Flying Fifteen National Championships - Goacher again

by Bernie Kaaks on 12 Jan 2012 Flying Fifteen National Championships - Today’s Perth weather forecasts proved to be right on the money – much to everyone’s dismay. Race Officer Les Swinton was left lamenting when time after time he attempted to set a course, only to face a major wind shift during the start sequence.

A reasonably steady easterly greeted the fleet on its arrival at the race area on the Swan River, but it was fading rapidly as the clock counted down to start time. The first attempted start resulted in a general recall and during the re-start sequence the breeze dropped right away, forcing a postponement. A course was set to the south east, then another back to the east, until finally at 4:30pm, race four started under a black flag, this time in a south westerly sea breeze.

Predictably all the big names headed to the left off the start line, but the ones who tacked back towards the centre early made the best gains. Alan Bax was one of those to make that choice, along with Mike Hart and Steve Goacher and the British trio rounded the top mark with a small but handy lead.

The race committee selected course 2, requiring one windward and return lap followed by a triangle and a beat to the finish. By the end of the first lap, it was clear that the race would be dominated by Goacher, Hart and Bax, but behind them places were constantly swapping as Adam Hawkins and Ben Jones (3881), Adele Jackson/Dean McAullay (3933), David Tucker/Matt Summers (3781) and John Wilson/Nick Hancock all fought for the honour of being the first 'non British' boat to finish.

At the last gasp, Jackson/McAullay delayed their approach to the finish line until they were almost on the starboard layline. It proved a master stroke and allowed them to call Adam Hawkins/Ben Jones, who made a port tack approach, to snatch fourth place. It was another solid performance by Hawkins though, and moves him to fourth place in the overall standings after four races.

The race committee wisely decided to call it a day after completing the race, though a second race had been scheduled. With more light weather forecast for tomorrow, competitors and officials face another tough day of competition.

The South of Perth Yacht Club, WA is hosting the 50th Anniversary Australian Championship.

Progress Points Summary:
1. 3988 Steve Goacher/Matt Owen (11)
2. 3987 Alan Bax/Simon childs (13)
3. 3933 Adele Jackson/Dean McAullay (16)
4. 3881 Adam Hawkins/Ben Jones (25)
5. 3775 Mike Hart/Richard Rigg (26)
6. 3670 Graeme Lillingstone/Ed Repsevicius (27)
7. 3743 Greg Tonnison/Steve Roberts (34)
8. 3859 David Yu/Chris Nelson (34)
9. 3781 David Tucker/Matt Summers (35.5)
10. 3717 Greg Leaversuch/Peter Barblett (36)