The 2017 WALA State Championships
at the Fremantle Sailing Club
March 4th to the 6th
Fremantle Sailing Club is hosting the WALA state championships this year and under the eye of dinghy sailing administrator Travis Burtenshaw we should have a fine event. The racing will include eight races with three, three and two setting up for hard work by the race officials to keep the boats moving between the races. However Fremantle SC have plenty of expertise at hand for the event so I'll look forward to a great long weekend.
A little good news has already come my way with both Swifto ( Luke Elliot ) and Matt Wearn in attendance and I would expect to see some of the younger sailors eager to test their mettle against the older and more experienced in the radial section as well. There will be a representation from the Dave's ( peculiar to SoPYC ) and the rivalry there is intense.
A little good news has already come my way with both Swifto ( Luke Elliot ) and Matt Wearn in attendance and I would expect to see some of the younger sailors eager to test their mettle against the older and more experienced in the radial section as well. There will be a representation from the Dave's ( peculiar to SoPYC ) and the rivalry there is intense.
Saturday the 4th of March
The first three races of the states were conducted under trying conditions with the PRO Robin Olsen having to deal with changing circumstances throughout the day. The advertised temperature of 38 degrees probably happened in the city or the eastern suburbs, but at least on the water we were a little cooler. A light southerly had filled in prior to the start and there was the hope of a decent day, but the first look at the start line and the Laser fleets crowding up to the boat end put paid to any chance of a settled afternoon of wind. A number of lessons were learnt in the 4.7 fleet about banging corners. Wind shifts can leave you right out the door. Keeping the middle line can be advantageous on days like today.
However the best boats were always going to rise to the fore and during a demanding day with wind speeds and variations pushing the sailors to practice their skills, a number of leaders came out of the three fleets and pressed for advancement.
As expected in the standard rigs, Matt Wearne came good and was a clear leader, however it was a delight to see James Stewart engaged with Luke "Swifto" Elliot relegating Swifto to 3rd place in the first two races. In the Masters, Dave Whait has shown Bruce Utting his transom in two of the three races and is clear by three points.
In the radial fleet, Elyse Ainsworth has taken the lead. A good win in the first race and consistency leaves her in the lead at the end of the day in front of Marcus Fisk and Ethan McAullay. Three other fellows will have to work hard having posted UFD's in the first race and I'm sure they'll be looking for good performances for the rest of the regatta in order to advance their claims
In the 4.7's Finn O'Dea posted two wins and a sixth and was thwarted by Mr. Consistency Michael Compton who banged in with two seconds and a third. Just a breath away was Jackson Porter on nine points.
For all that, the wind fluctuated, dropping in and out and swinging up to 15 degrees prompting one or two AP's during the day. Not that the AP's were a problem, but the last race was beset by a dying breeze that had the tail end of the standard fleet literally run out of time as the leaders had taken the last vestiges of the breeze and fled toward the line, with the remainder of the fleet left waiting on the water.
With another scorcher being predicted on Sunday and a similar breeze structure to Saturday, Robin and his team will work hard to avoid such nuisances and all we can do is hope that the breeze plays her part.
The first three races of the states were conducted under trying conditions with the PRO Robin Olsen having to deal with changing circumstances throughout the day. The advertised temperature of 38 degrees probably happened in the city or the eastern suburbs, but at least on the water we were a little cooler. A light southerly had filled in prior to the start and there was the hope of a decent day, but the first look at the start line and the Laser fleets crowding up to the boat end put paid to any chance of a settled afternoon of wind. A number of lessons were learnt in the 4.7 fleet about banging corners. Wind shifts can leave you right out the door. Keeping the middle line can be advantageous on days like today.
However the best boats were always going to rise to the fore and during a demanding day with wind speeds and variations pushing the sailors to practice their skills, a number of leaders came out of the three fleets and pressed for advancement.
As expected in the standard rigs, Matt Wearne came good and was a clear leader, however it was a delight to see James Stewart engaged with Luke "Swifto" Elliot relegating Swifto to 3rd place in the first two races. In the Masters, Dave Whait has shown Bruce Utting his transom in two of the three races and is clear by three points.
In the radial fleet, Elyse Ainsworth has taken the lead. A good win in the first race and consistency leaves her in the lead at the end of the day in front of Marcus Fisk and Ethan McAullay. Three other fellows will have to work hard having posted UFD's in the first race and I'm sure they'll be looking for good performances for the rest of the regatta in order to advance their claims
In the 4.7's Finn O'Dea posted two wins and a sixth and was thwarted by Mr. Consistency Michael Compton who banged in with two seconds and a third. Just a breath away was Jackson Porter on nine points.
