Portland Yacht Club’s Brad Hein has continued his remarkable domination of the South Australian RC Laser State Championship, securing his fourth consecutive title at Mawson Lakes after a composed and highly consistent performance across the eleven-race series.
Hein proved exceptionally difficult to beat throughout the regatta, claiming four race victories while discarding only a third and fourth place from his scorecard. In a championship where changing conditions continually tested competitors, consistency proved decisive, and Hein delivered exactly that to finish comfortably on 15 points.
Hosted by Mawson Lakes Model Yacht Club, the 2026 championship attracted a competitive fleet that was challenged by light and often unpredictable conditions across two contrasting days of racing.
Day 1 opened under mild overcast skies with north-easterly breezes ranging between 5 and 8 knots. While conditions initially appeared promising, the wind frequently proved unreliable, resulting in only five races being completed. Two races were abandoned and the AP flag eventually sent sailors ashore for a well-earned break while waiting for the breeze to return.
Adrian Heard from MLMYC overcame a mixed opening day to produce one of the strongest comebacks of the regatta. Showing excellent consistency throughout Day 2, Heard steadily climbed the leaderboard from fourth overnight into second overall, sealing the runner-up position with his first and only race victory coming in the final heat of the championship.
Victorian visitor Adam Chambers from Patterson Lakes Radio Model Yacht Club adapted quickly to the subtle demands of sailing at Mawson Lakes, particularly in the extremely light conditions encountered early in the event. Chambers recorded three race wins and featured prominently in a series of tight battles at the sharp end of the fleet before securing third place overall.
Fellow Patterson Lakes sailor Darren Cathie also mounted a strong challenge, matching Chambers with three race wins of his own. Despite spending much of the championship in contention for a podium finish, Cathie was ultimately overtaken by Heard’s late charge and concluded the regatta in fourth position.
Sunday brought cooler temperatures, intermittent showers and even lighter north-easterly breezes ranging between 2 and 6 knots. Six races were completed before the weather delivered one final challenge — a sudden 20-knot south-westerly rain squall that swept across the venue.
Competitors, officials and volunteers scrambled into action as the fleet sought shelter from the burst of wind and heavy rain. Gazebos were hastily held down against the gusts, scorers rushed to protect paperwork from the downpour, and boats were temporarily left to fend for themselves as the squall passed through. With only limited time remaining in the session, the decision was made to call an end to both the day and the championship.
Race Officer Geoff Beacham once again kept the racing moving efficiently across the demanding conditions. Day 1 featured windward-leeward courses incorporating a windward offset and leeward gate, with ongoing adjustments made as conditions evolved. For Day 2, a practical two-windward, two-leeward mark configuration allowed rapid course shortening between races without the need to reposition buoys — a welcome efficiency given the lengthy hours already spent on the water by the recovery and mark laying crews.
Competitors were welcomed at registration with generous gift packs including hats, beanies, insulated travel mugs and even warm socks courtesy of Matthew Berry from APAC Rinnai — items that proved particularly appropriate given the cool conditions encountered over the weekend.
Lunches provided on both days ensured competitors, volunteers and partners remained well fed, with hot savouries, gourmet sandwiches, cakes, slices, fruit and drinks creating an excellent opportunity to socialise and reconnect. Saturday evening’s regatta dinner at the Mosaic Hotel, West Lakes saw twenty participants gather to share stories, laughter and good company away from the racecourse.
Major trophies were presented by John Fulbrook, Member for Playford, who acknowledged the importance of participation, inclusiveness and the tireless efforts of volunteers in making community sporting events possible.
Special awards were also presented throughout the fleet, with Adrian Heard recognised as First South Australian Sailor and First Master Sailor, Bob Whitehead claiming First Grand Master Sailor, Helen Willmer awarded First Female Sailor, and Liam Harper recognised as Youngest Sailor.
Lucky draw prizes added further excitement to proceedings, with Helen Willmer taking home a Rinnai radiant heater courtesy of Matthew Berry and APAC Rinnai, while Kym Stringer collected a D sail generously donated by Cliff Bromiley and Radio Control Sailing Australia.
The success of the championship was underpinned by a strong volunteer team whose efforts ensured a smooth and enjoyable event despite the challenging weather. Race Officer Geoff Beacham, scorers Lorraine Berry and Rosemary Murfett, recovery and mark laying crew Brian Marshall, Gary Koehn and Jeff Frankish, spotters Lindsay Sawyer and David Woods, photographer Gerry Giebel, boatshed coordinator Gaynor Kouwenhoven, and John Berry overseeing sponsorship, logistics and raffle coordination all played important roles in delivering another successful State Championship.
Event Results - Top 5
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