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HOGS BREATH Hobie Cat Nationals WA - January 2 - January 7, 2006
Nedlands Yacht Club - The Esplanade, Nedlands - Perth WA
Quick Links:
Day1 Day 2
Day 3 Day 4
Day 5
“FREO DOCTOR” GREETS PERTH NATIONALS
The Hogs Breath Café Hobie Cat Nationals being held at Nedlands
Yacht Club on the Swan River in Perth was greeted today by the
legendary “Fremantle Doctor” southwest wind after two days of light
easterly winds.
Race controller John Hooper utilized the breeze to advantage on day
three of competition to give the sailors a full day sailing with
four heats being sailed in 12 – 15 knots of wind.
Competition in the Hobie 16 and Tiger Class is still too tight to
decide a winner but Victorian sailor Ron McDonald is dominating the
Hobie 17 class with eight wins out of the nine heats sailed so far.
McDonald now only has to start the remaining heats to guarantee
himself a National title in his current form.
Local sailors Darren Smith and Natalie Hill extended their lead in
the large Hobie 16 class after today, albeit by four points over New
South Wales team Brad Sumner and Belinda Walkom. After an ordinary
start to the regatta, another New South Wales team Mick Butler and
Susan Etherington had a great day on the water with a first, two
seconds and a sixth in the four heats sailed to make up some big
ground on the leaders. Queensland team Shane Petersen and Daniel
Sims also had a good day with three top ten finishes to make up some
lost ground as well.
With two days of competition left, up to eleven teams have a chance
of winning the Hobie 16 class if things go their way.
Victorian sailors Lachlan Gibson and Josh Fugill also had great day
on the water with three wins out of four in the Hobie Tiger class.
New South Wales team Steve Fields and Peter Dubbelaar were able to
grab one win for the day as well as three second places to remain in
contention but will need to find some extra breeze to topple the
young Victorian team to grab the National crown.
Up to eight heats over two days of sailing on Friday and Saturday
remain to be sailed, so winners in the Hobie 16 and Tiger class
won’t be decided until the final day.
Full event details and results are available on the event website
www.hobiecat.asn.au/nationals2006 .
Day 3 Report
After an even lighter start to the day with the easterly wind
blowing in at 5 knots than all week so far, the “Freo Doctor”
finally decided to visit Melville waters just after 11.00am.
After an early lunch, Hoops decided it was time to race in 10 – 13
knots which kept most sailors happy.
Hoops was so happy with the wind he decided that it was a good day
to give us the full compliment of 4 races in the South West wind.
Ron McDonald continued his great form in the 17’s fleet, finishing
the day with 4 bullets! Livius Payne had a great day as well with 3
seconds & a third. Barry Sanders finished the day with a second &
two thirds for a good day in the office.
In the Tiger fleet, Lauchy Gibson & Josh Fugill got the better of
Steve & Peter on the day with 3 bullets & a second. Steve got some
penance in the second heat of the day pipping Lauchy. Bob Schahinger
sailed well first up for a third in the opening heat. Michael
In the 16 fleet, Mick Butler & Sue Etherington finally found some
form after being capsized on in the first heat of the regatta at the
top mark (we won’t mention who rolled onto him will we Paul Davis!).
Mick should be happy with today’s results. Dazza & Nat continued
their consistent form with high placing's again & finally getting a
win in heat 2 of the day. Big Brad & small Belinda has also
continued to keep pace with the top contenders & is looking good to
launch a charge for the 16 title. Will sit well in their trophy
cabinet!!??
Shane & Daniel also had a great day in the office gaining some
ground with some good results (Even after bouncing of a couple of
boats at the start on a port tack!!).
Overall, most sailors were happy to get out into our “Freo Doctor” &
we have our fingers crossed for more of the same on Friday &
Saturday.
Tomorrow, the only competition will be at the AGM!
At the end of the days racing, competition is still too close to
call in the 16’s & the Tigers.
We look forward to Friday!
Report by HCAWA
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