Sailing Scene International Youth Hobie 16 'Challenge' Wrapup

by Anthony Duchatel on 28 Jan 2009
The Sailing Scene - Youth Hobie 16 'Challenge' held off the water’s of Palm Beach in Sydney was won convincingly by defending champion Jason Waterhouse who teamed up with cousin Lisa Darmannin. Fresh from their win at the National Hobie 16 Youth Champions Jason and Lisa dominated not only the Youth Challenge but the Open Regatta as well by winning seven of the 11 races from a field of over 70 of the best youth and experienced sailors in the South Pacific.

The event has grown from modest beginnings with a 'Challenge' between Palm Beach and New Caledonian based teams into a full-scale international event rivalled only by the Hobie 16 Youth World Titles.

The 'challenge' started with a training day for the Youth and Junior sailors. The morning was spent practising starts with International coach Traks Gordon running things. In the afternoon a marathon was held with a 'le mans' start off the beach at Careel Bay around Lion Island and return. The locals took full advantage of their local knowledge with Jason and Lisa winning the Youths and Lucas Price the Juniors. The day was finished off with a party at the local bowling centre.

An 'Open' regatta was included along with the Youth Challenge to give more depth and interest to the event. Before racing started though, the current Hobie 16 World Champion, Mick Butler spoke to a rapped audience on the things he does to set up his boat and during a race.

The first day of racing was held in extreme conditions with strong, hot and shifty NW to SW winds, which challenged even the most experienced sailors. At the end of the day Jason and Lisa headed up the Youths, Ejay Schaffer and dad Jerry led the Juniors while Andrew and Maria Nelson led the Opens. Respite came in the evening with a pool party at the home of Upu Kila, the Palm Beach Sailing Club Commodore.

The second day of racing brought with it a complete change with four races held in light and shifty SE breezes, which coupled with the 'chop' from pleasure craft, made patience the order of the day. Jason and Lisa held onto their lead over the other Youths, Lucas Price sailing with Anthony Duchatel took over the lead in the Juniors while Jamie and Sarah Roberts took the lead in the Opens. After a BBQ at the club the Youth took off to the movies while most of the older sailors rested.

The final day of sailing brought light to moderate SE winds in the morning, finishing off with a 20 knot howler in the afternoon. Jason and Lisa revelled in the conditions to take a commanding lead in the Youths and Opens, while Lucas Price did likewise in the Juniors. Chase Lurati and James Wierzbowski put together a great regatta to finish second in the Youths. Upu Kila and Josh Singh won the Masters category and finished second in the Open event just in front of Dave Fisher and Ainslie Gordon and John McCormick and Susan Graham.

The presentations were held at another pool part hosted by the PBSC Race Secretary, John McCormick and the major sponsor of the Challenge Kerli Corlett, owner of the Sailing Scene.

Competitors, coaches and leading Class officials have hailed this regatta not only for the high level of sailing but for its integration of 'off the water' social events. President of the International Hobie Cat Association, David Brookes, said 'this event is a model for the future of Hobie sailing on and off the water'.

Graeme Southwick, the Fijian Coach, said 'the kids were blown away by the experience' while Christophe, the New Caledonian coach, hailed the event as 'Faaantastic!!! and looking forward to repaying the favour for the magnificent regatta. Perfect on and off the water!!!'

To find out more about this event and the complete results go to www.pbsc.org.au