Catsailor.com

N.S.W Nationals

Posted By: becjm

N.S.W Nationals - 03/17/09 10:50 AM

Hey All
I received confirmation that the NSW nationals will definitely be held at the Mannering Park Sailing Club, and the dates have been confirmed as below...

Mon 28 Registration and measuring
Tue 29 PM - Invitation, Race 1
Wed 30 Races 2, 3, 4
Thu 31 Races 5, 6, 7
Fri 1 Lay day
Sat 2 Races 8, 9, 10

We are hoping this allows enough time for people who are travelling interstate. A Google search for accommodation at Mannering Park will come up with all available accommodation. A link to the caravan park next to the clubhouse is below...

http://www.montereypark.com.au/

We are hoping to get our website up and going soon to give you more details and update news. If you need any further details, please don't hesitate to contact me at becutmore@bigpond.com.

Posted By: furr_ball

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 03/17/09 08:35 PM

Hi,

Great news but.....
Is this NSW states or Nationals for 2010?

Which month are we talking?

Would love to lock it in calendar and book somewhere to stay soon.

Cheers,
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 03/18/09 06:27 AM

These dates are dec 28/12/09 to 2/1/2010 For nationals.
States this year prob wont happen until sep,oct or nov this year?
Posted By: MCGriffith

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 03/24/09 11:11 PM

Cant wait to come down to the Nats, not sure if ill be able to make it to states, depends on when they are and when im on uni holidays.
Posted By: dkd

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 03/28/09 01:04 PM


All,

Now that the dates for the next nationals and venue are confirmed I would suggest that you start the quest of organizing your accomadation as this is a holiday destination for sydney siders and it will be tight.

There is a caravan park right next door to the sailing club and lots of houses available in close proximity......ours is already booked so please lets make this a very successful national series.

Any queries, contact Ben, Tim S or me and maybe we can help.

See you all there.

David, Nat Sec
Salpicon de Resplandor, 1744
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 04/18/09 08:14 AM

Hey All,
Spent the week at mannering park with the family.
Spoke to the caravan park (monteray)this is the ultimate location right next door to the club www.montereypark.com.au
they still have 3xpwr sites,3x4berth cabins and 2x6berth cabins. The lady said they are planning to build another 5x4berth cabins but untill they are finished they are not taking bookings. It is a bit expensive but it is a very good clean park.
I have also booked the scout hall I tryed to take photos but couldent gain access. I will do this asap. the scout hall can sleep up to about 20 has showers & full kitchen.
Cheers Ben
Posted By: furr_ball

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 04/18/09 10:49 AM

Hey Ben,

Can I put in for 3 at scout hall? Myself and the 2 kids.

Checked out the caravan park and maybe a bit much for me, what sort of cost for the scout hall?

How far away is scout hall?

Otherwise may have to sleep in the van, would not be the first time, just get a bit smelly......

Great to talk to you today, will be in touch soon.

Cheers,
Posted By: self_inflicted

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 04/18/09 08:50 PM

Hi Drew
I sail out of Mannering Park. The scout hall is about a 5 min walk to the club along the water.
I don't know about cost, See what reply's you get here from Ben or Karl. If they don't know You could Darcy Wilson 43591729, He often arranges the scout hall for these events
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 04/18/09 10:03 PM

Hey Drew & 0thers,
The cost of the scout hall is going to be about $5 per person per night. Min cost for us hiring the hall is $200
Im still checking if we can camp on the scout land also.
Will get solid $ & numbers this week
Posted By: greymatter

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 04/19/09 12:24 AM

yep count me in for 1 looks like i am flying solo this time.
Thanks Ben for all you good work in organising the nationals and accomadation. see you there
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/17/09 05:03 AM

For a look at the Nationals venue, watch this video:

Top Mark Chaos at Mannering Park

If you watch closely you will see Ben flash past on Top Gun (too fast for the camera to catch properly).

Thanks to Andrew for letting me know about this video.
Posted By: Darryn

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/17/09 11:03 PM

Great video, good to see Top Gun being raced. Are the results available for the regatta?

