While most Victorians holidayed last weekend, seven Victorian Sabre sailors travelled to Wallagoot Lake Boat Club near Tathra to join in the NSW Sabre State Titles. We all had a great time at a beautiful venue although the winds were probably a bit lighter than most of us had hoped, mainly in the 5 to 8 knot range. Racing was best four of five races over two days.
Murray O’Brien (McCYC) followed up his second in the recent Sabre Nationals, winning the event with three first placings. The battle for 2nd, 3rd and 4th was extremely close with only 0.5 of a point separating them! In the end Liam O’Brien (McCYC) scored 2nd on countback from Bruce Abbott 3rd (BRYC), with Barry Eastgate (MMYC) in 4th. Victorians showed their talent by taking out the top six places. Wendy Atkins and Aurora Paterson led the NSW team, gaining 7th and 8th places.
Positions changed quickly in the very light air in the last leg of the last heat when Liam spotted some pressure to the left and went for it, managing to just win the race and gain 2nd place overall. Thanks to Wallagoot Lake Boat Club and the N.S.W. Sabre Association for having us!
It was a friendly and sharing event, a forerunner of interstate competition in the future. All competitors agreed that they will again travel to the event in March 2020 and will bring others.
