Day 3 of the A Class Australian Championships has concluded with an exciting battle playing out. Australian Champion for 2025 is Lisa Blackwood sailing one of John Holmes' designs called "Sister Blister".
Today's conditions were a relief from the blustery winds of yesterday. The direction kept our Race Officer team on their toes, with breezes which really didn't settle all day. There were some gusts which looked like they heralded a return to the strong winds, and lulls which becalmed the boats. Combined with the tendency to shift through 45 degrees, the race track was not for the feint hearted.
Ted Stevens led overnight, from Lisa with Mike Hickman a distance behind in third. Today, Mike handled the conditions better than everyone, and made a stunning run on the scoreboard. HIs charge was not enough to overhaul Lisa, but was enough to finish on equal points with Ted. Second place was sorted out by a countback, with Mike holding sway.
The Risdon Brook Radio Sailing Club presented a terrific event, with thanks going to the many volunteers who contributed to the running of the Championships. Whilst the majority of the fleet were from Tasmania, we did have one competitor who travelled from the North Island in Lester Pearson. Lester made the comment that he thought there would be many A Class skippers who would be disappointed to have missed the National Championships this year.
L-R: Rod Marshall (Masters Champion); Ted Stevens (Third); Lisa Blackwood (First) and Michael Hickman (Second)
The podium with our Race Officers: Ricky Price (L) and John Short (behind).
Thank you again to all the volunteers who gave up their time to assist in the running of the Australian Championships. Your contribution is invaluable.