NSW Marblehead State Championship at Lake Illawarra
The NSW Marblehead States were held on Lake Illawarra by IYC Sailings Radio Yacht Division (IRYC) over the weekend of 04-05 May and saw a small but competitive fleet from three states compete.
Saturday started off with a light west/southwest breeze just right for A Rigs, with very tight racing over the whole fleet. We had five races before a rain front moved in taking what breeze there was. It was decided by the PRO Warren Norrie to stop for a early lunch.
After about an hour the rain abated and a light southerly breeze, with swings to both east and west blew in. After constant course changes, Vince Zweers (Boat Operator) set enough buoys to allow racing to continue without many breaks.
Seven races were held before it was decided to call it a day, with everyone soaked and being after three, it was a popular decision.
Overnight the rain really picked up intensity and the forecast were for dangerous conditions on both the water and roads, but these reports are sometimes wrong.
On Sunday morning we assembled in the sailor's room (Known as the Bower Room) to discuss the situation. After discussions with the PRO of the day (David Moll) and myself, it was decided to hold for a short while, to allow a check on the lake and monitor visibility. After much discussion we decided safety for all must come first and racing was cancelled.
Congratulations go to Scott Condie (IRYC) First, Lincoln McDowall (APMYC) Second and David Mitchell (NM) Third. Congratulations and thanks to all competitors who travelled from interstate (Victoria and ACT) and Sydney.
Although some boats developed Gremlins, and hopefully even with trying conditions, you all enjoyed yourselves and will come back another time.
A huge thanks to all the support team Warren Norrie and David Moll (PROs), Scorers and Observers Andrew Payne, Allan Thompson, Selwyn Holland, Dennis Yarrow, along with and anyone else I have missed. My biggest thanks go to Vince Zweers for operating the boat in atrocious conditions - without his support the racing wouldn't have happened.
Unfortunately, we had to make the call to stop racing, but safety has to come first.
Bruce Benoit
Race Officer for IYRC
Results
| Pos | Name/Club | Sail No. /Design | Nett | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scott Condie ILLAWARRA RYC (NSW) | AUS 06 GRUNGE | 14.0 | 23.0 |
| 2 | Lincoln McDowall VIC/ALBERT PARK MYC (VIC) | AUS 97 F6 | 32.0 | 48.0 |
| 3 | David Mitchell NORTHERN MARINERS (NSW) | AUS 78 GRUNGE | 35.0 | 52.0 |
| 4 | Andrew Reid VIC/ALBERT PARK MYC (VIC) | AUS 74 GRUNGE | 46.0 | 68.0 |
| 5 | Colin Court SYDNEY MARITIME MC (NSW) | AUS 80 GRUNGE | 50.0 | 69.0 |
| 6 | Rob Nowak VIC/ALBERT PARK MYC (VIC) | AUS 17 GRUNGE | 54.0 | 75.0 |
| 7 | Lynn Kreiberg CANBERRA MYC (ACT) | AUS 56 GRUNGE | 58.0 | 82.0 |
| 8 | Joe Roos CANBERRA MYC (ACT) | AUS 77 INDIE | 69.0 | 95.0 |
| 9 | Bruce Benoit ILLAWARRA RYC (NSW) | AUS 21 PARADOX | 71.0 | 91.0 |
| 10 | Daniel Weizman SYDNEY MARITIME MC (NSW) | AUS 146 PRIME NUMBER | 76.0 | 97.0 |
| 11 | Phil Page LAKE MACQUARIE RYC (NSW)/NORTHERN MARINERS (NSW) | AUS 50 QUARK | 78.0 | 104.0 |
| 12 | Mark Newman CANBERRA MYC (ACT) | AUS 60 GRUNGE | 129.0 | 155.0 |