49er National Championships (Nautical News November)

EFYC sailor scores another Australian National Championship for the Club !!

EFYC sailor “Fang” Warren has teamed up with Steve Thomas to compete in the forthcoming ISAF World Championship in the 49er skiff class.  Both sailors have a strong and successful background including winning the 29er World Championships a couple of seasons ago plus experience sailing in Spain, America, Malaysia and all over Australia in various classes of sailing regattas.  This ranged from teams racing to competing in World Match Racing events.

The 49er Australian National Championships were sailed off Fremantle Sailing Club over last Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the EFYC & Mounts Bay Ssailing Club Race Management Team under the guidance of Andy Curnow conducting the Regatta.  The team includes a large contingent of EFYC volunteers upgrading their race management skills.

A large fleet of 41 skiffs participated in some very exciting racing.  The 49er fleet included a large contingent of international 49er sailors now here in Freo honing their skills for the upcoming ISAF Regatta.  It also included a good range of local and interstate competitors including visitors from Victoria – all keen to improve their skills.

Conditions over the three days of sailing varied from light easterlies thru to the “Freo Doctor” – the great range of conditions provided a challenge both for sailors and the race management team.

A fantastic sight to watch the big fleet of 49ers fly a huge kite and run downwind under the “Doctor” and then through the gate at the bottom of the windward / leeward course.  Some very close and exciting racing was experienced.

After eight completed races the overall international winner were the Fins closely followed by the French and Polish skiffs. 

Congratulations to Steve Thomas and "Fang" who were the top Australian skiff and overall winners of the Australian 49er National Championships.

A reminder the ISAF Regatta for the 49ers commences about 10 December in the waters off Fremantle – come along and support our local sailors.