Rose looks to Nationals after dominating Showdown Regatta

by Steve Price on 5 Nov 2012 Three time National Paper Tiger Champion Bruce Rose took a runaway victory in this year’s Audi Showdown Regatta with a perfect eight wins from eight starts.

Rose sailed flawlessly throughout the regatta using his superior boat speed to accelerate clear of the fleet despite having to come from behind on more than one occasion.

Mick Boyle in Mud Shark took second with a healthy margin back to Sean Keady who took third on count back from Steve Price in RomperStomper. The regatta was characterised by a light shifty breeze but Rose revelled in the conditions. 'I really like sailing on the Derwent River' he said. 'You have to contend with the strong current and patchy breeze which makes it tricky but it’s a good challenge and great training for the upcoming Nationals.'

Rose will spearhead a strong Tasmanian contingent heading to South Australia in January for the Nationals and believes he is in with a shot at another win if things go his way. 'There is still a lot of work to be done but I feel like I’m sailing fast so I’m certainly going across with winning as my goal.'

For more information on sailing paper tigers in Tasmania go to http://www.catsailor.org/index.php/tptca