Access Class Asia-Pacific Championships - Day 1 on Lake Burley Griffin

by David Staley on 31 Mar 2013 Competition in the 2013 Australian and Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships got underway on Canberra’s picturesque Lake Burley Griffin today. A beautiful sunny morning was lacking breeze, forcing Race Officer Phil Yeomans to delay the start of racing for the single person divisions. By late morning, a gentle north westerly filled in to enable three races to be completed for each of the 2.3, 303 and Liberty fleets.

Chris Ruston (QLD) and Bob Schahinger (SA) took command of their fleets with 1-1-1 finishes in the 2.3 and Liberty respectively. In the 303, Tristan Nuemueller (SA) had some close racing with Stephen Churm (NSW), with Nuemueller coming out ahead with two wins from three starts. Churm’s 2-1-2 scoreline leaves him only one point adrift, so there is plenty of good sailing to look forward to.

The breeze continued to fill in during the afternoon, building to around 10 knots and providing good conditions for the two person divisions racing in the afternoon session. Four races were completed for the 303s and three for the SKUDs.

Jocelyn a d Tristan Nuemueller (SA) were the most consistent in the 21 strong 303 fleet, coming away with two wins, a second and a third. Other race winners were unable to back-up with podium places in this competitive group.

Ame Barnbrook and Matt Crawford (NSW) made a perfect start to their regatta with three wins in the SKUD 18. The six SKUDs include a mix of seasoned campaigners and a group of new talent in the class. They are being supported as a group by Yachting Australia coaches Larry Cargill and Tim Lowe, aiming to build a strong squad to prepare for the Rio Paralympics.

Competition continues until Monday with eight races scheduled for each division.