Hodda takes third title in final day showdown of VS Skiff Nationals

by Michael Turton on 12 Jan 2010
The skill and experience of the Firestorm crew of John Hodda, Dale Jacobson and Lindsay Auston was too powerful a combination for the young guns aboard the Dynamic Route skiff on the final day of racing in the 2009/2010 Riversdale Mining VS 15ft Skiff National Title series sailed from Teralba Amateur Sailing Club last week.

After a thrilling series of place swapping in the first 6 heats both crews had wobbly moments on day 5 with Firestorm falling back to 9th in one race and Dynamic Route 4th in the same race. But in the final showdown, on the last day of racing, Alex Vandervoort, Jason Searle and Paige Botting on Dynamic Route had to settle for second and bow to the seriously consistent, awesomely prepared and battle hardened crew of Firestorm who out-started their more youthful opponents and then buried them in a tight cover in both final races. The result left no doubt that the correct order of merit was achieved and proved that these two adversaries were the stand outs of the series.

Much to everyone's surprise was the sprightly performance of the third overall scratch placegetter, Ol' Yella, skippered by Captain Col Gillespie, who despite reaching his golden years still manages to inspire all the VS sailors with his vigour and enthusiasm. Col had spent the off season having the Ol' Yella gutted and reframed, and had used his suave powers of persuasion to get Dale Jacobson to help set up his new Ullman Sails rig. With the new sails delivered seemingly minutes before the measurement deadline, and a new found confidence in the potential of his boat, Captain Col rallied his gun crew of Adam Kelly and Nick Auston and proceeded to string together a series of 3rds that left him in control of that result going into the last day. It was all too easy for the statesman of the fleet in the end and everyone was surely pleased for the Ol' Yella crew who had invested serious effort into getting the result.

Other notable performances came from first time steerer in the class Jamie Vandervoort (the younger brother of Alex ) who at 15 has been sailing 29ers with his sheethand for this series Brad Dodds. The boat Zephyr became available shortly before the titles and Brad's dad Tim Dodds, ever looking to bolster the fleet numbers, bought and re-rigged it and handed it to the 'boys' to sail. When down a forward hand, Jamie's dad Jonathon jumped on board and they then went on a learning spree that saw them take a bullet in one heat and threaten Captain Col for third by the final day. Not bad for new comers!

The newest boat in the fleet, Cardinal Sin, had a solid series and gradually improved to eventually take out the Handicap prize for the National Titles. It was great to see the elation from the young crew when the result (which is kept under wraps until the presentation ) was read out.

The VS 15ft Skiff Association wishes to acknowledge the outstanding effort of the host club Teralba Amateur Sailing Club. From the facilities to the catering, the racing to the rendering of results, the Teralba Club members provided a friendly efficient and fuss free event. Thanks to you Teralba Amateur Sailing Club!

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More information regarding the Vs 15ft Skiff can be gained at www.vs.asn.au