2021 Batemans Bay Regatta
This is the fifth year that the Hansa dinghies have been able to sail on the more protected course between Corrigans Beach and Snapper Island; last year was cancelled because of COVID precautions but this year the sailors of the thirteen boats sailing on the Inshore Course were happy to mingle in the rigging area with the other competitors (there were 81 entrants in total) before they sailed out.
Once again, we were fortunate with sailing conditions, - lighter winds on Saturday before a stronger breeze came in on Sunday to help push our boats over the small swell. Possibly the greatest obstacle to fast sailing on Saturday was the number of jellyfish we felt sliding off our centreboards – maybe they had spread the message, as there seemed to be less on Sunday! This year we had nine Hansa dinghies sailing, and we were very pleased to welcome back sailors from Sailability Dobroyd and Sailability ACT.
Mark Durnan once more showed his skill, sailing Poppy, to compete closely with Gerda Lambeck from Canberra, with Gerda finishing first and Mark in second place.
Once again, we were fortunate with sailing conditions, - lighter winds on Saturday before a stronger breeze came in on Sunday to help push our boats over the small swell. Possibly the greatest obstacle to fast sailing on Saturday was the number of jellyfish we felt sliding off our centreboards – maybe they had spread the message, as there seemed to be less on Sunday! This year we had nine Hansa dinghies sailing, and we were very pleased to welcome back sailors from Sailability Dobroyd and Sailability ACT.
Mark Durnan once more showed his skill, sailing Poppy, to compete closely with Gerda Lambeck from Canberra, with Gerda finishing first and Mark in second place.
Gerda (left) and Mark
The other two sailors from Sailability Batemans Bay (Tish Ennis and Tony Henderson) did not disgrace themselves and all sailors enjoyed close fleet racing at one point or another. Full results can be seen at www.bbsc.org.au.
Start of Race 4
Launching and landing at the beach is more challenging than from a stable pontoon, and we will have discussion before next year’s event to try to assist our less mobile sailors. Various suggestions have already been proposed.
Our thanks go to all our on water support, Hamish Balfour from YMCA Sailing Club in Canberra was Race Officer, aided by Peter Glen, Michael Leydon, Neil Brown, Tony Bonvourie and Ashleigh Connell.
Our thanks go to all our on water support, Hamish Balfour from YMCA Sailing Club in Canberra was Race Officer, aided by Peter Glen, Michael Leydon, Neil Brown, Tony Bonvourie and Ashleigh Connell.
2021 Hansa National Championships
I am really happy to be able to report that three sailors (Mark Durnan, Michael Leydon and Tish Ennis) represented Sailability Batemans Bay at the Australian Hansa Association National Championships held last weekend in Canberra.
As Sue Hart, the Commodore of Canberra Yacht Club, pointed out, three factors are required for sailing; a boat, water and wind. There were lots of boats, enticing water with plenty of space to sail but very little wind.
All sailors had a frustrating three days whilst the Race Committee was faced with the prospect of delaying or abandoning races sometimes after the boats and crews had been waiting out on the water for lengthy times.
On Saturday, the 303 Singles finally sailed over their first Start Line, in very light breeze.It was with some amazement that Tish steered Pumpkin into lead position, and held that for the rest of the first race, followed by Mark Durnan in Poppy (photograph attached).
Michael had difficulty with his poor vision and was unable to see wind patterns or marks on the water but still managed to sail without incident and completed all races to finish in 11th place overall. The next two races that day were in slightly more breeze and all sailors had challenges with congestion on marks (photograph attached).
There were no further opportunities for racing 303 Singles during the weekend so the final results were compiled after only the three races on the Saturday. Congratulations to Chris Symonds from Tasmania (1st place) who narrowly defeated Chris Ruston from Queensland (2nd place). Chris Symonds also dominated in the 303 Doubles Races Full results are available on the Canberra Yacht Club website.
Sailability Batemans Bay now has two sailors in the top ten at Australian Hansa Class National level.
It was great to see so many sailors from different places, and catch up with friends. The competitors also showed the diversity of sailing opportunities available. In the 303 Doubles event, the youngest competitor was ten years old - he was crew for his great grandfather who is 96 years old.
The Australian Parasailors were also able to have their Championships in conjunction with this event, and a description of that is on the Australian Parasailing website. Mark Durnan from Sailability Batemans Bay is one of the eight Parasailors in Australia.
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