Terrible bit of sailing by Nacra 5.8 1621, maybe the dark blue bows are to hide all the repairs from the crashes. I see that boat is for sail here http://forums.nacraxtreme.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=37 and on the ad they got first at Mannering Park, wonder if they did their circles after the incident?

Looks like a good place for the Nationals, larger marks would be nice.

Darryn
Mozzie
1782
Posted By: Matt_Stone

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/18/09 06:53 AM

hey peoples,
has anyone found out if we can camp on the scout hall grounds?
cos everywhere else is a bit pricey,

Matt
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/18/09 07:09 AM

Hey All This a small report I posted from this regatta
raced this w/e at mannering park.
They had their Open cat regatta 9 races over 3 days.
Mari cat nats with Darren Bundock & Steven Brewen racing.
Sat saw strong & Gusty/shifty 15-20+knots.
I was out of practice going for a swim in races 1 & 3. I also ended up mucking up starts and generally having an ordinary day, although between races set a top speed on my Mozzie of 18.4 knots according to the GPS. Sunday saw the wind swing around to SE 10-15 knots. We raced 4 races back to back starting at 11am and going til 4.30pm. I won 3 of the 4, slowly starting to find form. The fleet I was racing comprised of about 8x5.8 Nacras, 1 x 16 square, 4 Taipans, 2 x Hobie 16s, & 6 x Hobie 18s (This was division 2 until the 5.8s/Hobie 18s realised they were being beaten overall and requested their own division.) Monday started with very light SE wind. I won the first race and in the second had a monumental pile up at the top mark with nowhere to go, myself, 2 x 5.8s and 2 x Hobie 18s all came together with me coming out worse off - the Mozzie in a Hobie 18 sandwich. Ended up with a chip the size of a 50c piece out of my starboard bow. The 16 square got away and won - I ended up 2nd in that one. Overall results were 16 square 1st, MOZZIE 2nd and Taipan 3rd. Hobie 18s and 5,8s in their own division??? Results pending. Unfortunately Carl was unable to race due to family commitments. The regatta was incredibly well organised with 60+ boats and showed a wide range of conditions. Courses were set well - it should be a great venue for the Nationals next year. Further details on the Nationals to come later this week... Watch this space! Cheers, Ben.
_________________________
---Ben Cutmore--- --MOSQUITO 1704--
http://www.manneringparkyachtclub.com/catstuff.htm
Results are here under open cat regatta (purple writeing)
I think we were in Division 2 5.8s were getting wiped so asked for there own division.
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/18/09 07:14 AM

Hey Matt
Not sure yet about camping in scoutt grounds.
There will be space in the hall eitherway.
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/18/09 11:09 AM

I don't envy you and the Taipans having to race amongst those Hobies and Nacras. It would be scary - you know you'll always come off worse, and they know it too eek

Posted By: air_apparent

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/20/09 04:15 AM

Ben
Would be interested in the scout hall if available..sounds good ..book me in for Two (2) Let me know details when you get them
Posted By: Darryn

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/23/09 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by becjm


set a top speed on my Mozzie of 18.4 knots according to the GPS.


Thats fast, my best on Top Gun was 18.2knots. Chris's fastest was 18.8knots with the same hulls.

What sort of GPS are you using Ben? My Foretrex's kept filling with water so I changed over to a speedpuck.

Hard pressed to think of another sport where competitors can change who they raced against if they dont like the result after the race.

Darryn
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/24/09 06:48 AM

Hey Darren,
I got a foretrex 201.
Is working ok no leaks yet.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/26/09 09:29 AM

Hi Ben,

are there other tent options near the Y.C. as the Monterey Park tells me that the only spaces available can flood if it rains heavy, so are best suited to caravans and camping trailers. My Family Dome Tent is about 18 foot long so can't hide away in a corner.
Posted By: Karl69

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 06/30/09 09:04 AM

G,day Gary.
You could try Budgewoi caravan park about 10min drive away.
For the real adventurest / desperet the Wattagan Mountains are about 25min and camping is free.
I only live about 10min away from the club but during the race i will be staying at Belmont Pines caravan park which is located at the north end of lake Maquarie [about 30min drive] because we book a spot on the water front every year at xmas. there are plenty of caravan parks around Lake Macquarie with the furthest being about 30min drive. Hope this helps.

