Tasmanian dinghy sailors in cracking form

by Peter Campbell on 3 Jan 2014 Young Tasmanian dinghy sailors are in cracking form at the National Dinghy Championships in Sydney and Melbourne, with Sam King winning his fourth race at the Sabot 50th Australian Championship and Angus Price and Archie Ibball finishing second in the International Cadet Championships.

With only three races to sail today in the Sabot Nationals at Drummoyne Sailing Club on Sydney’s Upper Harbour, Sam King (13) has a near unbeatable lead after beating fellow Tasmanian Williams Wallis (12) by just 14 seconds in yesterday’s race seven.

After and eighth place in the first race, King has placed first or second in each of the following six races, showing great skill in handling the difficult winds on the course near Cockatoo Island. A fleet of 76 Sabots are contending the Senior One-up division.

Wallis’s second yesterday has given him a strong chance of a podium place, pushing King to the limit around the course. Both boys are members of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania’s Dinghy Group.

Joshua Jones’ fourth place made it three Tasmanians in the top four in yesterday’s race. He is now eighth overall while Joshua Harriss’ sixth place in race seven places him eight overall.

Five Sandy Bay Sailing Club crews finished in the top 10 placegetters at the International Cadet Australian championship held at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria at Williamstown.

In a fleet of 63 boats, the young Tasmanian sailors did exceptionally well although unable to hold back the winning crew, Tom and Sophie Alexander from the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

SBSC crews filled the next three placings, with Angus Price and Archie Ibball second overall after winning the final race, Silas Hamilton and Ethan Galbrath and Sam Abel and William Cooper fourth.

Jasmin Galbrath and Matilda placed eighth, Josh Brown and Charlie Boman 10th.