2014-15 NSW O'pen Cup - Sailors take on ten-foot swell

by Ryan Spring on 10 Mar 2015 The 2015 NSW O’pen Cup Race 2 of 2 was held at Yarra Bay 16ft Sailing Club over the weekend. With 25 young sailors making the trip from various clubs the stage was set for yet another epic O’pen BIC regatta.

Saturday threw in a curve ball as a big Southerly swell rolled through into bay, and with it came five-foot shore breakers straight onto the launching beach. This meant boats had to be launched one at a time to be escorted out.

The young guns, showing real courage and bravery, brushed off the big waves and racing swiftly got under way. A solid 15kts Northeast breeze whipped off the land mixed in with a swell so big you couldn’t see the top of the masts when the competitors were in the trough of a wave. It made for some really testing conditions. Three races were completed on the first day before competitors could get their heads down for some well-earned rest.

Sunday turned up and brought champagne sailing conditions as the wind swung round to the South and filled in to a steady 15kts again. The swell had also dropped dramatically leaving just enough chop for the boats to have a good surf on.
Both the Gold and Silver fleets took to the stage and put on a great show for the onlooking parents and support boats. Kristen Wadley, really showing her class, took out overall first place with a faultless series. Young Thomas Skinner showed how much he has been training as he claimed the Silver fleet title.

The weekend was a huge success with a total of six races being held. Unfortunately, conditions did not allow for the notorious 'freestyle' or 'adventure' races but none the less fun was had by all and the stories of launching on the first day will be relived forever.

2014-15 NSW O'pen Cup - series 1 and 2 overall results
First - Kristen Wadley
second - Sophie Cottam
Third - Travis Wadley

A full list of results for all divisions is available Here