P.S. they hire house boats up at Toronto which you could drive down and anker right at the club.
Seeya.
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 07/14/09 12:54 PM

Just in case anyone had not noticed, the NoR is on the NMCCA site national titles information page.

National Titles info page
Posted By: Matt_Stone

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 07/19/09 05:15 AM

just to let everybody know, im building a double decker trailer, and if anyone wants me to take their mossie up im will be happy to with a bit of fuel money!

matt
Posted By: Trevor

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/09/09 11:45 AM

Hi

I have just been looking through the info about the nationals - is there any storage/security for the fleet at night, or are we de-rigging and taking away?

Cheers

Trevor
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/11/09 10:02 AM

Hey All,
The Nats are just around the corner!!!!!!!
I,m Going to mannering park This w/e to check up on the hall accomidation (take photos ect).
As far as I am aware Trevor we can leave the boats on the grass infront of the club house. It is not fenced in but boats will be quite safe 2 manering park club committee live overlooking the boats But I will check up this w/e.
Anyone wants me to ask any Questions when I am there just let me know.
Cheers Ben
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/15/09 08:17 AM

Hey all,
Ive been at mannering park sat and took some photos.
The scout hall has been double booked. A group of naval cadets. There should be about 25 of them.
WE CAN STILL STAY THERE either we squeeze with them or we can camp outside or squeeze into the garage.
So far I have Andrew x3(QLD) Rob lott,Gorden Hyde,Gary Maskiell(tent 18ft)Jon Emonson,Tim Sheppard And Trevor.
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/15/09 08:49 AM

Here are some photos of The scout hall& sailing club.
http://www.flickaway.com/becjm777/manneringpark
Cheers Ben
Posted By: Matt_Stone

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/15/09 08:57 AM

book me in too Matt stone, tent or car or hall, im small i can sleep anywhere lol
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/16/09 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by becjm
Hey all,
Ive been at mannering park sat and took some photos.
The scout hall has been double booked. A group of naval cadets. There should be about 25 of them.
WE CAN STILL STAY THERE either we squeeze with them or we can camp outside or squeeze into the garage.
So far I have Andrew x3(QLD) Rob lott,Gorden Hyde,Gary Maskiell(tent 18ft)Jon Emonson,Tim Sheppard And Trevor.

Hi Ben,

I won't need a spot thank you. Managed to get a Flood prone site in the Caravan Park next door at great expense. Hope it doesn't rain. wink
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/17/09 02:23 AM

Big News

The national titles entry form has finally arrived.

It is here.

Some things to note:

Only boats that are registered as measured can enter the National Titles. The complete list is here.
The NSW and QLD boats are exempt from this requirement (due to there being no measurers in those states). If you are in the process of getting your boat measured and want to enter please contact me.

The entry fee can be pre-paid by direct bank payment or cheque, or pay at Mannering Park by cheque or cash.

There is a $15 late entry charge after Dec 1st.


Posted By: fmg

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/17/09 09:55 PM

Tim, any chance of getting 1759 measured shortly? We still have the original certificate from 1995/96 and all sails have been previously marked so it's just a formality (I hope).
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/20/09 01:21 AM

Hi Ben. We can do this on Sunday. Bring the measurement certificate you have.
Posted By: furr_ball

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/24/09 01:39 PM

Hey there,

Yes, been a bit quiet up here, too much other stuff going down to get sailing much. Hope to get on water a bit more next year.

I have registered though for Nats and will make it there, hope to be able to stay for the full program.

Ben - I will bring a tent and set up on the grass outside scout hall for the 3 of us.

Tim - if we register now but pay at Mannering does this incur the late fee?

Michael - are you going to make it as well? I am going down 24 Dec as seeing family in Syd for xmas.

Now somehow have to get some practice in before hand and without the kite....
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/25/09 03:14 AM

The late fee is for entering after 1st December.
Payment can be anytime up to and including registration.

Glad to hear you are coming. I hope Michael does too.

