On the final day, the expected light south-south-westerly winds did not eventuate on Sydney Harbour but instead a lovely nor-easter, mirroring yesterday's conditions, eventually filled in, allowing the PRO to officially get racing started just before 1.00pm, instead of the planned 10.00am.
Racing was cut short in the Yachting NSW organised event, because racing started later than anticipated and breezes lightened off and swung during the afternoon. Eventually it was all over and winners of this annual Grade 1 event were announced at Woollahra Sailing Club, which hosted the event with assistance from Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.
The Radials was highly contested by the Tassie sailors with Elliott Noye finishing on a high with a 2nd in the last heat securing him a top 10 finish. Zac Pullen was just behind in 13th with Angus Barton completing his series with two top 10 finishes placing him 17th overall with Nathan McMillan coming 29th. Of course the result of the series must go to George Jones who finished with two 4th places to secure the Radial title by a massive margin - his drop on race 8 means his total had no finish worse than 9th - amazing consistency clearly showing his amazing ability on the water.
George's success couldn't be put better than by Di Pearson of Sail Sydney Media who said "Tasmanian talent Chris ‘George’ Jones scored a huge 30 point win in the Laser Radial and the next two places were filled by Women; Australian Development Squad member Laura Baldwin and Ireland’s Annalise Murphy who led the Women’s Olympic class Radial until today. Baldwin just quietly moved up the leaderboard over the four days." Can't say better than that and amongst such quality company!
The feeder class for the Radials, the 4.7, is clearly showing its strength with Sophie Chesterman completing an excellent series 9th overall. Lewis Noye finished on a high with a 5th spot to claim 11th with Zac Petterd 13th and 13 year old Emma Barton, who wasn't able to compete in the last two races, coming 21st. I think I am safe to say that Tassie were noticed and the future of Laser sailing remains positive (and competitive)!
Lucy Shepherd and Amelia Catt had two top 5 finishes on the last day to 8th overall and be the 3rd female team in the 420's with Doug Shepherd and Pat Hutton coming 12th. In the 470 Male, Rohan Langford and Ben Price didn't score on the last day and came away with a 12th.
After a controversial day 3, things settled down for the Moths on the last day with Robbie Gough capping a great series with a 3rd overall and Will Logan coming 12th.
Final Positions:
Laser Radial : George Jones (1st), Elliot Noye (10th), Zac Pullen (13th), Angus Barton (17th) and Nathan McMillan (29th)
Laser 4.7 : Sophie Chesterman (9th), Lewis Noye (11th), Zac Petterd (13th) and Emma Barton (21st)
470 : Rohan Langford and Ben Price (12th)
420 : Lucy Shephard and Amelia Catt (8th), Doug Shephard and Pat Hutton (12th)
Moth : Robbie Gough (3rd) and Will Logan (12th)
Full results at :- http://www.sailsydney.org.au/site/yachting/event/22143/
It is obvious from the results above that the entire Tassie team performed very well and are clearly a committed and talented group. However, it should be noted here that the support of the Tasmanian Sailing Academy and, in particular, the dedication, quality, drive and enthusiasm of Richard Scarr has made this possible and the team's results are a credit to him personally. Bring on Melbourne next week!
- Stef