‘Bangers’ Bancroft’s big win with ‘Bugger the Bone’ in first race of B14 Worlds

by Di Pearson on 6 Jan 2003 Due to lack of wind, Race 1 of the Sail Melbourne B14 World Championship, hosted by McCrae Yacht Club, had to be delayed until after 6.00pm.

Sailed on Port Phillip Bay at McCrae, in Victoria, on three-lap windward/leeward courses, 34 starters – 6 of those from the United Kingdom, the rest from Victoria, Tasmania and NSW, got away to a clean start on flat seas.

As the skiffs approached the start line in an 8knot breeze that remained constant for the race, the wind shifted from 110 to 90 degrees, with father and son, Guy (Bangers) and 15 year-old Rhys perfectly positioned at the pin end to take the advantage.

Bancroft, former International 14 sailor, laid the first mark without having to tack, and led the race from start to finish, eventually winning by around two minutes. The pair never looked threatened and were thrilled with their win.

Fresh from their recent wins at both the Victorian and National Championship, Guy ‘Bangers’ Bancroft, and his son Rhys, went into the Championship as the Australian favourites.

‘It’s early days yet, too early to get excited, but yes, we had a great race, we picked it just right at the start,’ Bancroft said on arriving ashore.

Three English crews filled the next three places respectively, Snatch, sailed by Jono Pank/ Shaun Barber, Beercan, sailed by Ewan Mclellan/Alex Mathews and AT&T, Tim Fells/Dave Cunningham.

Teams Pank and Fells are hot favourites to take the title, but Bancroft has yet to read about that.

Competitors were forced to stay ashore all day until the breeze filled in, and race organisers are hopeful of getting at least two more races in tomorrow.


For full results go to the official website at: www.sailmelbourne.com.au