Sailing success in Hobart – A recap of the exciting races!
The picturesque shores of Hobart at Sandy Bay Sailing Club witnessed the exhilarating 62nd International Cadet Australian Championship from December 29th, 2023 to January 4th, 2024. The competition brought together sailing enthusiasts from across the globe, testing their mettle in challenging conditions.
Challenging beginnings
The initial races, 1 and 2, proved to be a true test of skill and resilience as participants faced tough conditions with 15-30 knots of northwest wind, directly from Mt. Wellington. The competition, however, shifted gears with Races 3 to 12, which saw much kinder south/southeast winds ranging from 10 to 20 knots.
RGYC Shines Bright!
Representing the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), a formidable contingent of 13 teams showcased exceptional prowess in the 45-boat fleet. Among the standout performances, Josh Garner & Jack Benyan clinched the championship title with a race to spare. Notably, Cate McCoy & Jack O’Brien secured the 3rd position, followed closely by Will Farnell & Louis Davis in 4th, and Zac Sayle & Charlie White finishing 7th.
Lucy Stephen’s & Ted Constantine claimed 1st place on handicap, while Grace Lockhead Caddy & Florence Thomas secured an impressive 3rd place on handicap.
Consistent Excellence
Throughout the event, all RGYC teams demonstrated consistent excellence on and off the water, showcasing continuous improvement. Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year that RGYC has clinched the prestigious title.
Adding to the achievement, of the 13 races sailed, RGYC emerged victorious in an astounding 10 races, including the invitation races, with four of their teams leading the charge. The club also secured numerous wins on handicap, underlining their overall dominance.
Tillett Trophy returns to Victoria
In a testament to the collective skill and dedication of the Victorian teams, the Tillett Trophy for the BIG V was retained. This incredible achievement stands as a credit to the coaching prowess of Tony Bull, Ben Garner, and the local talent, Grace Hooper from Tasmania.
In summary, the 62nd International Cadet Australian Championship was a resounding success for team RGYC, solidifying their reputation as sailing champions. The event showcased not only their exceptional skills but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the sailing community. Congratulations to all the participants and a special acknowledgment to RGYC for their outstanding performance and dedication to the sport.
Click HERE to view the full results.
Interested in learning to sail Cadets? Click HERE to view all learn to sail courses available at RGYC!