Queensland Hobie 16 titles

by Ian Grant on 7 Feb 2002 Hobie 16 catamaran racing crews representing Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland have left nothing to chance as they prepare for the important Hog's Breath Queensland title series to be decided over the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club courses in early March.

The two-day six race series on March 9-10 has attracted a galaxy of stars including world marathon race winners, national and state champions who are all physically and mentally prepared to place their respected career reputations on the line to win the important title.

All of Queenslands top crews many of them who live and race on the Sunshine Coast are the first to admit there is no such thing as an home course advantage in this exciting strict one-design catamaran sailing class.

They fully understand the paramount issues of faultless crew technique and mistake free tactical strategy and the ability to withstand constant pressure both ashore and on the water will need to be rock solid to win this title.

Success in recent races including last month's Australian championship on Jervis Bay will only represent a form guide as this fleet shape up on Lake Cootharaba for a tactical 'war on the water'.

The strict one-design rule scrutinies where all the mechanics of boat, spars, sails, rudders and sheet ropes are identical contribute to this title being decided on the pure human element of sailing science.

Defending champions the New South Wales crew of Rob and Kerry Waterhouse are well prepared for the expected title 'dog fight'.

Skipper Waterhouse has been one of Australia's most competitive Hobie catamaran sailors since winning his first National title with Hot Rod in the 1979-80 season.

His experience gained from major race results including the international Worrell marathon sailed over a gruelling 1000 nautical mile course on the American West Coast will be a key factor when the state title battle lines are drawn on Lake Cootharaba.

'The Waterhouse sailing team are always tough to beat, and they will be in the front line of title contenders'. Former Queensland champion Mal Gray said.

Gray who will be racing with his wife Trish was non-committal about his chances this week.

'Sensibly I have reserved nominating who will win with this State title stacked with so much talent including Rob Branch, Mick Butler and Neville Thompson who have represented Australia at World championships'.

'All of these skippers like Waterhouse can turn a marginal break into a race winning result which contributes to what promises to be an exciting championship series and an important evaluation trial before heading to Noumea for the World championship in early April'.

'Sure Trish and I would like to be considered as a chance but obviously in terms of form it would be nice to be at our peak in Noumea'. He said.