Peter Fell, Monday, 28 November 2011
Queensland Laser River Titles 2011
The Queensland River Titles were held at the Brisbane Sailing Squadron in Bulimba over the weekend of the 26th and 27th November.
A total of 16 Full Rigs, 8 Radials and 3 4.7 Rigs contested the titles in good NorthEasters on the Saturday while battling a huge outgoing tide of over 2 metres. The winds allowed two full races around the Hamilton and Bulimba reaches with some exciting tacking duels down the river in both races. The tide meant every tiny mistake was punished with mark roundings being particularly tricky. One Laser went too close to a moored catamaran with disastrous consequences for their race placing and pride!
Sunday brought a calm morning and a race postponement, until the sea breeze filled in at around 11:30am, building steadily through the afternoon to raise some whitecaps and standing waves against the tide. Three races were run on the Sunday which were all closely contested and thoroughly enjoyed, with the battle of the sexes going on in the Full Rig Division. Christine Bridge won the Full Rig Division from Luke Johnson with Rob Bridge taking out third. A fast finishing Lyndall Patterson just missed out on a podium finish in a rare foray into the Full Rig Division.
In the Radial Division Steve Geck used all his river knowledge to take out all 5 races, although a junior sailor in a "Full Rig 4.7" aka a Radial was seen to finish in front of him in one race. Second place was taken out by James Scott with Hugh Bekkers in third.
In the 4.7 Division, Hayden Johnson took 4 first placings and a second to win the division from Lily Geck and Daniel Self. A sausage sizzle and prize draw was held with the presentation of trophies after the final race, while many stories of close racing were retold.
A big thanks must go to all the volunteers who made the weekend run so well, and who made our visitors feel so welcome.
Results
Photos
Last Modified on 28/11/2011 22:35