At least the rigging time is much shorter without the kite so you get more time on the water (or get to sleep in later).
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 11/28/09 12:58 PM

13 entries so far. Including 5 from SA and one each from QLD and NSW.
Posted By: Karl69

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/18/09 11:14 AM

G,day all.
Make that 2 from NSW i'm coming, I just haven,t registered yet because i,m waiting to get my YA number. I,m sailing tomorrow at Mannering park hope fully the club will have my number tomorrow.
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/19/09 06:15 AM

Over 20 entries now.

Posted By: GarryJ

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/19/09 10:18 AM

The Boga boys now have a spare full or a half share powered camp site in the caravan park next to the yacht club at Mannering park,it is in the higher area of the park, close to the yacht club. Anyone interested give Tim Kennedy,0428397068. or Garry Johnstone 0350323170,or 0427439001 a call
Posted By: Brian P

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/19/09 11:29 PM

sorry guys we wont be making it to the nats this year, but would like to convey best wishes to all travelling on the roads over the xmas period, please all drive safely and take frequent rest breaks and change drivers. from my family to yours we wish you all a very merry xmas and a happy new year, and best of luck for the national champs
go the SA boys (and girls)
cheers Brian , Sandra and kids
Posted By: MCGriffith

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/22/09 09:54 PM

Good News, i will be able to make it down to the nats, wasnt sure if id be able to make it as ive just finished my uni course and have been doing my engineering internship and wasnt sure if id have holidays for the nationals. But fortunately i will be able to make it down. Girlfriend and mother have decided to come down for a holiday as well, we have a tent for 3 and if theres anyroom left, am hoping to be able to camp in the scout grounds. Appolagies for not organising it and booking in earlier, but up until yesterday, i had no idea whether id be able to make it.

With regards to the scout grounds, are we allowed to setup there on the sunday, or are we only booked in there from monday?

Cheers,
Michael.
Posted By: furr_ball

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/23/09 12:55 AM

Michael,

Great to hear you are coming.

We may be camping at another site as my mum is staying with me and kids as well, if so you can use my 'tent site' from scout shed, will work it out after xmas when I know exactly where we will set up.

Merry xmas.

Posted By: Nic M

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/23/09 11:51 PM

Hi all,

Good luck to all for the nats I am very dissapointed I won't be there. Doing heaps of sailing, learning the new boat and should be good for the Vic states.

Good luck and have a great Christmas (drive safe).
Posted By: becjm

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/24/09 01:02 AM

Hey All,
I'm very sorry but it looks like I will be eating far to much on christmas day laugh. Food is already piling up in the fridge.I am looking foward to the nats next week smile I'm arriving on sunday about midday Anyone can give me a call on 0432123755.
Anyone out there thinking "should I go or not" I guarantee If you are light (60-80Kg) the wind will be 8-12knots.
But if you are 80+kg it will be 15+knots wink (the heavier you are the stronger the wind will be so don't hold back on xmas lunch/dinner grin
Drive safely and Merry Christmas to everyone.
Posted By: Peter_Foulsum

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/26/09 11:33 PM

Hi All,

I hope that all competitors have a great time at the nats.

I wish you all perfect Sydney conditions with light winds in the mornings and sea breezes in the afternoons. laugh

If anyone has access to the forum it would be great to get updates. cool

Regards,


Peter
Posted By: Trevor

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/30/09 11:14 PM

Hi to all,

I spoke with Matt Stone (my man on the ground at the nationals) last night to see how it was all going up there.

Apart from it raining for the first couple of days, Monday came up with 10 - 15 knots for the invitation race perfect for Matt to come up with a first.

I am now not sure of the order but in the sloops, both Mick F and Neil J have firsts from the first couple of races. The wind picked up a bit on the next day to give 15 - 20 with 25 knot gusts. Both Tim and Gary M have firsts in the Cats with Matt enough consistency to hold 3rd over all. standings last night are Gary 1st, followed by Tim then Matt. Both Peter N and Ben are going well and may be troubling Matt as he took the time to mention them on the phone!

