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 20oC.
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 5th 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.
