Australian 470 Nationals – Great racing on Day 1

by Brian Case on 20 Feb 2014 At the Australian 470 Nationals, being held at Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club, 11 teams have been busy with last minute training and preparations.

For the past week, crews have been enjoying beautiful weather and flat water and have put on a great show for many admiring fans.

Current World Champions Matt Belcher and Will Ryan set the pace on Day one winning all three races in winds ranging around 14-22 knots with some tricky wind shifts and tide to deal with.

Conducted over windward-leeward courses the pursuing pack was very tight with minor mistakes being pounced on and good tactical calls being rewarded. The racing was of a very high standard.

Three women teams are in the mix and proving very competitive.

So, with three races completed, the Belcher-Ryan team lead followed by Angus Galloway-Tim Hannah with brothers Matthew and Robert Crawford only one point behind.

After suffering a hand injury while rigging Jacqui Gurr with crew Amelia Catt lead the women by only one point from Tasmania's Lucy Shephard-Emma Barton and Carrie Smith-Sarah Cook. Racing continues until Sunday with teams enjoying a Friday night race on the iconic Couta boats.

Competitors quotes: Lloyd Collings- 'For Jack and I it's great to be here sailing with some of the best 470 sailors in the world while we come to grips with our new boat. To watch the Australian Sailing Team in action is very exciting'.

Lucy Shephard-'We were really happy with yesterday as we have only been a team for a short time and Emma coming out of Lasers is still getting used to trapezing but the did a fantastic job. Great racing though'.

Strong westerly winds are predicted for Day two.

Results and Regatta information here: click here