Apparently the scouts had gone home by the weekend and there is plenty of space at the scout hall, my main reason for not going (along with a sick baby) oh well...

Further good luck to all up there, there is a great turn out with up to 30 boats on the water. I am sure the guys from further up the coast are welcoming the competition.
Posted By: Darryn

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 12/31/09 11:29 PM

Thanks Trevor, appreciate all the info you can pass on,
cheers,
Darryn
Posted By: Trevor

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/01/10 02:59 PM

Another short update:

RL24's have been giving the guys some extra 'obstacles' to count in the PM races - apparently their spinnakers are very good wind breaks... eek

Sloops are being lead by Neil and son with a string of firsts in ideal conditions for them, while the cats are being lead by Gary M.

There is a battle for second between Matt and Tim and for fourth between Peter N and Gary J (I think - memory not to good after last night sleep).

Winds are gernarally light in the morning at the bottom of the lake and in the afternoon they freshen and the races are at the top end - with the RL fleet.

No breakages reported but a few capsizes so everyone must be having a great time. The NYE celebrations where a bit subdued with the party breaking up only 15 minutes into the new year - everyone a bit tired maybe? grin

Cheers All
Posted By: Peter_Foulsum

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/02/10 04:06 AM

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for the updates. cool

It's probably just coming to the conclusion about now.

Do you know who was battling for the minor places in the sloop division ?

Regards,


Peter
Posted By: greymatter

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/03/10 09:47 PM

the following website has photos from the nationals.



http://express-advocate-gosford.whe...squitos-on-the-breeze-at-mannering-park/
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/04/10 06:14 AM

Thanks for the link Rob, good to see you got home OK. Family happy to see you no doubt.

Will post a Cat Rig bias report when it's finished. Gippsland Lakes Mossie's dominated in numbers (seven) and places, with your's truly winning Cat Rigs, Neil and David winning sloops, Tim 3rd Cat Rig and first Veteran? Mitch first Junior and won a heat. Peter also won heats. Nick along with John and Ben where also seen at the front of the fleet at various times.

A good result for the growing fleet at Paynesville.

Posted By: fmg

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/04/10 09:57 AM

First to the top mark on 3 separate occasions Gary... now to work out how to stay there! smile Might need a few pointers and/or a shiny new boat.

Great nats all, many thanks to the Mannering Park Sailing Club crew, Ben Cutmore for organising the scout hall (aka. the combined bedroom, measuring hall and AGM venue!) and all the competitors for a great regatta.

Cheers
Jon and Ben Emonson
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/10/10 06:44 AM

The results are all up on the NMCCA site now.

Mannering Park ASC 2009/2010 Results

I haven't checked every number so let me know if you see anything odd.
Posted By: wildtoy

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/12/10 09:33 AM

Nice to see everything went well. Congrats to Ben for organising it just shitty that I couldnt make it
Cant wait to see any pics that might have been taken of the regatta.
Posted By: Tim_Mozzie

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/12/10 10:30 AM

Here's some photos. Some from the local newspaper and some from Roy's camera.

Nationals photos
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/14/10 01:35 AM

Hi all,

if you want to have a smile like that in pic number 20, have a look at 1760 in pic number 13. Winning the starts is the first step. Don't forget winners are grinners. grin grin grin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: N.S.W Nationals - 01/23/10 03:05 AM

Hi all,

here is that long awaited report on the Nationals I promised. How about everybody that was there posting a highlight so we can get less of a narrow view. Mine is un ashamedly Gippsland Lakes and Cat Rig focussed.

Gippsland Lakes Mosquito’s Swarm 2009-10 Australian Titles.

The Mosquito Catamaran Australian Titles where conducted by the Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club, on Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, from Monday, 28th December 2009 to Saturday 2nd January 2010. Seven Mosquito’s from the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria made the trip north, two Sloop Rigs, Neil and David Joiner, John and Ben Emonson along with five Cat Rigs, Peter Nikitin, Tim Shepperd, Gary Maskiell, Mitch Meade and Nick Baglioni.

