The S38 2016 NSW Championships were held over last weekend out of the RPAYC with seven boats competing.
The honours went to Phil Tomkins and his crew on Next from CYCA, 1st Overall and 1st Corinthian. A well deserved win with 3 guns from 6 races. Richard Williams’ Calibre also from CYCA was 2nd Overall only 1 point behind with 2 guns and three 2nds. Peter Byford & David Hudson’s Conspiracy from RPAYC claimed 3rd place.
We saw challenging sailing conditions for all, with a Westerly front hitting Sydney just at the planned start time for the 1st race. The Race Officer, Stephen Merrington was keeping a close eye on the weather observations at the Airport and the Harbour all morning, with 40 knots gusts recorded at 10:30am. After AP ashore was dropped at around one o’clock, the 1st race got underway in Pittwater shortly after 2:00pm. This 1st race turned out to be an exciting race with the westerly kicking back in and gusting to 35knots shortly after rounding the top mark – lots of thrills and spills! Two more races were conducted on Saturday in only slightly better conditions, however they still took their toll on most boats at various time throughout the day.
After Day One three boats shared the gun in the three races, Next, Calibre and Conspiracy, however day one hours went to Phil Tomkins, Next, with Richard Williams, Calibre close at their heels and Peter Byford & David Hudson’s Conspiracy in 3rd.
Day Two was held offshore in Broken Bay and whilst the winds were a lot lighter the dreaded westerly was still there! Three races were conducted with some very variable winds (strength and direction). A 15 knot SE finally kicked in 3/4 of the way through the 2nd race of the day turning the last leg from a spinnaker run into a beat – frustrating for some and fortunate for those who picked the right side of the course! Boat of the day went to Next!
Congratulations to Phil and his crew and very well sailed Richard and his crew in a very close 2nd!
Congratulations to all those who participated including, Peter Mayo’s Austral, RMYCT, Stuart Williamson’s Adventure of Whitby, RPAYC, Chris Heraghty & Greg Burn’s Risk, RPAYC and Mark Thompson’s Zen, RMYC.
The regatta was supported by, G Brothers Mercedes Benz, Glass Systems, Williams Interiors and Norths Sails – thanks to all our supporters!
Merro and his team of volunteers from RPAYC did a great job against the odds – well done and thank you.
All are looking forward to the S38 Internationals to be hosted by MHYC on 3rd to the 5th of March 2017.
Photos by Beth Morley @ www.sportsailingphotography.com can be seen at Sydney 38 NSW Championships Image Gallery 2016. You can also buy images from Beth by visiting her website.