The 2016 Radio Controlled Laser National Championships hosted in Yarrawonga by Patterson Lakes Radio Model Yacht Club over 17 – 18th September has come and gone.
With the sails and sailing gear safely stowed away for the next event, we can’t help but to reflect on the great performance from many our RC Laser Sailors this past weekend.
With a record number of 42 competitors and 3 fleets (A, B & C), completing a good number of races proved to be a challenge during the two day regatta held at the Yarrawonga Yacht Club. It was fantastic to see several new RC laser competitors and it took a few racing events to hit a smooth and fast rhythmic turnaround between fleets.
Saturday obliged us with excellent weather and good winds, and by lunch break, three radio controlled laser races (9 heats) had already been completed with Kirwan Robb taking an early lead followed closely by Jurgen Luther. This great start was in part due to the excellent launching facilities provided by the Yarrawonga Yacht Club. Four more races were held by the end of the extended day’s racing with Graham Brown finding himself in the lead on countback.
Saturday night rounded off a successful day’s sailing with a dinner held at the Yarrawonga Yacht Club, attended to by 78 people. Special mention goes to the organisers of this event especially Wendy Scholtes and her many helpers from the Yarrawonga Yacht Club.
Sunday’s weather proved foul with wet conditions delaying the start of racing until 11.30am. Although wet underfoot with light fluky wind conditions, 27 radio control skippers braved the elements to finish a further three races for the day. Given the high flood waters in the region, the fast moving current played havoc with those not used to sailing under such conditions.
Nevertheless, the weather didn’t dampen spirits for long with the weekend proving to be a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A huge thank you to Patterson Lakes Radio Model Yacht Club, Yarrawonga Yacht Club and to all the people who made it happen – you all did a fantastic job!
A shout out goes to:
- Scott Fleming – Event organiser
- Frank Katers – PRO
- Mario Gulic – Assistant
- Jayne Fleming and Lynda Katers – Scorers
- All the ‘behind the scene’ helpers: Tony Smith, Thomas Hutchison YYC, Noel McPherson DAC, Cliff Bromily, Peter Yates, Rod and Bill
Thank you to our generous event sponsors:
- Radio Control Sailing Australia
- Yarrawonga-Mulwala Visitor Information Centre
Last but not least, a big thank you to all the competitors for making the journey to the 2016 RC Laser National Championships. Given the country location, everyone had to travel, although the Queenslanders could have packed a bit more sunshine into their kit.
Event results are as follows:
1st place – Kirwan Robb
2nd place – Graham Brown
3rd place – Scott Fleming
Sportsmanship Award – Peter Haymes (Donated by Sail Prizes)
Words: Mario Gulic & Scott Fleming
Photos: Cliff Bromiley
