46th NSW Tasar States at Georges River Sailing Club

A day 2 race start (l-r) Gary & Robyn Ratcliffe (6th overall); Supermaxi Skipper Mark Bradford with wife Cass (8th overall) & Brad Stephens & Jen Overton (5th overall) during the 46th NSW Tasar States © Rob Owe-Young

The Georges River Sailing Club on Botany Bay recently set the scene for this year's NSW State Titles which saw defending Champion Hugh Tait, once again take gold. Racing with his 8 year old son Zach, the Taits skilfully held onto their first day's lead, desperate not to allow three former Tasar World Champion crews hot on their heels redeem the top spot, as breeze picked up on the final day!

The Regatta was run over a 2 day '6 race' weekend which allowed for one score drop. Hugh and Zach, both members of Lake Macquarie's Toronto ASC, clean sweeped the fleet in Day 1's first 3 heats. Day 2's heats 4 to 6, saw come back wins a piece by NAVY's Rick Longbottom & Darryl Bentley, VIC's Chris Dance & Peter Hackett and Jervis Bay SC's Rob & Nicole Douglass. Respectively, these World Class teams finished 2nd to 4th overall.

Three times Tasar World Champions, Rob & Nic Douglass finish 4th in the 46th NSW Tasar States - photo © Rob Owe-Young

It was inevitably very challenging and exciting sailing, proving perfect training in the lead up to NATS and WORLDS, Dec/Jan 2024 in Melbourne. Conditions for competitors ranged from light E/NE's, to moderate and fresh N/NE's. NSW Tasar Association's Race Secretary, Grant Picman was on board the Race Officer's Start boat all weekend. He took note of another interesting condition out on the water.

'A special mention goes to the jellyfish who, despite the tide, managed to manoeuvre themselves into the middle of the course. Locals claim, "We haven't seen them like this for 10 years..." Hmmm. Thump, thump, thump... Why does my tiller feel so heavy?... oh the rudder's half up!! Many boats stopped just to push rudders back down. Off wind techniques included: keep the board down as a barrier; and spot and weave (works if you are a slow boat!)... Rudder hold-down ropes broke, or pulled through at the rudder blade. Between races Anton was seen to drop the jib, used the crew as a sea anchor then removed the rudder to re-thread the hold-down rope!'

Rick Longbottom & Darryl Bentley during the 46th NSW Tasar States - photo © Rob Owe-Young

By Day 2, not only were competitors 'jellyfish ready' strengthening &/or replacing rudder ropes, they were keen! With Day 2's wind up, so were Tasar speeds. There was a lot of tactical manoeuvring on Start lines with the top seeds seen at both ends and many others in between, frequently haling 'up, up, up' ! Heat 5's eagerness, resulted in the use of a 'U Flag' after 3 general recalls were made. Two boats were 'UFD' disqualified including overall 5th Vivace crew of Brad Stephens & Jen Overton. The other team, Madman's Sean Mullin & Fi Powell, unaware of their disqualification, soon indicated their retirement anyway due to a collision near the Start boat. Grant on the scene, reported 'they tried getting out of the way, resulting in an unwanted tack putting them on port. A starboard advancing boat with nowhere to go slammed into their side, causing a little havoc.. '

Chris Dance and Peter Hackett third overall in the 46th NSW Tasar States - photo © Rob Owe-Young

Two Tasars also collided at the first windward mark after some close tacking, resulting in one capsizing and the other retiring from the race. The last 2 heats saw constantly changing positions on the beats with the anticipation of the NE popping in over the Northerly. The last day also had Tasars planning both on the wind and off as breezes increased. Finally positions in the top bunch sorted themselves out. After a nice bullet win in Heat 5, three times Tasar World Champions Rob & Nic Douglass in Coollit were giving it their final burst in Heat 6. Here's a final commentary from Grant.. 'All boats, planning toward the bottom mark. Coollit just behind (Rick & Darryl's) Magic Element, closing in looking to take the lead, Magic Element with great boat speed and tacking whilst maintaining speed kept Coollit behind'.

Hugh and Zach Tait win the 46th NSW Tasar States - photo © Rob Owe-Young

In conclusion, it was a fun and very rewarding Regatta for all. Congratulations to this year's winners Hugh & Zach Tait, and a big hand to the Race officials and volunteers of GRSC. Encouraging children into sailing, the Class is proud to have had quite a few youth sailors in the mix. They include 8 year old Zach Tait, notably the youngest crew to have ever won a major Tasar Event; Petra Johnson just 12 years old from GRSC who skippered 'Like Lightning' in her first ever Tasar Regatta under the watchful eye of dad Chris (Petra was awarded the NSW States Junior Helm's Trophy); and 14 year old Ruby from Dobroyd Aquatic Club who had asked her dad & skipper Mark 'Can we sail in the State Titles?' Dad said 'Of course'!

Overall Results: