The 2012 North Sails Victorian Championship was hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club
on the weekend of 21st and 22nd of April. The racing was sailed in a variety of testing
conditions ranging from a drifter to 25 knots. The ten competitors enjoyed close racing in
a no drops series. Unfortunately, disqualifications did not help the overall result of the well
performing “Audacious” and “Cinquinte’ on day 1 of the regatta. However, it was “Challenge”
owned by the 85 year old legend, Lou Abrahams and helmed by the very talented Mark Bulka
which won the series. It has been a good year for the “Challenge” team who won the 2012
National Title earlier in the year. Lou believes the main reason for his success is a stable crew,
many of whom have been sailing with Lou for in excess of 10 years.
The standard of racing throughout the fleet was consistently high throughout the seven
race series. There were 4 different heat winners. Apart from “Challenge”, races were won
by ‘Cinquante”, “Clockwork” and “Audacious”. “Sierra Chainsaw” whilst not winning a heat,
illustrated the importance of consistency and staying out of trouble to be placed second in the
series. Defending champion “Chutzpah” was 4th overall, 3 points ahead of “Clockwork” which
featured with a spectacular broach in the last race. “Mille Sabords” demonstrated potential
with two podium finishes whilst “Adrenalin” saved her best result for the last race. In her first
championship outing, “Playground” showed good form on Saturday, before gear failure in the
stronger winds on Sunday prevented a better overall result. Based on their excellent pre regatta
form, the crew of “38 Degrees South” would have been disappointed with their final result.
Race 1 was shortened to one lap after the light northerly evaporated. “Cinquinte” pipped the early
race leader “Audacious” at the finish, whilst “Challenge” was lucky to finish third. After a brief
delay, racing recommenced in a steady south easterly wind of 10 knots. Racing was extremely
close in these conditions with positions constantly changing. “Challenge” starting at the pin lead
from the start with “Sierra Chainsaw” benefitting from a right hand shift, threatened at the finish.
Race 3 was a very similiar affair with “Challenge” holding off a fast finishing “Chutzpah”on
this occasion. Places were constantly changing as was the wind direction. Most gains were made
off the wind. Race 4 was again won at the start when “Clockwork”, starting at the pin got the
benefit of a 15 degree wind shift to port tack the fleet. Too fast to be caught, “Clockwork” had
a comfortable win from “Challenge” with “Audacious” a couple of seconds behind in third.
Unfortunately, protests between “Audacious” and “Cinquante” resulted in both being disqualified
for which separate incidents and in a no drop series, very much put both entries out of contention.
With a forecast of increasing wind strength and a left hand shift, “Challenge” started at the
pin and was relieved to clear “Mille Sabords” to lay the weather mark in one tack to have a
convincing win. With the win going left as predicted, “Mille Sabords” was able to hold off
a “Cinquante” to have her best result of the series. With the wind strengthening, “Challenge’
again started at the favoured pin end of the line to lead the fleet and enjoy another win from the
very quick “Audacious” and “Clockwork”. With series won by “Challenge” and the fleet now
wise to favoured the pin end, race 7 was very competitive. “Audacious” was the star performer
with “Sierra Chainsaw” very strong. “Clockwork” was flying as was “Chutzpah”. “Challenge”
after a poor start, was struggling. With wind now above 20 knots the runs were exciting as boats
chose to push their luck with depth. A couple of wipe outs occurred but none more spectacular
than “Clockwork’s” all standing chinese jibe which dropped her three places. “Audacious” won
the race by a comfortable margin to finish the series as she started on a high note. The Corinthian
series for cat 1 crews was won by “Sierra Chainsaw” with “Audacious” the runner up.
A highlight of the series was the close racing and skill level. There is no doubt the standard of
racing has improved in Victoria. The big improver was “Audacious” with “Clockwork” very fast
at times. A barbeque presentation was held after the last race. A social function was also well
attended on Saturday evening.
A big thank you to the major sponsor of the series, North Sails Australia for supplying the
trophies, Sierra for providing the winner’s jackets and to Ronstan for donating the novelty prizes
In addition, to Graeme Watt and his race management team a great effort, to Monica in the sailing
office, the on water jury and measurers, thank you all for making the series a success.
RESULTS
1. “Challenge” Lou Abrahams 3,1,1,2,1,1,4 13 points
2. “Sierra Chainsaw” Mel & Andrew Mollison 6,2,4,4,4,4,2 26 points (1st Corinthian)
3 “Audacious” Greg Clinnick 2,11Q,5,3,5,2,1 29 points (2nd Corinthian)
4 “Chutzpah 38” Bruce Taylor 4,7,2,5,6,7,3 34 points
5 “Clockwork” G. Mather / F Mcdermott 9,5,6,1,7,3,6 37 points (3rd Corinthian)
6 “Cinquante” Ian Murray 1,4,11Q,6,3,6,7 38 points
7 “Mille Sabords” Stephane Howarth 10,3,9,8,2,5,9 46 Points
8 “Playground” Andrew Robinson 5,6,3,10,8,11,11 54 Points
9 “Adrenalin” I Beer / A Molnar 8,8,8,9,9,9,5 56 Points
10 “38 Degrees South” John Chatham 7,11,7,7,10,8,8 58 Points
Rowan Simpson,
Secretary,
Southern Chapter