Sharpie National Championships - Sharpies set to bring the bay to life

by Marc Ablett on 3 Nov 2014 2014 - 15 Sharpie National Championships - In one of the most anticipated national championships held in New South Wales in the history of the class, a great fleet of sharpies are set to descend on Botany Bay for the 72nd instalment of the event held at the Georges River Sailing Club.

Preparations for this regatta started well over two years ago and NSW is welcoming top class sailors from around the country in what will be an event to savour.

It all kicks off on the December 29 when old meets new with legends and supporters of the class get together for the legends day and launch of a great pictorial history of this class so far. Legends from the halcyon days in NSW like Grant Simmer, Alex Dey, Stuart Fahey as well as a host of interstate sailors will be in attendance including class patron, John Cuneo from Queensland.

This will be coupled with the modern day superstars of the class doing battle in the invitation races on the river in front of the club for added spectator appeal.

With the remainder of the event to be sailed on Botany Bay, this will provide a great spectacle and fans can enjoy the thrills and spills from the comfort of the clubhouse.

The fleet that is stacking up is looking like it will be top class, with perennial placegetters, Sam McCloud, Jason Heritage and Chris Went heading up a strong fleet from South Australia.

There are whispers afoot of Vern Tidy making the trip from the west as well as Tasmanians and previous national champions Drew Latham and crew on board One Hump or Two.

To add some spice to the regatta there has been a huge influx of quality juniors into the class in recent years, with up to nine junior teams (under 21) competing for both the open trophy and the junior crown.

Tasmania is looking at sending a strong team as well as the home state NSW.

One young crew (although no longer a junior) is Ryan Kelly skippering Nude from South Australia, they have been giving more fancied opponents a touch up locally and are a smoky for the title.

West Australia will also be strong in this department, with young Jack Swallow, making the transition into a quick boat and making the trip across.

A victory at Mounts Bay Sailing Club's opening day against more fancied opponents sent a warning shot through the fleet.

Also creating some interest will be the women's trophy, with up to five teams expected to compete.

There are three Canberra teams with Kelsey Hanrahan and Cass Schlimbach out of lasers looking to compete, class stalwart Mary Tulip also has a good boat under her and will be quick. Tasmania and Queensland look like states that will provide good competition in this area.

With so many battles within the fleet it will be a fantastic series at a great club with a record of hosting great events.

Many have said it will be as good off the water as it will be on it with strong northeasters cranking in and cold beer in the bar.

The aim is for a fleet of around 45 boats and around 130 to 140 sailors, which will test everyone with great depth throughout.

NSW had a warm up on Sunday at the 'River Club' and it was a fantastic day with extremely close racing on three short courses on the Bay, the 15-18 knot southeasterly caused some havoc among the fleet, with race one winner Blur skippered by Dean Souter forced to the bar after breaking a preventer.

Truck and Deep Sea Racing Prawns were left to battle it out with Truck taking the last race by seven seconds to secure the win.

Just a taste of what is to come at Christmas time.

There are still plenty of quality affordable boats for sale and ready to compete for the title.

It is also going to be a busy November locally with the following upcoming events:

• ACT Dinghy Titles Nov 15/16 CYC
• NSW State Titles Nov 29-30 PKSC
• Final Warm up racing GRSC December 14

Also, you can visit the event website for more info and online entries to GRSC72 National Titles.

Any other queries or sponsorship opportunities contact Marc Ablett at marc_ablett@hotmail.com.