Aussies take early lead in 12 Foot Skiff Interdoms
by Event media on 2 Jan 2009
12ft Skiff Interdomion Championship SW
Australian 12 Foot Skiff 'Garde' sailed by Brett Hobson and Alex Johnston have taken an early lead in the 49th 12 Foot Skiff Interdomion Championship held at RQYS Brisbane. The boys took two bullets setting them up with a solid start to the ten heat regatta.
Waterloo Bay turned out perfect racing conditions with a steady 15-18 knot Nor-easter which slowly built during the afternoon. New Zealand Skiff 'Nuplex', Alex Vallings & Jeremy Smith were the only skiff to opt for their big rig and sailed incredibly well to secure 2nd place in Heat 1 despite being over-rigged. 'Gizmo' sailed by Michael Bochner & Tim Barraclough were third.
In race 2, 'Gemmell Sails', Murray Press & Ben Gemmell were second followed by the ever consistent 'Gizmo' in third.
Team points are also going Australia's way at this early stage in the regatta. After two race the Aussies have a decent lead with 349 points, the Kiwi's are on 269.
NZ boat 'Frankenskiff', Tim Bartlett & Adam Miller were impressive in both races however they finished to find they had two OCS's. There were plenty of spills and breakages. Contenders Nick Press & Brad Yabsley on 'Yabba Dabba - Dimension Polyant' broke their forestay early in race 1. The miners contest was taken out by 'Karoshi', Ben Austin & Dave Cleworth, who snapped their rudder (for the second day running) making for an impressive high speed crash.
January 1st is a lay day, racing will re-commence on Friday January 2nd.
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