Competitors ride out the waves at regatta

MORE than 30 state and national competitors have taken to the water for the 53rd Hartley TS16 Australian Championship Regatta at Portarlington Sailing Club.

Held between December 27 and January 3, competitors experienced a variety of weather conditions during the week-long regatta.

Portlarlington Sailing Club Vice Commodore Trevor Kenyon said the racing had been of a very high standard, and competitive across the 16 boats.

“We have had a couple of gear fails with Tru-Blu leading in the second race by 1 minute 30 seconds, only to drop a mast and not complete the race, although repairing the mast that night and ready to sail the next day,” Mr Kenyon said.

“The breeze was a variable 0-5 knots ending with the race officer shortening the course to get a race in, just before the rain came down, which made for a wet ride home.

“Saturday was blown out with very strong wind and racing was cancelled.”

Mr Kenyon said Sunday was a great sailing day with a resail in the morning and another race in the afternoon.

“A few people came down and celebrated New Year’s at the Portarlington Sailing Club watching the fireworks on the foreshore and reminiscing about what might have been in the days championship racing,” he said.

“Monday was a lay day with racing resuming Tuesday with two races being held, the top four boats were having a very tight tussle for first place in lovely sailing weather. “Wednesday was the last race of the 53rd Hartley championship and the weather shaped up to make for an exceptional finish.”

Meanwhile, the National E Sailing Association 52nd Australian Championship 2018 will be held between January 6 and 10, and is expected to attract 40 state and national competitors, as well as many volunteers and spectators.