The NSW IOM States were run and won over the weekend of 23-24 November, in a hard-fought effort in which the winner wasn’t known until the last race.
Twenty-seven competitors turned up Saturday to compete in a very nice 6-10 knot breeze from the South, Sou’East. With everyone chomping at the bit to get going, and with the formalities over, B fleet hit the water. Racing started right on 10 and it appeared everyone was relaxed. It was clear that the event was wide open. Chris Dance from Victoria was making the most of the conditions and held a healthy lead at lunchtime which continued until stumps day 1.
On Saturday night most of the competitors adjourned to Gymea Pub where the food was good and the beer cold.
Sunday saw more of the same close racing with no person more dominant than the other. With less weed, the cream started rising to the top. At lunchtime on Sunday, Greg Torpy held a slim lead from Owen and Lindsay, only to see it close with a winch override going around the bottom mark the last time up!
In the end, after seventeen races it was NSW stalwart Owen Jarvis who takes the crown from Lindsay Walker with Greg Torpy in 3rd, and Chris Dance only one point behind in 4th. It was an event every competitor should be proud of. There was not one protest, and everyone got on well, even if at times the conditions tested your patience. (See full results below)
A big thank you to those who travelled, especially Barry Donaher from WA. Chris Dance, Mario Gulic, Andy Reid and Russell Denholm from Victoria. Lynn Kreibig, Joe Roos, Mark Newman and Paul Cohen from the ACT. Greg Torpy, Frank Russell, Derick Warne, Laurie Hinchcliff and Gary McCarthy from Queensland.
The team at KBRYC and KBSC deserve praise for their efforts helping to run the event. From KBRYC, a big thanks to Ted, Ron, Mal, Neil, Mario, and Ian. Phil And Cliff Lewis from the Sailing Club who catered the lunches both days.
And last but not least, the one and only super scoring aficionado, Annie Walker. Anne was the one who kept the momentum going. Managing two fleets is tough and her ability certainly shone.
Thanks Anne.
Pictured are the top three place getters (L-R): Lindsay Walker, Owen Jarvis, Greg Torpy
Scott Condie, PRO