Formula 18 Australian Championships

Frankston Victoria- 07 to 11th November 2006

Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby today won the Australian Championships with a convincing lead of 14 points at the F18 Australian Championships. The fleet of 30 boats enjoyed excellent wind conditions seeing a full series completed. Wind gusts reaching 25knots tested all abilities whilst the four seasons of Melbourne were experienced over the four day series.

Bundock and Ashby on the Nissan Hobie Cat competed against a tight competition from the fleet. The team had a comfortable lead coming into the final day of racing though 1st place was not secure. Mark Laruffa with Crew Daniel Sums in second position and Steve Brewin with Crew Andrew Williams in third, battled with Bundock & Ashby though were unable to overcome the Nissan Hobie Cat team within the final day of racing and held their consecutive positions.

Ashby no stranger to the F18 Australian Championships has won the regatta in 2004, 2005 and now 2006. Previous wins Ashby skippered his way to victory though this year he partnered Olympic Tornado team member Darren Bundock.

Ashby commented “Fantastic to be able to win for the third consecutive year! We had an excellent regatta with some good competition.

The regatta provided both Bundock and Ashby first-rate training leading to the 2007 World Championships in Yeppoon, Queensland in February which will attract the top catamaran sailors from Australian and International waters.

Mike,

"All Got Smoked" - You must have been in the cold Melbourne water for too long and your brain has frozen. The Infusions were flying.

If the 3 infusion crews had not spent so much time in the water unside down and having DNF(yes we are wood ducks) - The infusions would easily have been all in the top 6. I for one was consistantly at the same pace as Mark Laruffa (second overall) - He is just a better sailor than I will ever be.

As for the Mast - Warren was overtaking a Capricorn downwind and went high... Got hit with a 25+Knt Gust - Beared away violently to avoid a collision - Nose dived to the side stays - Kite filled with water - Did not want to shout a carton of Burboun (Traditional punishment for Aust Nacra sailors who capsize)and LET GO OF THE MAINSHEET !!! - Bang. I am pretty sure any mast would have done the same.


You must remember to take the binoculars out next time so you can see the front of the fleet so you can get the real story <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />