NSW Flying 11 Championships: HammerTime v hammerheads
1373 HAMMERTIME
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
During the final round of the NSW Flying 11 Championships at Cronulla, manoeuvring past the odd hammerhead shark was all in a day's work for Belmont pair Jack Buchan and Emma Jones, as they sailed their aptly named boat HammerTime to victory.
Jack, 16, and Emma, 11, no doubt because they were at the pointy end of the fleet, were among a few in the 92-boat competition who actually saw a few cruising fins around, but it didn't put them off their stride. Officials, who said the sharks were of the smaller variety, were well aware of the wildlife situation at the top mark on Saturday and monitoring the situation. Support boat radio messages talked in code about efforts to encourage the `sierra' or 'seaweed' to move on, which in due course they did.
With four wins in the bank from the first round at Gosford, the teenagers on HammerTime were in no mood to slow down at Cronulla, especially as their two nearest rivals had both beaten them and relegated them to third spot at the nationals a few weeks earlier.
`I almost ran over a couple of sharks,' said Jack afterwards. `I was pretty comfortable about that but I tried to calm my crew down who was probably more excited than anything else about it.'
In the end a first, second, third and fifth in the second round which wound up on Sunday were enough to nail the state title for HammerTime from keen rivals Ashley and Daniel Heyworth from Manly in MWD and national champions Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike in Oscar from Gosford, both of whom won races in the final round.
As at the nationals Oscar won the under-15s title, while fifth placed Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant, from Avalon, were again the best all-girls pair in Bolt.
Avalon's Nathan Judges and Jack Cuthbert were fourth, while Manly's James Lawira-Fernandez and Tom Walmsley were sixth, both boats winning a race in the course of the championships.
Handicap honours went to Manly's Caitlin Walmsley and Jessica Lawson in Knott Now from clubmates Ned Sykes and Charles Rickwood in Bambino and Gosford's Michael Anderson and Yanni Papadopoulos in Nomad who finished 17th overall and won a race on their home turf earlier on.
For the overall winners sailing in Cronulla Sharks heartland just added to the excitement of the win. `It's pretty spectacular, said Jack. `Gosford was definitely a good way to start a regatta, it was strong wind and I definitely find it more fun sailing on the edge and I managed to hold it together in Cronulla as it lightened off.`
Cronulla was definitely interesting because of the swell you get sailing on the ocean.'
Jack said finishing third at the nationals was great but first at states was his sailing career highlight to date. Next year he plans moving on to the even faster 29er class.
The silver fleet winners were Avalon's Joshua Ponton and Isacc Biddle in Heroes and Villains.
Ashley Heyworth and Daniel Heyworth from Manly - NSW Flying 11 Championships 2012 - Peter McIntosh Click Here to view large photo
by Peter McIntosh
Sail-World Article - Australian Flying 11 Championship Title - Oscar crew secure title
Sail-World.com
Peter McIntosh, PSSAC - Pt Stephens, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Another sensational come-from-behind win in the penultimate race of the 2012 Gill Flying 11 National Championships stylishly secured the title for Gosford Sailing Club’s Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike in Oscar at Salamander Bay, Port Stephens, on Saturday.
Australian Flying 11 Championship Title - Oscar crew secure title
'Lindsay Pike (left) and Kurt Hansen in Oscar have won the Australian F11 Championship. - 2012 Australian Flying 11 Championships' David Price Click Here to view large photo
Another sensational come-from-behind win in the penultimate race of the 2012 Gill Flying 11 National Championships stylishly secured the title for Gosford Sailing Club’s Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike in Oscar at Salamander Bay, Port Stephens, on Saturday.
Skipper Kurt was thrilled to add his and Lindsay’s names to the trophy alongside previous winners including Nathan Outteridge, Nathan Wilmot and Adam Beashel, especially after he recently finished runner-up in the Sabot nationals a couple of weeks ago.
And with best mate and top crewmate Lindsay, the duo also took home the best juniors (under 15s) trophy in the week-long championship which started out with 87 boats and was split into gold and silver fleets midway through.
Oscar went into the final two races with a four-point lead on nearest rivals Ashley and Daniel Heyworth from Manly in MWD.
