The Sabre National Championships 2024-2025 were hosted by the Perth Dinghy Sailing Club over the new year period with 43 boats competing. Maylands had 5 boats in the event; Rolna Stoeger (Kalibo), Steve Rose (Gold), Terry Gaunt (Innervision), Anne Gaunt (Villanne) and myself (Caramello).
Nine races were conducted over 5 sailing days and there was plenty of wind (15 – 25 kts). Eastern states visitors filled the top 4 placings in the event with Tony Carr (5th) being the best of the WA entrants. Terry Gaunt (Innervision) did best of the Maylands crew finishing in 28th position. The regatta was a unique experience for everyone and, although physically and mentally very challenging, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Sailing in big fleets is a totally different ball game! Special thanks go to Doug Pianta and Jerome Toonen for volunteering their time to assist with the running of the event.
The final two heats of the Sabre State Championships will be held on Saturday 15th February at the PDSC. Previous heats were held in November and December at PDSC. The Sabre Sailing Association of WA AGM will be held in the shade of the trees at 11.30am before the sailing begins. Brian Jones (President) and Jenny Jones (Secretary) are both standing down from their positions. Brian and Jenny have worked tirelessly to promote and develop the Sabre class in WA for many years and have been regular visitors to Maylands YC to support the Sabre sailors. Congratulations to them both for a job extremely well done!
Sabre racing at Maylands has continued to be exciting and competitive. It was great to see Anne Gaunt at the club during her summer break from teaching and join us on the Crawley Cruise. Bob Steele jumped into Way to Go last week and lead the fleet clearly until St Anne’s claimed another gybing casualty. Bob was quick to blame the tiller extension and hopefully he will race with the Sabre fleet again soon. Vince is quickly working out how to get the best from old Damocles but, like Mimi and Steve, finds that holidays and/or work often get in the way of sailing. Chris Holyday is hoping his knee improves enough to have Fuse back on the water soon. Rolna continues to be the boat to beat in races.
There are two sabres for sale at the moment. Gone with the Wind (Rolna) and Way to Go (me) can both be purchased and are ready to sail and be very competitive at Maylands. Way to Go is sitting on the shelf in the shed at the club and just waiting to go (ask Bob). Let me know if you would like to have a spin in the green flash anytime.
Thanks to Scott Underwood