Australian Flying Dutchman Nationals
by Norman Rydge 10 Jan 2006 05:48 PST
2-7 January 2006
Norman Rydge and Richard Scarr are this year’s national Flying Dutchman champions after winning the last race in a tight series from incumbent champions Ian McCrossin and James Cook.
The seven race series was sailed in variable and shifty breezes from 8 to 20 knots that both crews managed well for three heat wins each. However, better minor placings put Rydge three points clear.
A feature of the regatta was fine weather and excellent race management by the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club. Local crew Stuart Edgar and James Maskiell sailed consistently to take bronze.
Strong winds mid regatta strained the seventeen boat fleet and forced the retirement of strong contenders Mike Chapman and crew David Ham.
Rydge and Scarr sailed a new Mader boat and were the only crew to take advantage of new class rules permitting carbon masts. The pair have been developing their rig with the help of CST Composites and the Sydney Ullman Sail loft ahead of the next world championship in Florida where they are looking to improve on the third place they achieved last year in Hungary.
McCrossin and the rapidly improving team of Andrew and Alister McCowan may also represent Australia in Florida.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | Aus 37 | Norman Rydge | Richard Scarr | 9 |
| 2nd | AUS 33 | Ian Mcrossin | James Cook | 12 |
| 3rd | AUS 31 | Stuart Edgar | James Maskiell | 20 |
| 4th | AUS 365 | Gavin Dagley | Roddy Johnson | 24 |
| 5th | AUS 337 | Mark Thorpe | Doug Harris | 31 |