2015 Paper Tiger Catamaran National Championships - Set for Tasmania

by Travis Woods on 7 Dec 2014 2015 Paper Tiger Catamaran National Championships - The Lauderdale Yacht Club , on the pristine waters of Frederick Henry Bay (25mins SE of Hobart), is set to host the 2015 Australian Paper Tiger Catamaran Championships, in conjunction with the Tasmanian Paper Tiger Catamaran Association (TPTCA).

The Paper Tiger is lively 14ft, single handed catamaran, which provides competitive racing, but with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The National titles are being conducted from January 2nd to 9th 2015, with a fleet of 40+ boats expected to travel from most mainland states.

The keen local fleet has seen 12-15 boats contesting highly competitive races each Sunday, providing quality preparation for when the national fleet arrives. Many skippers have also been taking advantage of the extended daylight hours, to squeeze in mid-week training sessions after work.

The event will feature 12 races consisting of morning and afternoon races, as well as the first ever Americas Cup style 'dash for cash', a timed speed run over 500m. This will be run close to the beach, and should provide great spectator viewing and all important bragging rights.

With the entry list already boasting 6 previous national champions (with an imposing 18 national titles between them) , and this regatta doubling as a selection event for the upcoming Trans-Tasman challenge, to be conducted on Botany Bay over Easter, competition is expected to be fierce for the available Australian team places.

Headlining the local assault will be four-time champion Bruce Rose, with Sean Keady and Steve Price keen to emulate their top 10 performances at last years nationals in Victoria. Also, returning veteran Rob Cracknel has been showing great speed this season.

The Hobart fleet is also renowned for is hospitality, and the social committee has plenty lined up off the water, highlighted by a reggae night with live band, to top off what should be a memorable regatta.