South Queensland Sabot Association River Titles – A blaze of Sails!

by Paul Blundell on 25 Aug 2010 South Queensland Sabot Association ‘River Titles’ 2010 was hosted by Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club last weekend with over 50 kids sailing a five-race two-day series on the beautiful Noosa River with amazing viewing from the Club house deck.


With 27 1Up seniors (between 12 and 16 years) and 12 2Up juniors (up to age 12 years) the river was a blaze of sails as the kids went through their paces. Principle Race Officer, Tim Vercoe, had his hands full as time and again the lack of breeze on Saturday played havoc with the race starts including a third race abandonment for the 2up fleet due to a failing breeze leaving a large glass out on the course.

The day was made even harder with a large outgoing tide that at times was stronger than the breeze leaving the sailors with plenty to contemplate while they endeavoured to keep their craft going forward.

Whilst all the drama was occurring on the water the crowd of family supporters handled the pressure well whilst enjoying the magnificent view from the club house deck and the welcoming staff of the Yachties restaurant and bar facilities.

Sunday’s program included the final two races and thankfully offered more breezes for the competitors. Overall the level of sailing displayed by the young fleet was proof that all was well in SEQ for the next round of sailing champions of the future.

The dedication of these kids to their chosen sport was truly evident in the manner in which they conducted themselves and heaps of praise for the sailing and yacht clubs and their instructors and coaches is well deserved. Not forgetting the sailor’s major sponsors – the parents who spend many a weekend driving up and down the coast from one regatta or training session to another.

The Noosa kids, being on home turf, fielded 17 boats - the largest team of all the SEQld clubs.

NYRC Sabot Coach, Ali Blundell has spent many hours on the water with her young team this season and the newer Sabot sailors performed well for their first major regatta. Ali had to fly to Hamilton Island Race Week on the Sunday to compete and missed the final two races but was straight on the phone from Hamo to hear the results upon arrival.

The senior 1up was won by the narrowest of margins by Tom Siganto - Southport Yacht Club, just one point ahead of Lachie Robba - Brisbane Sailing Squadron. Hayden Johnson from Noosa was third. The next best Noosa place getters were Hunter Vercoe in 12th and Natasha Steiger in her first regatta finishing a very credible 14th.

The kids also sail for a Handicap series and this years worthy winners in the Senior Handicap were first Fraser Smith - Brisbane Sailing Squad/Darling Pont Sailing Squad, second Stuart Skinner - Royal Queensland Yacht Squad and third Zane Comadira - Southport Yacht Squadron.

The Junior Handicap winners were Noosa’s own Josh Bartils and Daniel Moran sailing in Josh’s first boat ‘Allegro’ – it was also the first regatta the pair have entered after only a few weeks of training. Second was Christina Bowden and Jenna Camilleri - Brisbane Sailing Squad in ‘Think n Pink’ and third was Noosa’s own Issy Addison and Chloe Saw also in their first ever regatta.

17 year-old Ali was happy with the results as this regatta was a first for so many of the team but was keen to point out that training was back on as soon as she returns.

Overall the weekend was another great success story for both the SQSA and NYRC Youthsail Program with the parents all agreeing that whilst you can’t arrange the wind you can at least rest assured that the Noosa Yachties hospitality will always prevail.

For more information, please go to: www.nyrc.com.au