Elliott 5.9: Slam Dunk and R&R expected to battle for Traveller Series at Sandspit
by Gareth Howard - Elliott 5.9 Association 18 Sep 2022 18:01 PDT
2 September 2022
Slam Dunk is the current points leader before the Sandspit regatta in the 2022 Elliott 5.9 Traveler Series © Elliott 5.0 Association
The Elliott 5.9s head to Sandspit this weekend, 24th - 25th September, with the overall podium places all still there to be won.
Slam Dunk (Stu Clark) and R+R (Craig Satterthwaite) will battle for the overall title. Slam Dunk currently carries a good points advantage over R+R into the event. However, a good regatta from R+R, and the potential to drop a couple of uncharacteristic higher scores, means that R+R are in with a real chance to retain their title. It will all rest on this final regatta.
The battle for third is a similar close run thing. Zoot Allures (Dave Cochran), currently in third, has a narrow points lead over Shapeshifter (Brett Elliott). Shapeshifter has had some very good recent regattas and have been slowly whittling down the points advantage that Zoot Allures has.
Similar to R+R, a good regatta from Shapesifter will allow them to drop a couple of higher scores and put real pressure on Zoot Allures. However, Zoot Allures is unlikely to give up a podium place easily. A light air regatta will suit the wiley Dave Cochran very well and the three times national champion is sure to put up a good fight.
Nevis (Brian Kent) may also jump into the mix for a podium finish. They have had a very strong season and performed consistently across all conditions. After missing the first regatta, they have steadily worked their way into contention. Again, a good regatta that will allow them to drop the higher scores from the missed first regatta would give them a chance to move up the leaderboard.
While much will focus on these final battles at the top of the fleet, with a total fleet of 19 boats there are many other battles to be settled. Again, the one design racing has consistently provided close competitive racing and bragging rights for the season are likely to come down to the narrowest of margins.
Looking ahead
Once the Elliott 5.9 2022 Traveller Series wraps up, the South Island fleet will be assembling at Lake Aviemore for the Elliott 5.9 South Island Championships to be held over Labour Weekend. This event will also double as the first event in the three regatta Southern Circuit.
The Elliott 5.9 2023 Nationals are also locked at Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, Picton, 23th - 25th March 2023. This event is expected to attract the largest fleet of Elliott 5.9s in some time with in excess of 20 boats expected on the start line. A possible Australian entry also in the pipeline.
On the development front, the Elliott 5.9 Association now has an Elliott 5.9 available for use by up and coming crew.
Full details are yet to be released but the proposal is to accept requests from up and coming crew that can commit to competing in the full Traveller Series. The boat will be insured and ready to go. The requirement on the applicant crew will be to tow the boat to each regatta and commit to sailing all of the regatta in the series.
The class sees this as a great continuation of the place that the Elliott 5.9 has had over the years in the development of New Zealand sailors.
Full results will be available online elliott59.weebly.com/results.html and pictures online www.facebook.com/elliott5.9
For more information on the Elliott 5.9 Class Association visit www.e59.org.nz
A full list of previous Champions can be found online here
https://elliott59.weebly.com/champions.html
About The Elliott 5.9
The Elliott 5.9 emerged in the early 1980's as a high performing trailer yacht and continues to deliver competitive one design racing in a welcoming fleet of world-class sailors and novices alike. The boats started a revolution with their well-balanced and cost effective design, and quickly became the boat of choice for top club training schemes and a breeding ground for NZ's America's Cup, Ocean Race and Olympic champions.
Sailed by a crew of three, the Elliott 5.9 remains a low maintenance sailboat with an efficient single spreader fractional rig, a well-balanced sail plan and practical deck layout. Whether sailing among mixed trailer yachts, sport boat fleets or in a one design setting, the 5.9 is celebrated for its responsiveness and outstanding value.