16ft Skiff National Championships - Bryden's team take race 1

by Megan Fitzgerald on 6 Jan 2014 The 2014 16ft Skiff National Titles, being hosted by Drummoyne Sailing Club, first race has been won by ‘Bryden’s Lawyers.’

Belmont 16s Club boat, ‘Empty Jets’ (skippered by Rob Flanagan) led off the start with Bryden’s (skippered by Lee Knapton) and ‘Hubble Chemicals’ (skippered by Nathan Wilmont) nipping at their heels early off the start.

Bryden’s took the lead from Empty Jets on the first downwind leg and held the lead for the remainder of the race.

Empty Jets and Hubble Chemicals were within striking distance of Bryden’s throughout the race however Bryden’s experienced crew managed to keep control in the fresh gusty nor-easter on Sydney Harbour.

Bryden’s finished over a minute ahead of the fleet, followed by Hubble Chemicals, Fluid Building, Altis, Empty Jets and Fire Stopping.

The Bryden’s crew are no strangers to a win at Drummoyne after they recently won an event hosted by the Drummoyne Sailing Club in the lead up to the National Titles.

There are 32 16ft Skiff entries in this years’ National titles, which are being sailed between 5 and 11 January 2014.

The Championships are one of the key activities for the Drummoyne Club’s 100th year anniversary celebrations. The Drummoyne club have organised a programme of social events for competitors and spectators each day, culminating in a presentation dinner following the last heat of the regatta. Tickets should be purchased early from club reception to avoid disappointment.

All old skiffies are encouraged to attend the ‘Back to Drummoyne’ reunion to be held at the club on Tuesday 7th January between 10:30am and 7:30pm. The day’s highlight will be the official opening of the Frank Bonnitcha boardroom along with a display of memorabilia from bygone years.

The second race is scheduled for 2.30pm today.