Congratulations to Brad Hein from Portland Yacht Club on winning the 2026 SA RC Laser State Championships for his fourth consecutive year. Brad won four of the eleven races, dropping a 3rd and a 4th in a very consistent performance.
Adrian Heard from MLMYC, having shown mixed form on Day 1, sailed very consistently on Day 2 to achieve second place overall. Only in the final race did Adrian achieve a race win.
Adam Chambers from PLRMYC picked up on the nuances of sailing at Mawson Lakes in the extremely light conditions quickly on Day 1 and finished in third place overall with 3 wins and some tight battles at the top end of the fleet.
Darren Cathie also scored 3 wins, but both he and Adam were overtaken by Adrian moving from 4th position on Day 1 to 2nd position at the end.
Conditions on the lake on Day 1 saw NE breezes of 5-8 knots, and mild overcast conditions clearing as the afternoon wore on. Only 5 races were completed, with 2 races abandoned, and the AP flag raised giving everyone a break while we waited for the breeze.
On Day 2 conditions were cool with showers, and a NE breeze of 2-6 knots. Six races were completed before a 20 knot SW rain squall burst across the fleet, forcing all to take shelter. The troops scrambled to hold down the gazebo in the wind and drenching rain, the scorers hustled to protect the paperwork, and boats were left to fend for themselves for a while. With only half an hour remaining for the session the decision was made to call it a day……… and a Series.
Race Officer Geoff Beacham, set windward – leeward courses with a windward offset and a leeward gate on Day1, and made minor adjustments throughout the session as required. Day 2, two windward and two leeward marks were set in alignment, which facilitated quick and easy course shortening between races without the need to reposition buoys. The recovery boat crew had spent several hours on the water already, some of it in the pouring rain.
On registration, competitors were all provided with a carry bag of goodies including a hat, a beanie, insulated travel mug and even warm socks…all thanks to the generosity of Matthew Berry from APAC Rinnai. All were used over the weekend!
RC Laser events at MLMYC are however, not all work and no play. Lunch on both days was provided to the competitors, partners and volunteers. A selection of hot savouries, gourmet sandwiches, cakes and slices, fruit and drinks meant nobody went hungry. It made for a great opportunity to share lunch, socialize with old friends and new, and have some laughs. The regatta dinner was held at the Mosaic Hotel, West Lakes with 20 people catching up for a meal on the Saturday evening.
Major trophies were presented on Sunday by John Fulbrook, Member for Playford, who spoke of the importance of participation and inclusiveness, and acknowledging the efforts of the volunteers.
Medallions were awarded to First SA Sailor (Adrian Heard), First Master Sailor (Adrian Heard), First Grand Master Sailor (Bob Whitehead), First Female Sailor (Helen Willmer) and Youngest Sailor (Liam Harper). Well deserved all!
The two ‘Lucky Draw’ Prize winners were Helen Willmer (Rinnai Radiant Heater, again thanks to the generosity of Matthew Berry, APAC Rinnai) and Kym Stringer (D sail, kindly donated by Cliff Bromiley, Radio Control Sailing Australia).
We were very fortunate to have had a strong core team of volunteers working together to make this year’s event such a success. Each received a bottle of wine, kindly donated by John Fulbrook.
Geoff Beacham – Race Officer, Documentation.
Lorraine Berry and Rosemary Murfett – Scorers.
Brian Marshall, Gary Koehn and Jeff Frankish – recovery/mark laying boat.
Lindsay Sawyer and David Woods – Spotters
Gerry Giebel – event photography.
Gaynor Kouwenhoven – boatshed management and setup.
John Berry – sponsorship, raffle, logistics
I extend my personal thanks to all involved.
Peter Murfett
Event Coordinator
SA RCL Representative
RCL Coordinator MLMYC
