GEORGE DAVIES: Another Victorian Sabot Champion
George Davies from Sorrento (pictured above receiving the Sabot Championship Trophy) was the dominant Sabot sailor at the Vaucluse Nationals this year . George certainly demonstrated that his third place at the Sandringham Nationals last year was no fluke! He sailed a brilliant series against a strong competition in a challenging regatta exemplified by shifty winds and variable tides.
Determination and skill saw George at the pointy and of the fleet regardless of any setback (almost inevitable with the large fleet), in all races. George was always totally focused, maintained great boat speed, and was able to work the wind shifts to earn a podium finish.
Jeremy O'Connell also sailed a teriffic series and came in with a well deserved 5th place. Our other Victorians all sailed well and gained a huge amount of experience in big fleet racing. For many, Vaucluse was their first taste of sailing in a large and highly competitive fleet. The first few races in particular provided a steep learning curve; adjusting to tides, shifting winds, cramped start lines, and roadblocks at each rounding mark that could easily cost 5-10 places per mark. To their credit, regardless of how they were going in any race, we were all very proud of the good sportmanship displayed at all times by the team. Two visits to the Protest Room were no exception ( a port/starboard incident for Kate Jenkins and a pre-start collision for Oliver Kalpokas).
Free time was also a lot of fun with many informal dinners (usually at CYC), an exciting sail with the Sollys under the bridge to Darling Habour for an afternoon at the movies (Alvin and the Chipmonks!!!), and the spectacle of New Years' Eve in Sydney.
Results for the Regatta are available on the Vaucluse website or just follow the link below.
Vaucluse Nationals
Upcoming Events for your Sailing Calendar
Victorian Sabot State Championship
I apologise for the late notice but our plans for the Sabot States for 2008 have had to be modified at the last minute. We are working very hard to finalise a new plan and we are hoping to hold the States over two days on the last weekend of February (23rd and 24th). I should have confirmation by the end of this weekend and an email newsletter will be sent out immediately with details.
Lidgett Cup
This annual sailing event will once again be held at Davey's Bay in Mornington on the weekend of February 16 and 17. Every year the Davey's Bay Yacht Club turns out a great fun and coaching weekend. Do not miss this event, so if you have not yet registered, click on the link below and get on with it!
Lidgett Cup Entry and Information
I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer holidays, I will be in touch shortly with news of the Sabot States,
Mario Kalpokas
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