Paper Tiger Catamaran National Titles - A titanic struggle

by Travis Woods on 7 Jan 2015 The Paper Tiger Catamaran National Titles 2015 at Lauderdale Yacht Club of Tasmania on Monday 5th of Jan presented sailors with postcard Frederick Henry Bay conditions, with a 14-18 knot sea breeze, which hung around all afternoon, and even enticed a pod of dolphins to join in the first lap of Race five. After a general recall to settle the toey pin end starters, the race quickly developed between the usual suspects in the top ten. But it was two local favourites, and fierce rivals, Rob Cracknel (Mac Attack) and Bruce Rose (The Apprentice) who would fight out a titanic struggle with Bruce holding on for a narrow win, with Ben Deed third.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]With favourable conditions continuing, the race committee quickly got Race six underway. Again very close racing prevailed, with white-knuckle reaching legs, and a windward beat which provided tactical options on both sides, each time up. At the finish it was Bryan Anderson picking up another bullet, from Greg Williams and Ben Deed.

After the obligatory rest day (following a large mid-regatta Reggae Night for many competitors), Races seven and eight were sailed on the tight confines of Course 2. The morning race saw light conditions, with Mark Wiggins (Firestorm) breaking through for his first win of the series, pipping Jason Dunsmore (Unknown Zone) and Bruce Rose.

The afternoon race, sailed on the same course but with a much stronger 18-20 knot NE breeze, saw very tight racing in the steep seaway. Bryan Anderson sailed to a convincing win, followed by Mark Wiggins and the consistent Bruce Rose.

With four races to sail, the series is shaping as a nail-biter, with one point separating the top three, and many other close battles down the score sheet.