Outteridge, Rogers, Bourke add glam to SB3 Australia

by Rod Jones on 5 Oct 2010 First Nick Rogers from Hobart, next Glenn Bourke and now with the Nathan Outterdidge/Ian Brown combination - the SB3 class in Australia is adding some serious pedigree to its already strong environment.

With a World Championship in Australia in December 2012, three new boats en-route plus a few recent private imports, the Australian SB3 fleet numbers should hit 35 by Christmas. For now, Hobart has taken the mantle as the stronghold of SB3 sailing. However new boats en-route to Queensland and NSW will bolster the claims of the mainland.

The next SB3 Nationals in Port Stephens, April 2011 is expected to see 25 boats meet the starter's gun. How many of those entrants will be World or National title holders from other classes?

Hamilton Island 2012 will be the class' fifth World Championship, its first outside Australia. The Australian fleet by the end of 2012 is expected to number in excess of 50 boats. Up to 50 overseas entries are expected to attend, making the 2012 SB3 World Championship arguably one of the most significant One Design keelboat regattas held in Australia.

Its prime time for potential SB3 owners to take advantage of the strong AUD and invest in their sailing future by joining the growing SB3 family. For more information contact Oceanburo or Dart Sailboats.

The next SB3 Worlds will be held in May 2011, at Torbay in the UK. A fleet of 200 boats is possible and indications are that six Australian teams will sail. After Torbay in May 2011 the world fleet will focus on the sun and fun of Hamilton Island.

The Australian SB3 fleet follows a regular and comprehensive race circuit. The Victorian States in mid November ( Lipton Cup Regatta ) kick of the regattas with the culmination in 2011 at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. In the meantime the fleet will have sailed regattas in Docklands, Geelong, Hobart, Sydney, Port Stephens and Mooloolaba.