Yesterday (30th November) Dobroyd Aquatic Club hosted the RC Laser NSW Championship for 2025.
We sailed under a full range of conditions using all four of our sails at some stage of the racing. There were many changes made between most races.
The weather was similar to the forecast but the late change appeared much earlier than expected.
With a temperature reaching 28oC, and partly cloudy skies, we saw the wind at the start from the North at 6 up to 16 Km/Hr. By midday, a pleasant Nor’Easter appeared and we hoped for this to continue ‘til the end of sailing.
Just after 2pm with another 2 hours of racing planned, the Westerly change hit with a vengeance. It peaked at 52 Km/Hr., (28 Knots) in gusts and was almost that for the rest of our day.
Paul Martin was kind enough to accept the role as Race Officer. The varying winds made setting a course tricky, but Graham Brown manned the tender and planted the marks under Paul’s direction. Obviously, several courses were used with some variation. We all had to do some thinking but it ran well.
We had eleven Entrants at the start of play. This was a very competitive field of Sailors which included Daniel Bergan who is the current Australian, New South Wales and Victorian Champion, and runner-up Queensland for 2025. Also competing were Phil Stevenson, the NSW Champion for 2024 and Graham Brown, a past Australian, NSW and current Dobroyd Club Champion.
The fleet started the day with A sails and racing commenced with almost drifting conditions. This was all to change, and it certainly did. B’s became C’s and then D’s to complete the day.
Daniel Bergan was keen on expanding his trophy shelf (shelves) with wins in races 1 and 2. An underwater aberration (either weed or fishing line) halted his progress in race 3, but once cleared he completed his race. He won 9 of the sixteen races sailed and placed in those remaining to score a mere 18 points. Daniel earned himself NSW Champion for 2025. Graham Brown scored 34 points to place himself second overall. With 3 wins and 6 places, Graham battled well to prevent Daniel’s perfect score and as he mentioned at the presentation, “Daniel blasted us from the water”, true words. Martin Thearle was a genuine contender for high honours following his promising season at Club racing. Martin had wins in races 7 and 14 and with 4 places he scored 46 points to achieve 3rd place in the State Titles.
Phil Stevenson was an early contender for a medal. Phil won race 9 and with 6 places scoring 51 points, was well on the way until servo failures saw him out before the end.
From 4th place and on, although several points between each boat, the positions weren’t that far apart. Noel McPherson, Rob Lowndes (a win), Judy Evans, Lew Verdon (almost), and Brian Chapman each scored a place from those left over. Geoff Lucas sailed a well below his best and decided to observe the last few races in comfort. Peter Hirschl made a late entry. He must looked out the window at sunrise and decided to join us. Peter had the popular vote for the best boat and sail design and colouring.
We all had an interesting day and were tested in all facets of RC Laser sailing. It was probably the best way to contest a Championship.
NSW Championship medals were presented to Daniel Began, Graham Brown and Martin Thearle and a thank you gift to Paul Martin. Paul mentioned at the presentation his satisfaction with the quality of the sailing. Daniel spoke of his observance of the success of RC Lasers throughout the Eastern States. He also mentioned that Queensland is hosting the Nationals in 2026, 11th and 12th September, at his Paradise Radio Yacht Club.
Cliff Bromiley spoke of the success of the Championship and presented myself a gift from everyone. This I very much appreciate as I greatly enjoy our sailing scene and the company of a fine group of Sailors.
Report by Brian Chapman #246 (Who did an amazing job of organising the event
