Copper Cove Marina Cherub Sprint Series - Close fleet racing

by SA Cherubs on 5 Apr 2014 In the Copper Cove Marina Cherub Sprint Series Raw (sailed by Alex Blacker and Jacob Bainger) became the inaugural victors of the Duncan Groome Trophy on Saturday. The series, held in the Copper Cove Marina Wallaroo, was some of the closest racing ever seen by the fleet.

Raw took the challenge head on, claiming four bullets and a second from a five race series to hold off Boobs R Us who pushed them all the way with four seconds and a first.

Competitors were faced with light winds for the marina-hosted series, which is the first of its kind. It did not detract from the quality of racing seen, though. Mentally the sailors were pushed more than ever in a battle which saw a mass of lead changes throughout the 12-14 minute long races. The natural boundaries of the marina set the scene for exciting racing as competitors were forced to converge regularly.

Quick Spoon did well to consolidate third place ahead of Block Party, Boogie Nights and Beam Me Up, all of which had their moments at the head of the fleet. Position changes got the best of everyone at some point, leading to an emotional rollercoaster of frustration and elation.

In the end, however, it all came down to consistency as Raw and Boobs R Us blitzed the fleet on the scoreboard overall.
As a result Raw was rewarded the Duncan Groome Trophy, presented by the man himself. Duncan Groome had an enormous impact on Cherub Sailing in SA. As technical officer and SA President, he introduced the exciting asymmetrical spinnakers used today, built over 10 boats and actively encouraged growth in the class.

The successful series gave competitors and spectators alike the perfect warm up prior to the Wolf Blass 52nd Cherub National Championship, to be held in Wallaroo this December.

The tough series was an ideal end of season showcase as season 2013/14 comes to an end and sailors begin working towards nationals.

1: Raw (A.Blacker and J.Bainger)
2: Boobs R Us (S.How and S.Knights)
3: Quick Spoon (A.Emery and A.Bath)
4: Block Party (J.Ramsey and Z.Greer)
5: Boogie Nights (L.Trenorden and M.Tozer)
6: Beam Me Up (D.Robinson and P.Crouch)