For all that, the wind fluctuated, dropping in and out and swinging up to 15 degrees prompting one or two AP's during the day. Not that the AP's were a problem, but the last race was beset by a dying breeze that had the tail end of the standard fleet literally run out of time as the leaders had taken the last vestiges of the breeze and fled toward the line, with the remainder of the fleet left waiting on the water.
With another scorcher being predicted on Sunday and a similar breeze structure to Saturday, Robin and his team will work hard to avoid such nuisances and all we can do is hope that the breeze plays her part.
Sunday the 5th of March
The second day of the 2017 WALA States at Fremantle Sailing Club.
Not much hope of a decent breeze was the topic at the morning coffee tables outside the centerboard club house and only at the briefing did we learn that the RO was certain of a good sou wester by late morning. Much against the current pundits and we were preparing for another hot day on the water.
Then the first wafts of a westerly wandered across the waves and we looked up to see the Indian ocean begin to fill with a gentle wind that was sure to bend into the left, producing the classic sea breeze. By one o'clock, the course was laid and 12 to 15 knots was coming in.
The standard rigs kicked away first and sure enough Matt Wearn was down around the pin end pushing away with the hard men surrounding him on his trip up to the top. His score line gives him the opportunity to rest the third day, but I don't think that that's in his make up and he'll keep the pedal down to the finish. But it's not him, its the youngster James (Jimmy) Stewart who is proving that he has what it takes to be the best. Another round of 2,2,3 has kept him up in the ratings and consistency is the key. However the first drop is in and Mark Wong has dropped a first race 5th to take third place over all.
The Standard Masters have only one man to blame and again Dave Whait has been pushing the younger sailors keeping young Lachy Gilham (lying 4th at the moment) behind him on occasion. The first drop has allowed Craig Hughes and Chris Pratt to shed their worst scores and move up the table in order to harass him.
Zac Littlewood spent no time putting his first day, first race UFD behind him posting a consistent 1,1,3. Elyse Ainsworth is sailing well and is still placing as top female. Ethan McAullay took the last race from Zac today and is showing that consistency will get you there and took second spot as a result. Mark Wong has placed consistently well and with the drop he has moved into third place. Zoe Thomson came out for a couple of races and it was nice to see her back on the coal face again. I still wonder what would have happened what would have happened if Caelin Winchcombe hadn't have to miss the states, thanks to a recent surfing accident. I'm sure he'd have upset the apple cart for the radials at every opportunity. Please note that the second day results are under protest and may change.
The 4.7s have had it confirmed that Finn O'Dea is the current go to sailor and his performance on the water has been exemplary, picking the shifts and lifts to keep himself ahead consistently. Jackson Porter has taken the other two bullets of the series so far and is ready to pounce if Finn should falter on the last day as he is only three points behind. Michael Compton has a bit to do, but should place if he is consistent over the next two races.
The day ended with the breeze softening off and firmly remaining entrenched in the SSW. Those who went left profited overall but it was noted in the third race that the entire radial fleet saw (and felt) a huge shift that had them all flick over to starboard twenty meters out from the start line. Magnificent to watch and bad luck to those who continued on out to the left.
Please be aware that the next set of images will not be available until Tuesday afternoon. I'll be asleep.
The second day of the 2017 WALA States at Fremantle Sailing Club.
Not much hope of a decent breeze was the topic at the morning coffee tables outside the centerboard club house and only at the briefing did we learn that the RO was certain of a good sou wester by late morning. Much against the current pundits and we were preparing for another hot day on the water.
Then the first wafts of a westerly wandered across the waves and we looked up to see the Indian ocean begin to fill with a gentle wind that was sure to bend into the left, producing the classic sea breeze. By one o'clock, the course was laid and 12 to 15 knots was coming in.
The standard rigs kicked away first and sure enough Matt Wearn was down around the pin end pushing away with the hard men surrounding him on his trip up to the top. His score line gives him the opportunity to rest the third day, but I don't think that that's in his make up and he'll keep the pedal down to the finish. But it's not him, its the youngster James (Jimmy) Stewart who is proving that he has what it takes to be the best. Another round of 2,2,3 has kept him up in the ratings and consistency is the key. However the first drop is in and Mark Wong has dropped a first race 5th to take third place over all.
