News

The regatta honours the memory of Susan McAnna, a highly respected figure who played a major role in the administration of radio sailing in New South Wales and at Kogarah Bay Radio Yacht Club. The Trophy is uniquely awarded to the highest-placed NSW skipper whose name is not already engraved on it, ensuring Susan’s legacy continues to recognise and encourage excellence across the broader sailing community. While Jones was the clear overall winner, Benoit’s consistent performance across the weekend made him a deserving recipient of the perpetual honour.

         ^{Photo: Peter Zecchin}

Fourteen skippers contested the event, completing an impressive 22 races in conditions that tested both skill and adaptability. Saturday’s racing was sailed in a beautiful, steady south-easterly breeze ideal for A-Rig racing, allowing competitors to settle into a rhythm. Sunday, however, presented more challenging conditions, with variable winds swinging between north-west and south-east, demanding constant adjustment and tactical awareness. Adding to the challenge, temperatures remained high across both days.

Jones, sailing AUS 48 (VISS), was in a class of his own for much of the regatta. His final nett score of just 20 points included an extraordinary 18 race wins from 22 starts, underlining both his speed and consistency. Despite his dominance, victory was far from effortless. Lindsay Walker (Kogarah Bay RYC) finished second overall on 64 points sailing his MP7, while Laurie Hinchcliffe (Koonawarra Bay SC) secured third with 65 points with his V12. Both skippers, along with Andrew McWhirter (Kogarah Bay RYC), managed to break Jones’ winning streak with individual race victories, ensuring the champion had to work hard throughout the series.

Bruce Benoit (Illawarra RYC), sailing AUS 69 (V11), finished fourth overall on 88 points but showed impressive consistency to claim the Susan McAnna Memorial Trophy. Benoit was one of four Lake Illawarra sailors competing, alongside Andrew Payne, Vince Zweers and Lester Pearson, highlighting the growing strength of radio sailing at Lake Illawarra. Their performances reflected the significant improvement in standard coming from the region.

The regatta was made possible by the efforts of the many volunteers from Kogarah Bay Radio Yacht Club, with Ian Taylor, Peter Zecchin, Terry McLeod, Peter Anderson and Neil Webb all stepping aside from racing to assist with the smooth running of the event. Special thanks were extended to Anne Walker, who once again delivered excellent race management throughout the weekend.

Conducted in a friendly, good-natured and professional manner, the event continued its reputation as one of the highlights of the NSW IOM calendar. The spirit of competition, sportsmanship and community on display served as a fitting tribute to Susan McAnna and her enduring contribution to the sport.

Wayne Keavy
Race Officer