SB20 Summer Pennant Series Race at River Derwent in Hobart
by Jane Austin 23 Nov 2019 01:48 PST
SB20 Summer Pennant Series fleet on the River Derwent © Jane Austin
Australian SB20 Class President Steve Catchpool, (Rebellion), is leading the SB20 Pre-Christmas Summer Pennant with just four races left in the series.
Race Seven started in a 15-20 knot southerly breeze with a strong outgoing current causing lumpy conditions on the River Derwent. Up-and-coming youth crew, Obi Kenobi, helmed by Charlie Goodfellow, led the fleet to the top mark after finding a good lane with Goodfellow steering the boat well through the chop.
Brett Cooper (Aeolus), went around in second place with Catchpool in third and Oli Burnell (Honey Badger) in fourth. Phil Reid (Mind Games) was next but didn't get a clean hoist which cost them places.
The intense nature of one-design sailing was on show at the bottom mark with boats coming in at pace on opposite gybes. Catchpool dropped his kite early in preparation for some traffic, David Graney (Wedgewood) came in on starboard holding out Catchpool, while Cooper and Burnell slipped through into first and second. Catchpool regained two places on the final beat, finishing third behind Cooper and Burnell.
Race Eight started in 12-15 knots, shifted slightly to the east, with the fleet getting a clean start on a shorter course. Any of four boats could have won but Cooper coming in on starboard at the final gate just had the edge, forcing Burnell to gybe, while Catchpool ducked him and Goodfellow had to steer deep. All four straightened up for the line, finishing Cooper, Burnell, Catchpool and Goodfellow.
"This close racing is really enjoyable and it's great to see Charlie [Goodfellow] and his young team, up amongst the leaders," said Catchpool.