The Standard Masters have only one man to blame and again Dave Whait has been pushing the younger sailors keeping young Lachy Gilham (lying 4th at the moment) behind him on occasion. The first drop has allowed Craig Hughes and Chris Pratt to shed their worst scores and move up the table in order to harass him.
Zac Littlewood spent no time putting his first day, first race UFD behind him posting a consistent 1,1,3. Elyse Ainsworth is sailing well and is still placing as top female. Ethan McAullay took the last race from Zac today and is showing that consistency will get you there and took second spot as a result. Mark Wong has placed consistently well and with the drop he has moved into third place. Zoe Thomson came out for a couple of races and it was nice to see her back on the coal face again. I still wonder what would have happened what would have happened if Caelin Winchcombe hadn't have to miss the states, thanks to a recent surfing accident. I'm sure he'd have upset the apple cart for the radials at every opportunity. Please note that the second day results are under protest and may change.
The 4.7s have had it confirmed that Finn O'Dea is the current go to sailor and his performance on the water has been exemplary, picking the shifts and lifts to keep himself ahead consistently. Jackson Porter has taken the other two bullets of the series so far and is ready to pounce if Finn should falter on the last day as he is only three points behind. Michael Compton has a bit to do, but should place if he is consistent over the next two races.
The day ended with the breeze softening off and firmly remaining entrenched in the SSW. Those who went left profited overall but it was noted in the third race that the entire radial fleet saw (and felt) a huge shift that had them all flick over to starboard twenty meters out from the start line. Magnificent to watch and bad luck to those who continued on out to the left.
Please be aware that the next set of images will not be available until Tuesday afternoon. I'll be asleep.
Monday the 5th of March
The third day of the 2017 WALA States at Fremantle Sailing Club.
We sailed on a light breeze out of the west on the final morning. Sure we had to wait an hour for it, but the race was worth it and gave the sailors a fitting finish to what has been essentially a light winds regatta. It did, however mean one drop instead of two but we were glad to get the race in rather than sit on the water as we did for the first hour.
Building picket fences.
There was no doubt about it, a young man called Matt, put the last picket in the fence today and was justly crowned as the 2017 Laser Standard Open Champion. And just to show why, in a very light westerly, his speed off the line was enough for him to cross the fleet on port after the first 10 boat lengths. Jimmy Stewart has been dogging his heels all regatta and picked up a very good second in the Open championships and took the Youth Under 21 as well. Mark Wong had no problems in the light airs and managed to drop a 5 in the last race to stay ahead of Lachy Gilham who took 4th in the Opens and 2nd in the standard youth under 21 champs. Harmon McAullay took 3rd in the same category.
Dave Whait must have been cursing the last race as he had the chance to get above one more of the youngsters in the Standard Championships, but a UFD meant that he had to carry a first race 9, letting Harmon off the hook. However, no regrets were shown as he took the Masters for himself.
The Standard Apprentice Masters took their glory with John Fussell and Michael Coote one and two. The best was reserved for the Grand and G. Grand Masters. Chris Pratt and Bruce Utting both dropped 11's and took first and second while Craig Hughes took a third. I had a chuckle with John Roberson (GGM) who is not only proud to be the oldest full rig laser sailor on the water but quite happy to have managed to get in front some of the younger sailors.
In the 4.7's, another fence builder is in the offing.
Finn O'Dea had a very good finish to the Championships snapping up five firsts, a second and a sixth he was happy to drop. Jackson Porter and Michael Compton took second and third respectively and Jackson was responsible for the other two firsts. Michael Compton did a fine job to take the Junior 16's by sailing consistently and not placing any lower than 5th and certainly snapping up a couple of seconds and a third. Russell Wilson and Ezra Kaye took second and third. In the Women's 4.7 Lasers; Caitlin Shaw and Eleanor Wise took first and second.
The Radials.
This is where the action was and in the Grand Masters and G. Grand Masters, Colin Dibb took the nod over Stefan Kury-Romer second and John Winteringham third. Lewis Arndt (GGM) and reputedly the elder statesman of the fleet, took a decent fourth.
The Women's open radial had Elyse Ainsworth show that consistency through out the regatta gets you there, while Zoe Thomson and Molly Goldacre sailed well to take second and third. Elyse also took the women's youth under 19 title.
The Open Radial has crowned Zac Littlewood as the state champion for 2017 with 5 bullets, a third and a UFD which he was happy to drop. Ethan McAullay shared the other two bullets with Elyse Ainsworth and the pair ran second and third respectively. Brad Utting worked very hard for his fourth and possibly his first day was his undoing as he was in the first 6 boats for the rest of the regatta.
