Author: Beth

DAC Results, NSW RC Laser Titles 2024, Sun 18th August 2024 – NSW Radio Yachting Association (rcyachts.net)

With great thanks to DAC Members John Porter and Brendan Hones

Report by Mario Gulic

Sunny skies greeted us in beautiful Portland Victoria with a nor’westerly wind and B rigs the sail of choice. Our first time race officer Phil Smith was ready, the course was set and we were away with Brad Hein wining the first and Liam Harper taking out second which was his best result for the regatta. (I think he peaked too early) Luke Donovan 4th and Peter Trenorden 5th also had their best results for the regatta. The second race also went to Brad while the third went to Gary Hein. The home water advantage looked like it was going to play a part in the final results while some of us were thinking what kind of sorcery is going on here. Race 4 is when Daniel Bergan said ok that’s enough of a head start and in the next 8 races had 5 bullets, a second and 2 thirds.

Darren Cathie took out the last race of the day with a nice win over Brad. Results day one. Daniel 17, Brad 20 and Mario 25.

Day two was a northerly turning west with everyone starting on D rigs

Darren won race 12 in tricky winds that also saw David Ingleton have his best result for the regatta. A 30 minute delay for ever changing wind direction had the boat boys Andrew Hayes and Ian George working hard to set a fair course. Adam Chambers won his first comfortably in race 13 while Peter Murfett had his best result with a third. Meanwhile in the background Mario had 2 seconds for the day sending Brad and Daniel into a panic and opting for C rigs. Results after race 13 were Daniel 29, Mario 29, Brad 30 while Vanessa McCallum the only lady in the fleet having her best result with an 8th place. The rig change worked for Daniel with another win in race 14. Race 15 had Brad winning and Merv McDonald got his best result with 3rd place. The penultimate race saw a shake up for overall third position with Adam winning the race. Scores with one race to go were Daniel 28, Brad 33, Adam 41 and Mario relegated to 4th on 43 points.

Merv and Gary were fighting for 7th while Liam and Peter were having it out for 11th. So the stage was set for the final race. Best skipper to not place in any race Grant Gillespie. 11th place taken out by Liam, 7th was taken by Gary and another win for Daniel secured the result for first, Brad 2nd and Adam folded like a cheap suit in the last to give Mario a podium finish.

Thank you to all involved including the boat operator on day one, Sam Bassham. The Scorers Dianne Hein and Rosemary Murfett. The Portland Yacht club and a great job done by Brad Hein and crew. Loved the cakes.

Until next time fair winds to all.

Report by Brian Chapman

On Sunday 18th August, Dobroyd Aquatic Club hosted the RC Laser NSW Championship for 2024.

The Event was planned and run by our Club Members, Brian Chapman and Graham Brown with mentoring by Noel McPherson.

We are grateful to have had Paul Martin who officiated as Race Officer for the day’s racing, thank you Paul.

Thanks also to Club Member John Porter who photographed and videoed the racing and following presentation.

Thank you to Bruce Hilliard who greatly assisted the final duties for the day with marks and tender retrieval etc.

The Medals were kindly provided by the NSW Radio Yachting Association, thank you Wayne Keavy.

The weather forecast for the day was for a Southerly breeze, overcast and a temperature of 20^oC.

Racing commenced at 1000 with a breeze of 12 gusting to 29 Km/Hr, (7 to 16 Knots) and all Sailors chose “B” sails. As the day progressed, peak gusts rose to 47 Km/Hr, (24 Knots) and the fleet changed down to “C” sails with most moving to “D” sails for the last few races. The last race was completed by 1600.

Graham Brown set a course which was mostly in front of the Deck and under Paul Martin’s requests, was occasionally modified as the wind swung during the day.

Twelve Sailors competed and we ended with 27 races for the day which was a feat in itself. We had 2 breaks for lunch and to catch our breaths.

The initial pace was set by Graham Brown, Peter Burton and Brendan Hones, each scoring a win to start the day. Early contenders were Noel McPherson, Martin Thearle and Richard Thorpe, who scored a place or two. As the day developed, Phil Stevenson roared into contention with a series of firsts and second places. The scoresheet started to show a breakaway group of Phil, Graham, Peter and Noel who remained clear for the rest of the day.

Phil gained his lead and had many challenges with gear issues and close match racing with Graham, Peter and Noel. This continued with the lead changing many times. The final result was in doubt throughout the afternoon and was settled by the last race.

The NSW State Champion for 2024 is Phil Stevenson who scored 58 points. There was a gap to Graham Brown with 63 points, taking second place. Peter Burton, the Champion for 2023 came home in third place with 66 points. Noel McPherson scored 71 points and was the only close contender for a medal.

The remainder of the fleet all scored centuries, but all contributed to a well contested Championship. The number of races ensured we had  a very fair test of one’s sailing abilities on the day and produced the right outcome.

Martin Thearle had a very consistent day with eight places. Martin led the following group of centurions and was well ahead in 5^th place. The points were moderately spread with Rob Lowndes the only other to score a place.

Paul Martin, Race Officer, had cause to address the fleet with his concern of some penalties not being taken. There was a fair bit of “dodgem” on the course with the gusty wind being only part of the problem. The leaders, who are very competent sailors did set a good example which was unfortunately not followed by others. We had several General Recalls with a Black Flag declared for the restarts. No-one infringed the second start, so there were no disqualifications.

In the final washup, it was a very successful and testing day of racing. All boats sailed well and one had to be at their very best to score well in such a hot fleet of Sailors.

Race winners were Phil Stevenson 7, Graham Brown 10, Peter Burton 3, Noel McPherson 5 and Brendan Hones 2.

Phil Stevenson took the honours for the day to win 1st place and the Championship on 58 points.

Graham Brown finished in 2nd place on 63 points.

Peter Burton finished in 3rd place with 66 points.

Congratulations to all sailors for making it another terrific RC Laser event. And a big thanks and congratulations to the organisers – well done!