In the penultimate race on a black flag start in moderate south-easterlies Oscar was fifth to the top mark with MWD in hot pursuit. Midway through the race Oscar became the third link of a Gosford trifecta, with clubmates Michael Anderson and Yanni Papadopoulos in Nomad and Bradley Leicester and Samantha Gray in Funnel-Web leading the charge. On the final reach and run Oscar hit the lead and drew away while MWD advanced to second and Avalon’s Nathan Judges and Jack Cuthbert moved into third spot in Playbuoy. With the drop in play, Oscar was now unbeatable overall.
In what was for Oscar a final dead rubber race, Kurt and Lindsay again showed their ability to work through boats, improving their first top mark position from eighth to fifth at the end. Valiant overall runners-up MWD finished first in the final race when Oscar had already sewn up the championship and were after the drop two points behind Oscar overall.
Overall third were early championship leaders Belmont’s Jack Buchan and Emma Jones who finished third in the last race in Hammer Time, followed by Avalon’s Sarah and Harry Parker in Waverunner, who had a great final day with fourth and second heat placings.
In a real boost for their home club, handicap honours also went to Gosford, with the team from Funnel Web, Bradley and Samantha, picking up the big one thanks to consistent improvement culminating in a fifth and seventh on the final day.
The keenly contested All-Girls trophy was won by Avalon’s Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant in Bolt, who were also sixth overall in the gold fleet.
Meanwhile in the 43-strong silver fleet Felix Daverio and Maxime Dupont in Intrepid from Manly won the championship with a third and fourth placing in the final race. Cronulla’s Ashley Atkins and Beth Davies in Frozen with Fear finished strongly with a first and sixth placings to be overall runners-up ahead of Kiah Hodgkinson and Patrick Dawson in Top Gear from Northbridge.
Talking after the event the gold fleet winners Kurt and Lindsay said they were feeling confident and relaxed going into final day and focussed on ``sailing our own race and seeing what happens’’.
They were not fully sure they had won before the final race until people around them started congratulating them and they ``relaxed out’’, said Lindsay.
'I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but it’s great,’’ said Kurt, 14.
`Yeah, everyone is congratulating us and it feels good,’’ added Lindsay, 13. The pair learnt to sail together in PJs when they were aged 7 and 8 and won the two-up Sabots nationals at Airlie Beach in 2008-09. They are not certain where their sailing will take them next but said options on the table include 420s, 29ers and more F11 sailing.
Both praised the Port Stephens venue which was a large open area with consistent breeze and a great place to relax afterwards.
Again, the expected sou’easter built just after the planned 12noon start time, so the postponement was some 30minutes. Eventually the breeze built to 10 knots. There were two races programmed for the last day...
PORT STEPHENS SAILING & AQUATIC CLUB.
Again, the expected sou’easter built just after the planned 12noon start time, so the postponement was some 30minutes. Eventually the breeze built to 10 knots. There were two races programmed for the last day, to achieve a full twelve race regatta, with the Gold Fleet start ahead of the Silver Fleet.
Finals Race 5.
GOLD: Similar to the previous day, the ebb tide current contributed to two general recalls, before the ‘black Flag’ kept the majority of flyers compliant.
Boats getting off the pin end of the startline and heading left, gainded the advantage. At the first windward mark the leader was 1399 Nomad sailed by Gosford crew Michael Anderson & Yanni Papadopoulous, repeating their race 3 performance the previous day. Well ahead of their Gosford team mate 1398 Funnel Web Bradley Leicester & Samantha Gray. Third was a new player into the sharp end of the fleet, 1379 Firefly with the Northbridge team of Max Richardson & Bas Ewington, but unknown to them being scored as BFD for a premature start. Fourth was regatta leader 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen & Lindsay Pike from Gosford, who had recovered from a bad start, but sifting through the middle of the course. At last some joy for 1290 Living The Life and Nicole Barnes & Calvin Camacho, holding fifth spot at his first mark.
Slightly buried at this first mark was 1382 MWD Ash & Dan Heyworth from Manly, which began to make Oscar’s chances of taking the title somewhat easier. The credentials of the two top boats on the leader board, Oscar & MWD showed clearly as both boats surged forward within the fleet. By the second windward mark Oscar had moved into third place, and MWD recovered to make seventh. Also chasing and having their best finals race was 1371 Playbuoy Nathan Judges & Jack Cuthbert who had slipped up to sixth.
