Australian National Championships for Northshore Yachts

3:58 PM Wed 31 Aug 2011 GMT

'Close racing in Passage race.' Damian Boldyrew Click Here to view large photo

The second Australian Championships for Northshore Yachts has just been hosted by the Sailing Committee at Lake Macquarie's RMYC Toronto.

The alternative to Hamilton Island Race Week for Northshores, (but a lot easier to get to!) was run on the weekend of August 19-21, and this year the weather gods ensured there would be a bit on with consistent 15-25knot Southeasters throughout the duration of the event. The sailing couldn't have been much better with a long course around the lake on Saturday, followed by two windward/leewards on the Sunday. The fleet pretty much had the brilliant racecourses of Lake Macquarie to themselves as most other boaties were rugged up that weekend due to the somewhat testing conditions.

The sailing committee would like to thank major sponsors Club Marine Insurance, R&M Insurance, and Acrocert for their generous support of the event ensuring there was some great prizes on offer. RMYC Toronto has agreed to match this sponsorship for next year to help promote the Northshore Nationals to reach boats Australia wide.

The new Northshore National champion for 2011 is Mark Travis and crew from RMYC Toronto sailing NS380 'Full Frontal'; running a close second was NS27 'Yvonne' also from RMYC Toronto skippered by lake veteran Owen Winter and crewed by sons Peter and Danny. Rounding off the places in third overall was Cole 23 'RAM Brokerage' skippered by Rod Mackay; and a clean sweep for RMYC Toronto competitors.

In the non -spinnaker division the results were:
1st: 'Quest' NS380, Brendon Gregg RPAYC, Pittwater; second: 'Waterman' N34, Phil Cunningham, LMYC, Belmont; third: 'Wild Cherry' NS33, Alan Laverick, RMYC, Toronto.

It was great to see a good cross section of boats entered, and next years' event will again be open to any boat built by Northshore Yachts with a current Cat 7 safety. For more information, contact the RMYC Toronto on 0249592051.