Victorian News and Information
Top Ten Finish in NS14 National Championships
In one of the biggest celebrations of mediocrity seen in Melbourne,
the crew of Verve (NS1511), Sugarloaf Sailing Club members Paul
Dillon and Mick Skerry partied long into the night after achieving
a 9th place (handicap) in the NS14 National Championships held
at the Black Rock Sailing Club over the Christmas / New Year break.
Despite having never sailed in a race against another NS14 boat
or on Port Philip Bay, Paul and Mick arrived full of enthusiasm
and praying for a Steven Bradbury type scenario when they found
they were not only the heaviest crew but also sailing the oldest
boat in a development class.
“It is fair to say our learning curve was fairly steep
over the course of the championships from not only being able
to see first hand the set up of other boats as well as talk to
the skippers and observe how to sail these boat fast” explained
Paul. “The skippers tactic of sailing at the back of the
fleet really helped in this respect”, added Mick.
“Being the oldest boat, meant that we were never going
to do well on scratch but believed our fitness, skill, weight
and the fleet attrition factor, especially on the stronger breeze
days, would give us a chance on handicap” said Paul. “
I am extremely pleased especially with the results of Races 5
and 6 in that we were able to maintain contact with the fleet
and finish within 10 minutes of the winner.
Mick agrees with Paul however thinks the handicap result was
more related to the handicap padding provided by such a bad result
in race 2.
The partners of Mick and Paul were ecstatic with the news that
the National Championships were over and “No more bloody
sailing” for the Xmas break. “Like really, this level
of celebration for 7th place – give me a break” quoted
Mick’s partner Gail while Paul’s wife Karen was more
philosophical “ In a championship there can only be one
winner and Paul seems to be so good at losing”.
Flushed with the recent success – plans are being made
to compete at the 2008/9 National Championships in Adelaide.
Victorian NS14's are sailing at
Black
Rock Yacht Club
Altona
Yacht Club
Sugarloaf
Sailing Club
Barwon
Heads Sailing Association
Cairn
Curran Sailing Club
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