member Rodney Anderson, from Tumut, who won the multihull divison with a clean sweep of wins on his maricat “Pointed Reply”. Second was Jeff Reid from Port Kembla on maricat “Havoc”, and third Wayne Barry, also from Port Kembla, on maricat “Prima Facie”.
The sailors thanked all the volunteers who contributed to running the event, and to Phil Yeomans from Deck Hardware, who travelled from Sydney to volunteer as race officer.
Next week the club returns to the usual free lessons from 9am until 12pm, and pointscore races in the afternoon.
Full regatta results and photos on the club's website.
