Victorian Schools chase national teams dreams

by Event Media on 31 Mar 2005 All too often likened to watching paint dry, dinghy sailing is fast changing its profile to that of both an interesting participant and spectator sport.

Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is hosting the Victorian Schools Team Racing Championship today and tomorrow when 12 of Victoria’s best performing school teams will be vying for the State crown and the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Championship to be held in Perth later this year.

With weather forecast to range from moderate to testing, the experienced race management crew at RYCV propose to conduct the exciting series in very close to the jetties off Williamstown. This ensures the action, movement and tactics are all in full view of spectators and opposing teams.

Short, sharp races of about 10 minutes allow no margin for error. With up to 40 races per day over the two- day regatta, teams will be given a thorough work out.

For only the second time in Victoria, a race scoring and scheduling system designed by Roger Flynn of the VIS will guarantee spectacular racing. No longer sailed over the horizon, the display of tactics and manoeuvres exhibited by the closely matched teams sailing identical yachts will be more akin to a fast game of chess than straight out drag racing.

‘It was a tough call sorting out the teams for this invitational event,’ said Yachting Victoria Events Manager David Staley.

‘Traditionally, strong sailing schools such as Haileybury College, Melbourne High School and Sandringham Secondary College, are being challenged by newcomers, Mentone Girls, Dromana and Rosebud Secondary colleges,. Along with regional stalwarts Christian College Geelong.

‘All girl teams, teams with junior year level competitors and talented teams individuals with excellent sailing skills all compete hotly in events such as this. At the end of the regatta, any school that maintains tactical superiority could take out the title.’

For all Victorian Yachting Information visit: www.yachtingvictoria.com.au