The Youth u/19 was a carbon copy of the Open radial with Liam Saunders taking fourth place out Oliver Pabbruwe's hands with a lower highest available score after drops. Tough one Ollie, you sailed well.
Many thanks to Robin Olsen and his wife Sue who acted in concert to head a very effective race management team. Robin ran the front end and Sue looked after the regatta registrations, results and whatever. To Travis Burtenshaw of Fremantle Sailing Club my congratulations and in particular Gabby of FSC who ran the canteen single handedly, well done. To the volunteers and coaches of whom there were plenty to run a full Laser course; a job that was handled professionally without grumbles or complaints.
Finally to Anne Littlewood who took charge of pulling the regatta together this year. A job well done.
The third day of the 2017 WALA States at Fremantle Sailing Club.
We sailed on a light breeze out of the west on the final morning. Sure we had to wait an hour for it, but the race was worth it and gave the sailors a fitting finish to what has been essentially a light winds regatta. It did, however mean one drop instead of two but we were glad to get the race in rather than sit on the water as we did for the first hour.
Building picket fences.
There was no doubt about it, a young man called Matt, put the last picket in the fence today and was justly crowned as the 2017 Laser Standard Open Champion. And just to show why, in a very light westerly, his speed off the line was enough for him to cross the fleet on port after the first 10 boat lengths. Jimmy Stewart has been dogging his heels all regatta and picked up a very good second in the Open championships and took the Youth Under 21 as well. Mark Wong had no problems in the light airs and managed to drop a 5 in the last race to stay ahead of Lachy Gilham who took 4th in the Opens and 2nd in the standard youth under 21 champs. Harmon McAullay took 3rd in the same category.
Dave Whait must have been cursing the last race as he had the chance to get above one more of the youngsters in the Standard Championships, but a UFD meant that he had to carry a first race 9, letting Harmon off the hook. However, no regrets were shown as he took the Masters for himself.
The Standard Apprentice Masters took their glory with John Fussell and Michael Coote one and two. The best was reserved for the Grand and G. Grand Masters. Chris Pratt and Bruce Utting both dropped 11's and took first and second while Craig Hughes took a third. I had a chuckle with John Roberson (GGM) who is not only proud to be the oldest full rig laser sailor on the water but quite happy to have managed to get in front some of the younger sailors.
In the 4.7's, another fence builder is in the offing.
Finn O'Dea had a very good finish to the Championships snapping up five firsts, a second and a sixth he was happy to drop. Jackson Porter and Michael Compton took second and third respectively and Jackson was responsible for the other two firsts. Michael Compton did a fine job to take the Junior 16's by sailing consistently and not placing any lower than 5th and certainly snapping up a couple of seconds and a third. Russell Wilson and Ezra Kaye took second and third. In the Women's 4.7 Lasers; Caitlin Shaw and Eleanor Wise took first and second.
The Radials.
This is where the action was and in the Grand Masters and G. Grand Masters, Colin Dibb took the nod over Stefan Kury-Romer second and John Winteringham third. Lewis Arndt (GGM) and reputedly the elder statesman of the fleet, took a decent fourth.
The Women's open radial had Elyse Ainsworth show that consistency through out the regatta gets you there, while Zoe Thomson and Molly Goldacre sailed well to take second and third. Elyse also took the women's youth under 19 title.
The Open Radial has crowned Zac Littlewood as the state champion for 2017 with 5 bullets, a third and a UFD which he was happy to drop. Ethan McAullay shared the other two bullets with Elyse Ainsworth and the pair ran second and third respectively. Brad Utting worked very hard for his fourth and possibly his first day was his undoing as he was in the first 6 boats for the rest of the regatta.
The Youth u/19 was a carbon copy of the Open radial with Liam Saunders taking fourth place out Oliver Pabbruwe's hands with a lower highest available score after drops. Tough one Ollie, you sailed well.
Many thanks to Robin Olsen and his wife Sue who acted in concert to head a very effective race management team. Robin ran the front end and Sue looked after the regatta registrations, results and whatever. To Travis Burtenshaw of Fremantle Sailing Club my congratulations and in particular Gabby of FSC who ran the canteen single handedly, well done. To the volunteers and coaches of whom there were plenty to run a full Laser course; a job that was handled professionally without grumbles or complaints.
Finally to Anne Littlewood who took charge of pulling the regatta together this year. A job well done.
And the presentations.