2016 ANZAC Trophy – Wrap Up Report

ANZAC Trophy Sabres racing at EFYC 24 April 2016

15 Sabres fronted the starting line at East Fremantle YC, 11 from the home club, 3 from Perth Dinghy SC, one from Maylands YC and one from Safety Bay YC. Our youngest sailor George Coop put in a credible performance, having just graduated from a Bic.

This event has traditionally been held at EFYC for keel boats, but the growing Sabre dinghy fleet was invited to participate in 2015. That year, one race was sailed, but this year, it was decided that 2 races should be sailed and it was advertised to other clubs sailing Sabres.

The wind was light North Westerly, averaging about 8 knots, so two short races were sailed, using a windward/leeward course.

The first race was convincingly won by Pete Coop, in a shifting and erratic North Westerly, which, combined with an outgoing tide, made racing challenging. Second was Simon Walker, in his wooden boat. Craig Nyland who went against local knowledge and ran down the south side of the course in better pressure, against the tide, finished 3rd.

The second race saw similar conditions, with Pete Coop taking an early lead and he was never headed. Simon Walker from the home club in a wooden boat took second place, while Peter Johnston was third.

In both races, the minor places changed frequently, as sailors chased the wind and shifts, while avoiding the adverse tide (or using it).

We welcomed Heidi and Narelle from PDSC, who joined Kelly Mirragliotta to make up 20% of the fleet, a record of women sailors for any Sabre open meeting in WA. We will see more of them in the future.

The final result was Pete Coop, first, Simon Walker second, with Graham Hill, third.

Charlotte Coop provided excellent support to the PRO Pru Heinz.

This series will be repeated next year, probably on Anzac Day itself and it’s hoped it will become a regular event on the Sabres calendar.

Peter Johnston