Tide of the Tasar rises in WA for Worlds

by Jenny Honeybun on 16 Jun 2014 As the tide of Tasars rises in Western Australia, one asks whether this wave of popularity is due to the charm of this boat or because WA is hosting the next World Championship Regatta: the answer is undoubtedly, both.

From the Bethwaite stable the Tasar is an uncomplicated two person one design dinghy with a jib and a main. There is no trapeze or spinnaker. The characteristics of light weight, perfect balance and the ability to plane in light winds make sailing a Tasar an exhilarating experience in all conditions. It is quick and easy to rig and can be enjoyed by two adults or an adult and a teenager. At its popularity peak in the mid to late 1990s Perth enjoyed strong fleets at firstly, Mounts Bay and then at Royal Perth Yacht Club, which were boosted by the Navy’s fleet. Tasars are now back in vogue with some of the old owners pushing the class to the fore. Past MBSC Commodore Greg Jennings has introduced the fleet into the northern suburbs with a good size fleet at Hillarys Yacht Club whilst Sharpie converts have recruited old Tasar hand, Bill Quinn to mentor the revived Mounts Bay fleet.

A Busselton contingent is rising with the tide. Sharpie sailor Dean Dickson and Anton Mann with his 10 year old daughter Portia, were the first Geographe Bay Yacht Club sailors to ride the wave. Dean drove to Melbourne over Easter and picked up his boat and has been sailing with daughter Zoey. Another GBYC member Neil Forster, picked up his boat in Darwin. Boats are being purchased and transported from the east to supplement the demand in WA, such is the popularity.

Geographe Bay Yacht Club won the right to host the 2015 World Tasar Championships, beating competition from a number of larger clubs in the Eastern States. The 2015 Tasar World Championships will be held from January 2 to 9, 2015. It is the first time the club has hosted a world regatta however international visitors will certainly not be disappointed. Boats from various clubs around Western Australia, interstate and countries including New Zealand, England, United States, Japan and the Netherlands are already confirmed with 90 to 100 boats expected. Ron Jensen is at the helm of the organisation team and reports that arrangements are well under way.

For further information contact the Tasar President Kate Best 0422 506 402.