We were very fortunate to resume our National Championship regatta after it being postponed due to covid restrictions in 2021. It was a great tribute to our NSW/ACT members and the Canberra Yacht Club executives and volunteers that it took place under difficult circumstances and the regatta was able to proceed smoothly and happily.
As one might imagine, conditions on Lake Burley Griffin were varied and tricky for the depleted fleet comprising 21 starters in the nine completed races, over five sailing days. It was a hard fought and most enjoyable series. After two drops, Alan Riley from McCrae YC in Victoria won with 12 points comprising three firsts, three seconds and a third. Second place was closely fought out by Craig Mcfee of Clayton Bay Boat Club in SA with 16 points comprising two each of firsts, seconds and thirds and a fourth. Third place went to Gary McLennan of Black Rock YC in Vic on 26 points, narrowly beating SA’s Chris Prichard on a count back.
The result was in doubt up to the last day when with one day being lost due to no breeze, two to four races were scheduled. With rapid wind shifts at the starting line, the black flag came out to settle things down. In the three ensuing races Alan maintained his lead and spectators were treated to some great match racing between the two aspiring winners. Full results can be seen here: https://canberrayc.com/results/2021-2022/sabrenats22/SGrp1.htm?ty=10609 Further detail can be seen on the Sabre website www.sable.org.au and on Facebook.
Alan’s win gave him three National titles in successive events in Qld, SA and NSW/ACT waters. His next big test will be the Vic Sabre State Championships to be held at Blairgowrie YS on 19,20 February 2022 where we expect a fleet of more than 80 Sabres to take part.
The Sabre Association and sailors are full of praise for the organisers who put in so much effort under constantly changing covid restrictions and uncertainties to allow this very enjoyable, premier event to occur. Bring it on in Tassie for the 2023 event.
