Numbers were down this year due to a few family & renovation scheduling conflicts amongst other things, but those that made the trip had some great conditions, along with the launch of the latest Aussie IC AUS 39!

Is it an Australian Nationals unless the the grinder is out? This time 5 minute epoxy was in use with less then 90 min before the scheduled start of race 1

Day 1 saw a range of wind (10-20 knots) & after a scramble to get out on the water for the first warning signal, it was a case of hurry up & wait…. But the wait this time was probably worth it this time as the courses were spot on in duration & length which saw all 3 divisions finishing about the same time.

 In all of the races everyone got a start in clear air, with the lead changing a few times. The course was at times a bit congested with sports boats & the the current/tide played a bigger role as the day went on.

Day 2 wow the AP up early with Laurie accurately predicting racing to be abandoned for an early presentation when the bar opened.

Final standings after 3 races were

1st Geoff Carne
2nd Craig Phillips 
3rd Laurie Williamson 
4th Ashley Mills (1st in the Classic division)
5th Stefan Zohar

All up it was a great week end & it is good to see the fleet tightening up, though some sailors often seemed to be

-more interested in swimming than starting
-causing mayhem at the top mark (the usual 2)
-randomly chucking critical bits of carbon overboard to lighten the boat

Hats off to the sail port Stephen’s staff whom did a great job both on the water & for all of the off water events & prizes. 

We enjoyed the venue & the regatta so much all the sailors there agreed we should consider coming back next year for the nationals so let’s work on getting as many canoes back here as possible next year.