Youth Nationals 2013 – Gusty weather brings early end to opening day

by Craig Heydon on 8 Jan 2013 The OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championship 2013 wrapped up its opening day of competition earlier than expected as 25-knot winds posed danger to the competing crews on the River Derwent in Hobart.

The 160 crews hit the water for a 10am start, spending the next few hours drifting around awaiting the sea breeze. Racing finally got underway in moderate breeze just after midday with the wind continuing to build from the south during the first race.

As the gusts got up above 25 knots the race committee sent the crews ashore, with the Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 fleets completing two races, while the 420, 29er and Techno 293s were only able to finish one. Racing was officially abandoned for the day just before 3pm

Christopher Anderson is on top of the leader board in the Laser Radial class following an opening race win and a third. Anderson is tied on points with Thomas Vincent, leading on a count back, following Vincent’s pair of second places.

Defending Australian champion and 2012 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship gold medallist Mark Spearman is third overall, following a seventh and a win on Monday. Spearman is four points behind the leaders after two races.

Louise Evans is the leading female competitor in sixth position, with the Queenslander finishing with a fifth and a 12th.

In the Laser 4.7 fleet Nicholas Connor is first overall following a second and a fourth, two points ahead of Richard Maher.

Jack Felsenthal is two points further behind in third with Anna Vaughn the leading female in 10th.

West Australians Carrie Smith and Ella Clark got their campaign for a third straight Australian Youth Championship 420 girl’s title off to a perfect start, winning the only race of the day.

Smith and Clark led Xavier Winston-Smith and Joshua Dawson across the line, with Dana Tevener and Catherine Pagett third.

Harry Price and Angus Williams won the opening 29er race, ahead of 2012 Australian champions Tom Siganto and Joel Turner.

Henry and Grant Makin were third, with Tess Lloyd and Eliza Solly the first girl’s crew in fourth overall.

Local sailor Jock Calvert had a big win in the first Bic Techno 293 race, ahead of Antoine King and Hugh Jones.

Two-time Australian champion Annalise Gilbert was the first female finisher in fourth overall, with Samantha Sterling and Lara O’Brien following her over the line.

Racing is scheduled to continue in Hobart on Tuesday but strong winds are again forecast. The 2013 OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championship finishes on Thursday afternoon.