Simon Sutherland wins Match racing TuneUp at Freemantle

by Peter Cheffins on 20 Mar 2001 By winning the Match Racing TuneUp this week end, local skipper Simon Sutherland and his team won the rights to represent the Fremantle Sailing and sponsor Ansett Australia at the Ronstan Victoria Match Racing Championships to be held in Melbourne on March 23 to 25.

The Match Racing Tune Up was held on Sunday March 18 and sailed in the Fremantle Water. Nine Skippers and crew from the top WA rankings were invited to compete for this event and raced in identically supplied J24 yachts

Match Racing present the ultimate test of teamwork and tactical skill. There is an edge of excitement that only this type of racing can bring.

Racing was spectacular with these Top Sailing Teams battling out on the confined water of South Beach. The tight course calls for lightning fast manoeuvring around the course, not
just to stay in front - a single mistake could result in some costly damage. Four International Umpires were appointed to judge the action on the water.

Overall results

1st Simon Sutherland (AUS)

2nd Ben Dunstan (AUS)

3rd Courtney Lawrence (AUS) Female

4th Luke Paterson (AUS)

5th Justin Mann (AUS)

6th David Meehan (AUS)

7th John O'Connor (AUS)

8th Tim Castles (AUS)

9th Carolyne Bush (AUS) Female