St Leonards hosts 60th national catamaran championships

THE waters off St Leonards were alive with colour and speed as the 60th edition of the A Class National Championships hit the region last week.

Some of the world’s best catamaran sailors came together to compete at the St Leonards Yacht Club & Motor Squadron, which saw high quality racing and tight finishes as the club hosted the event for the first time since 2014.

The Championships consisted of two main categories of racing – foiling and classic – with teams completing 12 races over the week-long competition and earning points for finishing.

Australia’s Jamie Jochhelm won the classic class with 31 points, whilst Stephen Brewin, also Australian, took out the foiling class with 15.

Club commodore, Cameron Lloyd, said the ideal winds and conditions made for enjoyable racing across the week.

“The racing was very fast, spectacular to watch.

“With around 50 boats out on the water, it was just tremendous.”

Lloyd added that the club ran the event smoothly and successfully, crediting the team of volunteers who helped make the week what it was.

“We’re not a big club and we’re fully run by volunteers, so for us to host an event that went so well is a credit to the team – they were just amazing.

“There were many amazing contributions from all of our members, not only sailing but some of the fishing-related and social members.

“We’re really, really lucky to have such a good volunteer base and we’re certainly welcoming new members, particularly new sailors.”

As the competition hit its 60th year, former A Class Association President and current historian Ian Johnson played a pivotal role in organising the celebrations.

Johnson was proud of how far the class had come, particularly crediting the consistency across the 60 years.

“The A class is still the premier class of catamarans in Australia, and arguably the world,” he said.

“We’ve been very fortunate to maintain our numbers throughout the years.

“Everyone enjoys each other’s company and we all get on well – it’s a friendly and family orientated class.”

Johnson also thanked the St Leonards Yacht Club & Motor Squadron for hosting the week so well.

“We really enjoy the club, we enjoy the atmosphere and the waters and the friendliness of the people there.”