Metung Yacht Club on the East Gippsland Lakes again held the traditional Gippsland Lakes Etchells regatta.
Last year the regatta enjoyed a 32 boat fleet with the lead up to the World Championships and was also combined with the Victorian Championships, John Bertrand taking out that event.
This year with the regatta being only two weeks after the National Championships was down to fourteen boats but as usual in the Etchells fleet very close. So close in fact 'The Boat' and 'Legless whom both won two races each did not finish in the top three. Added to this, not only first and second was required to be decided on a count back, but also fourth and fifth respectively. In the seven races sailed five different boats won heats. Third and fourth was decided on a protest.
Both Pedro (Kirwin Robb) who prevailed on a count back from Temptress (Dave Lawrence) did not win a heat. 'Fair Bump Play On' (Jeff Rose) finished third with one win.
Day 1 - The regatta opened with a stiff South East breeze starting at around 15 knots and steadily built to 22 knots by the afternoon. Jake Gunther 'The Boat' got of to a great start with two wins from two races and looked like to crew to catch. Pedro also got of to a consistent start with two seconds.
Day 2 - brought light South Easterly breezes with three races completed. Graham Alexander and crew from Mornington in 'Smile and Wave' gave a sailing lesson and easily won race 3. Local Metung resident Jeff Rose won the race 4 in 'Fair Bump Play On' and just to add to the long list of winners Bruce McBriar from Royal Brighton yacht club won the race 5.
Day 3 - Races 6 and 7 where sailed in a light southerly breeze of around 10 knots. Stephen Peel/ Graham Aldersea in Legless won the race 6 and then proceeded to embarrass the rest of the fleet with a two minute win in the race 7.
Next year being the 20th anniversary regatta will be something special and plans are already being made to celebrate this milestone.
Final Results
1. Pedro – Kirwin Robb - Royal Brighton Yacht Club 2. Temptress – Dave Lawrence – Blairgowrie Yacht Club 3. Fair Bump Play On – Jeff Rose – Metung Yacht Club
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