Hot 'n Dry Drysuits NSW F18 State Championships

by Chris (Kringle) Caldecoat on 9 Jun 2004 The Australian Formula 18 Catamaran Association is proud to announce Hot' n Dry Drysuits as sponsors of the inaugural F18 NSW State Titles, to be held at Wangi Sailing Club, on the waters of Lake Macquarie. A fleet of up to 20 F18s is expected to join the annual 'Polar Bear' regatta on the June long weekend, with a total fleet of 100 boats.

Hot n Dry is the only manufacturers of drysuits in Australia, and has been operating on the NSW south coast for 15 years. Hot n Dry has drysuits for many Commercial and recreational uses including Scuba diving, water skiing,
sailing, SES and military and more.

The wild and wet Formula 18, produces a spectacular platform for Hot n Dry and their support of the fastest growing international class in the World is a great boost.

The fleet is expected to be made up of Hobie Tigers, Nacra F18 and the new
Capricorn from the Goodall and Boyer Stable.

While there has been two prototype Capricorns sailing in F18 events over the past 6 months this regatta will be the first time the new Mark 2 and final production model will line
up against the two big Cat factory F18's Hobie and Nacra.

Greg Goodall is leading a Capricorn Team of Australians directly after this event to
contest the World titles in Puntala Italy; this will be their major warm up.

In the brief time since the end of the 2003/04 sailing season, there has
been a flurry of changes being made to a number of factory teams in search
of gaining an edge on the other. This Regatta presents the last chance to
race in anger before the National Titles in October.

Nacra will be testing a new Mainsail developed in the States and new rudders. Hobie Tiger sailors have kept the measures busy testing new kites and jibs.

The Hobie Tiger Team of Brad Sumner and Kevin Winchester are installed as favourite's and are trying to get the Bridesmaid tag they have earned over the 2003/04 Season.

Racing start Saturday with daily reports and results.