Starling Nationals - Sean Herbert takes series win on final day

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com NZ on 19 Apr 2017 Only one race was able to be sailed on the final day of the 2017 Starling Nationals at Wakatere BC, on Auckland's Narrow Neck Beach.

A light southerly breeze of 6kts prevailed for the day and unusually was spread right across the east and west coasts of Auckland.Series winner, Sean Herbert (Torbay).

Jack Lee-Rush (Wakatere) led around the first two marks, but was passed by Herbert on the third leg and the new champion sailed away for his second win of the final round.

The consistent Luke Cashmore, sailing in his home waters had his fine form desert him in the lighter winds of the final day and he scored a 20th place in the 48boat Gold fleet.

While the light wind and tide were to Herbert's liking, six of the top ten overall scored the last race as one of their two discard places, with four of the top ten scoring their worst race of the series.

Trophy winners:
John Peet Trophy – National Champion - Sean Herbert
Kohi Cup – second place Nationals - Luke Cashmore
Murrays Bay Cup – third place Nationals - Oliver Cowley
Alan Sayer Cup – first Female Nationals - Samantha Stock
John Bisley Cup – second Female Nationals - Kaya Tobin
Des Townson Trophy – first over 19 – Kate Sheldon
Harken Trophy – Youngest skipper in top 10 – Caleb Armit
Chris Timms Memorial Trophy – Highest placed U16 yrs – Sean Herbert
Howick Sailing Club Cup – first Silver Fleet - Joshua Blackie
Graham Leonard Hayes Shield – for exceptional courage - Rebecca Hume
Cooke Trophy – Qualifying Series leader – Luke Cashmore
Queen Charlotte Cup – Nationals Most Improved – Harry Dalbeth
Nationals Development Fleet - first - Georgia Livingstone
Brian Peet Trophy – first Wooden Boat – Sean Herbert