29th Minnow National Championships – Darwin Sailing Club

22-Jul-2010
Photo: Rockingham sailor, Kane Orvad on Knock Out

Darwin turned on idyllic conditions; warm weather, light sailing conditions and beautiful sunsets. This combined with a great yacht club and friendly people made for a wonderful regatta wowing the WA visitors. Twelve of the registered 60 West Australian Minnows from Shelley Sailing Club and The Cruising Yacht Club travelled to Darwin for the National Championship.

The WA sailors, who ranged from 8 to 15 years old, sailed brilliantly, with many exceeding their expectations. They also showed exemplary sportsmanship both on and off the water and everyone had a great time.

Darwin’s Lord Mayor Graeme Sawyer participated in the opening of the 29th Minnow National Championships which took place on the Darwin Harbour where Northern Territory Minnow President, Peter Weir welcomed 51 young Territorians and interstate visitors.

The Nationals were a great success with the young sailors sailing in three fleets on both the Novice & Open Fleet courses. The sailing was extremely close, with five different heat winners.

The Open fleet saw local Northern Territory sailor Hamish Wiltshire on Sonic take the Australian Minnow National Championship title with a stunning all-round performance.
Silver went to Victorian, Gemma Burns of Blairgowrie Sailing Club on Blondes Away and WA’s Kane Orvad (TCYC) took the Bronze sailing Knock Out.

WA scored six placings in the top 10 with sailors Jack and Nina Kelly and Lisa Smith (SSC) competing in their first national regatta.

The Novice fleet racing was tight right to the last race on the Friday morning. First was WA’s Callum Green (SSC) sailing Red Dragon followed by Queensland’s Thomas Little (PPSC/SYC) sailing Wind Express and Victorian, Jasper Pluim (BYS) sailing Local Bouy in 3rd.

The Junior Division was also spread across the states with 1st Dale Brett (WA-TCYC) on Red Bull, 2nd Jeremy Edleston (Vic – BYS) on Phantom and 3rd, Breanna Spencer (WA -TCYC) on Fire Bird.

In closing, NT Minnow President, Peter Weir said “The junior sailors showed great talent and sportsmanship throughout the regatta and I am confident we have some amazing future senior sailors”. He especially thanked WA, Victoria and Queensland sailors and their families for making it an unforgettable regatta for the hosts in Darwin and thanked them also for their help on the water.

The popular Minnow, an 8 foot sailing dinghy ideally suited as a junior entry level boat for children from as young as seven up to about 15 years of age, is currently experiencing rapid growth across Australia. The next championships will be held in January 2011 at Safety Beach Sailing Club in the calm and shallow waters of Dromana Bay on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
For more information:
www.wa.yachting.org.au