2016 WA Laser Open States all set to kick off

by Rick Steuart on 1 Mar 2016 2016 WA Laser Open States are nearly here and with the promise of fine weather and good sailing, over 70 of the states finest have booked their trip and their accommodation in Busselton.

Geographe Bay will now play host to some of the best sailors in the state and with the added fillip of interstate visitors joining us in the radial class, it's sure to be a great occasion.

Underscoring the competition in the radial class we have twice world radial men's champion Tristan Brown, who has decided to have another push at the states. He'll come up against Conor Nicholas, Sam King of Tasmania, Zac Littlewood and local sailor Caelin Winchcombe. In the female radial class, it's good to hear that that Elyse Ainsworth will be giving Zoe Thompson a run for her money.

The full rigs have the company of under 21 Australian champion Lachy Gilham and FSC's Mark Wong, both in the mix and firing along well at present. James Stewart will be a player and I'm sure that some of the local Apprentice masters will be keeping the youngsters honest. As this is an Olympic year, we are missing some of the top contenders, but the local representation will do very well without the cream at the top.

The 4.7's have their own games to play and after the successful time on the water at the Nationals at Belmont in Sydney, Rome Featherstone took the cake with both the Open and Under 18 Laser National Championship titles. Snapping at his heels was Hayden Coote, taking second in the open 4.7 and first in the Under 16's. Finn O'Dea of FSC and locals Djarrah Audet and Riley Nail will all be in the mix. In the female division local Hailey Johnson took the 4.7 national championships and is set to do well at this regatta.

Of course the Masters will have their own competitions going on and there will be the usual shenanigans as they ply their craft on the water. Anything goes with these veterans and after the recent Australian masters at Port Stephens, they will be keen to sort out their stuff.

The recent addition to our sponsors of the Department of Sports and Recreation through Lottery West must not be forgotten and the generosity of all the sponsors to make this event possible is appreciated. Gold Sponsors, the City of Busselton, are thanked for their help and they welcome the sailors, volunteers and families who will join together at Geographe Bay over the March long weekend to take part in the 2016 WA Laser Open States.

Many thanks to the Perth based race teams who will be coming down for the event to assist the racing team at Geographe Bay Yacht club.