South Pacific Laser Masters - Record fleet enjoys strong winds

by Michael Wilson on 21 May 2015 South Pacific Laser Masters - A fleet of over 70 Lasers from Australia and New Zealand enjoyed fresh to strong breezes for this year’s regatta held at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron from 15th – 18th May.

The regatta once again attracted sailors from over 30 clubs and they were treated to excellent “winter” sailing conditions. The eight races over four days tested every sailor's skill and endurance in predominantly 15-20 knot conditions. The quality at the top end of the fleets was hot with a number of World and National Masters champions competing, however close racing and friendly competition between club sailors right through the fleet in challenging conditions were the highlights of the regatta.

Day one saw a forecast of 20 knots, but competitors enjoyed sunbaking conditions on the water for two hours in the bright and warm sunshine before the southerly front came through with a beautifully steady 13 - 15 knot breeze. Both the Radial and Standard fleets finished the scheduled two races - but only just before sunset.

Overnight the southerly strengthened and day two brought a strong 20+ knot southerly that built further during race one to over 30 knots. The fleet was tested severely as this stronger wind blasted through the downwind legs. Mayhem at the gybe mark resembled a scene from Mad Max with many chastened Masters sporting the infamous Moreton Bay mud 'choc top' on their sails. The second race on day two was sailed in similar conditions, and the fleet enjoyed a multitude of adrenaline fuelled rides along with the mind-numbing pain of long windward hiking. The bar that evening was filled with war stories of thrills, spills, pain and unbelievable bad luck while the pain momentarily subsided.

Day three brought a moderation in pain as the wind settled in at a relatively manageable 15 – 20 knots. This was still more than enough to give the fleet an examination in skill, endurance and one's capacity to enjoy more long windward hiking. Both races also demonstrated to visiting sailors how difficult the notorious Waterloo Bay slop can be as the short sharp chop built up under the influence of the previous day's breeze.

The final day saw races seven and eight sailed in a 15-18 knot southerly. The close racing meant many places were still on the line including winners in almost all age divisions. More long and painful hiking was required!!

In the Radials it was Scott Leith in Leithal from NZ who finished on top from Mark Kennedy of Maroochy Sailing Club and Danny Fuller from Townsville Sailing Club. In the Standard rig fleet Mat Blakey of NZ, who now sails at Port Melbourne, beat Nicholas Skulander from Woollahra Sailing Club in a countback. Local sailor Brad Taylor took third place. The 4.7 fleet was won by George Meikle of RQYS.

The South Pacific Laser Masters regatta is fast becoming the “must do” off-season regatta for Laser Masters. Next year will mark its 10 year anniversary and based on the success of this year’s regatta a fleet of 100 boats is anticipated.