The event was well run by M.P.A.S.C. with 10 races in 4 days offering a variety of conditions from 5 to 20 knots, with warm conditions through out, the only down side was rain on all but 2 days. The majority of sailors stayed in the camp park next door to the club making for a very social event, with family and friends enjoying the lake side location, swimming pool and BBQ shelter big enough for all the Mossie crew.

Monday was measurement and weigh in day, never the most popular activity it was made less enjoyable by constant rain, but thanks to the persistence of volunteers all that needed to be done was completed with a smile despite the damp conditions.

Tuesday morning gusty winds prevailed for the invitation race, with the course set south of the club in a confined arm of the lake with the shorelines influencing the wind gusts, those that could pick the shifts reaped the rewards. With Matt Stone first Cat Rig over the line, with Mick and Sarah Floyd first Sloop Rig.

Tuesday afternoon the serious racing started. Heat 1 was in the more open part of the lake, the wind was more serious as well, gusting up to 20 knots with a short chop. There where 3 different course variations possible, “A”= Triangle, Windward & Return, Triangle, Windward & Return, 4 laps. “B”= Triangle, Windward & Return, Triangle, 3 laps. “C”= 4 x Windward & Returns. The course to be used was displayed on the start boat but as luck would have it, I forgot to look and found myself at the front, so I asked Tim who I was battling for first with, he hadn’t looked either, this could be embarrassing. Luckily Peter caught up and I asked him, he was confident it was course “A”, then he was kind enough to capsize and leave me in the lead. As I approached the windward mark to complete the third lap I thought, “thank you Pete”, confident in the knowledge that I didn’t need to go to the finish line. But as I headed down the run, I saw Tim and others heading to the finish line and uncertainty took over, then I heard Tim get the hooter. I was devastated, but I was half way down the run by now and decided to stick with Peter’s word, as I knew Tim did not know the course from earlier enquiry. Then I saw Tim and the others heading down the run, that added more hope a anxious beat followed with nobody near me as my lead was now most of the beat, I crossed the line to the hooter and much relief. I thought I owe Peter big time, but that is what the Mossie fleet is about, hard racing but we stay friends. Tim was second and Matt third. In the Sloops Floyd’s where first, with Simon Hallsworth and Sarah Martin second with Jon and Ben Emonson third, only 40 seconds separated the first 3.

Heat 2 was back to back, this time I checked the course board, “A” again, the wind had shifted a bit and the buoy end of the line was favoured. I hit the line hard and fast and was never headed for the 4 laps, with the wind still gusting around 20 knots. The direction now favouring a immediate tack at the bottom mark followed by a long leg to the windward shore to overlay the windward mark and fly in to the windward mark in flat water lap after lap, leaving me with a lead of over 2 minutes. Who said you need to be heavy to perform in strong winds, it felt as fast as the last Nationals I sailed on a Mossie, then I was 95 kg plus, now I am 72kg. Second was Tim followed by Matt Third. Sloops, Neil and David Joiner started getting it together for a one second win from the Floyd’s in second, followed by Peter Dunk and Kirsten Thomas third.

Wednesday, heat 3 was in the morning and again on the more enclosed part of the lake near the yacht club, with light gusty wind prevailing. Mich Meade showed what he is capable of to take first in the Cat Rigs, not bad for a 16-year-old who has been in the class for 6 months. Peter Nikitin had lead most of the way only to see Mitch and Matt come from the other side of the lake, to pip him on the line. Matt was second and Peter third, with only 30 seconds separating the three of them. Sloops, Floyd’s where first by 4 seconds from Simon and Sarah second, with Joiner’s third. The afternoon saw the wind pick up again to around 15 knots. Heat 4, Cat rigs, I again enjoyed the fresh conditions to take first from Ben Cutmore, who took flier’s on the beats all regatta long and this race they payed as he finished one second ahead of Tim, third. Sloops, Floyd’s where first, Joiner’s second and Simon and Sarah third. Heat 5 was back to back with 4 with the wind a little lighter. In the Cat Rigs Tim broke through for the win, it was close 11 seconds, leaving me second, regretting some slow tacks, Matt was third establishing consistent places that would help at the end. Sloops, Simon and Sarah broke through for a big win, over 2 minutes ahead of Peter and Kirsten second, followed by Floyd’s only 10 seconds behind in third.

