2023 Oceanic and Australian Wing Class National Championships wrap up
by Kiteboarding Australia 7 Feb 2023 03:59 PST
3-5 February 2023
2023 Oceanic and Australian Wing Class National Championships © Tom Squires
Wing Foil racing is quickly becoming the most popular format for all keen sailors and water sports enthusiasts.
Rose bay, Sydney was the venue for 45+ wing foils who raced over three complete days of racing. Sydney Harbour provided the perfect breeze and the series ended with 11 races that were battled out across a variety of lighter range 8-14knt races.
The results were filled with Australians and New Zealanders who battled it out for the title. Several lead changes took place in all divisions across every day proving the difficulty to stay on top. The event attracted a true calibre of yachtie. Barbara Kendall and Aimee Bright represented New Zealand strong with their windsurfer skills, Aussie Sail GP athlete Natasha Bryant raced, New Zealand 470 Olympian Paul Snow-Hansen and world champion Lincoln Dews also in particpation. The event also saw family entries with the Beashel Family (Joel, Lanee and Adam) proving their local knowledge of the Harbour.
Overall Results:
1st Overall Male and Female: Dan Wilson (GBR) / Aimee Bright (NZ)
2nd Overall Male and Female: Ryan Littlechild (AUS) / Barbara Kendall (NZ)
3rd Overall Male and Female: Jack Abbott (AUS) / Natasha Byrant (AUS)
1st Youth Under 19: Kosta Gladiadis (NZ)
1st Youth 19-23: Ryan Littlechild (AUS)
1st Master: Gavin Blake (AUS)
Full results here
Kiteboarding Australia in conjunction with Woolhara Sailing Club held a fantastic event filled with fast racing, good weather and plentiful socials. The event management proved that wing foils are capable of completing quality racing in the lighter range with patience and careful course design. This event was the second national titles held in Australia.
The next nationals 2024 will be held in Western Australia to support the growing fleet over in the West. Kiteboarding Australia will continue to support Wing Foil Class racing in Australia and welcomes new participants to this great sport.