Thursday, again lighter winds prevailed for the morning race heat 6, in the confined area near the club. But this time Peter didn’t give up his lead in the Cat Rigs beating Ben Clark over the line by the narrowest of margins only two seconds with Matt only two seconds behind in third. In the Sloops Joiners enjoyed a run away win, first by over 2 minutes, with Philip and Cameron Warren-Smith second, over 2 minutes ahead of Simon and Sarah in third. Again in the afternoon there was stronger breeze around 15 knots and the races where held in the more open part of the lake away from the club. Heat 7, I battled with Garry Johnstone for the lead, Garry had threatened to take a place most races but carried this one to the end finishing some 40 seconds behind me for second, with the ever consistent Matt third. In the Sloops it was as good as a dead heat, with the Floyd’s scraping over the line by one second from Simon and Sarah third and Joiners only another second behind in third. The finish boat crew where feeling the pressure as well as the sailors! Race 8 was back to back with the wind dying a little to about 12 knots. In the Cat rigs Tim took another win from Matt in second and me in third. Sloops, Joiner’s enjoyed a clear win with Simon and Sarah Second and Emonson’s third.

So that was the end of 3 days of hard racing, with 8 heats completed and New Years Eve to be enjoyed followed by a lay day, it gave time to reflect. It looked like first in the cat rigs was settled in my favour, but the Sloops would go to the wire. It may sound like the racing was much the same each day, but the wind direction was different each day even though the strength was similar, making it necessary to re learn the shifty winds on the course each day, which kept me on my toes and I am sure the others felt the same.

Saturday, the final two heats where to be sailed in the morning, again lighter winds prevailed on the course close to the club. Heat 9 in the Cat Rigs nobody could hold back Ben Clark, who went on to be the first non-Gippsland Lakes sailor to win a Cat Rig heat followed by Peter in second and Garry J in third. I finished 4th frustrated with not being able to place better in the light winds having placed 4th in every morning race, but happy in the knowledge I had sealed the championship as my closest rivals Tim and Matt where behind me. In the Sloops the Joiner’s applied the pressure to the Floyd’s by taking first place with Simon and Sarah second followed by the Warren-Smith’s in third. Heat 10 was back to back, in the Cat rigs it was the battle for second overall between Matt and Tim, that made it interesting and Matt pulled out his first win for the series ahead of Tim in second, to take second overall and Peter placed third. I was again struggling back in fourth place when I rounded the last mark for the final beat to the finish, but decided I may as well take a flier on the last beat as another 4th to drop was of no consequence. Of course it didn’t work and I finished 7th, some what of an anticlimax to my series. Final results where 1st. Gary M, 2nd. Matt, 3rd. Tim. The sloops where the opposite, it was all down to this final heat to determine who won, with the Joiners enjoying a big win or was that a big grin to take the series, over 3 minutes ahead of Simon and Sarah second this heat and Floyd’s third. Final placings 1st. Joiner’s, 2nd. Floyd’s, on a count back from Simon and Sarah 3rd.

Highlights of the series were the atmosphere if you sail a Mossie and you weren’t there YOU MISSED OUT BIG TIME. This regatta was one of the reasons I came back to Mossies, friends and family on shore in a social atmosphere, combined with close racing on the water, sailing doesn’t come any better than this! Then there was the dominance of the Gippsland Lakes Mossies, until the last day every cat rig heat was won by Gippsland Lakes mossies, overall we won Cat and Sloop, Junior and Master. I think new rivalries where established in the Sloops pitting family against family, which is always good for the future of the class, after all that is why many of us started sailing Mossies to sail with our families, 5 of the sloops where family combinations. But most importantly something we haven’t seen enough of, the young Cat Rig sailors that came to the fore, with Matt and Mitch being the standouts. The future of Mossie sailing looks good, make sure you are at the next event to be part of it. You won’t be sorry and remember to ask the guy’s ahead of you what they are doing to go faster, I am sure they will be happy to pass on some hints, that’s what the Mossies are all about, family, friends and close racing.
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