The fading subplaning pressure out to the wing mark, the tactics needed were to know when to soak against the current and when to generate heat. This was perfectly executed by 1263 Oscar, who rounded the wing with a commanding lead over 398 Funnel Web who had held onto second since the first mark. 1382 MWD had moved into fourth, and 1371 in fifth.
The final run was nose-on into the current, and using some fine steering, we saw 1382 MWD manage to secure second then hold this until the finish. 1371 Playbuoy likewise advanced to third, for their best regatta placing.
By the finish, the minor placing were 1393 Waverunner Sarah & Harry Parker in fourth, and 1398 Funnel Web holding onto fifth, which was his highest placed result in the regatta.
The washup in the overall standings has 1263 Oscar on a gross finals score of 23 points including what might otherwise prove to be a drop of (4). 1382 MWD has amassed a nett score of 24 points after dropping a (4), which meant that 1263 OSCAR had a points advantage that was unassailable…. 2012 National Champion ! ….. with one race to spare.
SILVER: Unfortunately for the silver fleet starting second, that after two general recalls, they were faced with the gold fleet coming back square downwind into the start area, so they were placed on hold until the course was clear. The softening wind and ample current were certainly challenging for these newer Flyers.
In a dominant display we saw an all-the-way ‘maiden’ victory for Cronulla’s 1301 Frozen With Fear sailed by Ashley Atkins & Beth Davies, which was great reward for a fantastic week of improving performances. Similarly, their Cronulla team mate, 1389 Vite Zac & Ella Davies solidly held onto second place for the entirety of the race. Next in third was 1341 Top Gear Kiah Hodgkinson & Patrick Dawson, continuing their rise towards the top of the fleet, followed by points leader 1390 Intrepid Felix Daverio & Maxime Dupont. Fifth position saw new joy for 1359 Frantic sailed by Cronulla team Kate MacDonald & Cassandra Piggott, recording their regatta highlight!
Finals Race 6:
GOLD: PRO, Col Chidgey got the fleet away cleanly at the first attempt, with an even spread of Flyers across the entire course, and for the first time in many races, the right hand side started to pay dividends. Places were changing at an amazingly rapid rate.
Fabulous reward for new F11 skipper, Max Richardson & crew Bas Ewington on 1379 Firefly to be a clear leader at the first windward mark. Ahead of the pack of seasoned racers, being 1382 MWD brothers Ash & Dan Heyworth second, 1393 Waverunner Sarah & Harry Parker third, 1373 Hammertime Jack Buchan & Emma Jones fourth. Regatta gold for 1358 Decoy Greta Quealy & Thomas Smith, who were firing in their best race at last chance, holding fifth position starting the first downwind.
1382 MWD wasn’t done with their thirst for victory, and tactically surged to the lead to begin the second windward leg.
Despite having already secured championship victory and not being under any pressure, 1263 Oscar that had early difficulties and was behind in tenth place at mark 1, advanced by the end of the second beat into seventh, then further improved to fifth by the finish.
1382 MWD sailed flawlessly to record her third race win of the finals, leaving 1393 Waverunner and 1373 Hammertime to fill the other podium positions. 1379 Firefly stayed with the leaders and finished their regatta with a highlight fourth place. 1358 Decoy owned sixth position by the end of the race, giving them a well deserved personal best result in the regatta.
SILVER: Not just content to win her first nationals race victory in yesterdays fourth finals race, first mark leader 1295 Sparta sailed by Hanna Lanz & Islay Dumas from Avalon again showed a clear ‘all the way win’ after another long day on the water for Silver Fleet.
1341 Top Gear Kiah Hodgkinson & Patrick Dawson, showed yet another higher place result by battling hard for second at the finish, so continuing their rise towards the top of the fleet. Top Gear’s overall regatta performance claimed for them the award as ‘Most Improved Emerging Talent’ which earned them a new F11 jib from Chapman High Performance Sails (CHPS) and presented by Andrew Chappo at the presentation function.
Silver Fleet front-runner 1390 Intrepid Felix Daverio & Maxime Dupont consolidated their silver fleet leadership with a fine third in this last race. Likewise, 1271 Bad Dog Harry Lawson & Nick Bennett, recorded a fourth place to make up for their black flag result in the morning heat, and help them to hold a top overall placing.
The highlight of this last race was the performance of one of the youngest skippers, James Doyle in 1220 Jimmy Buoy and crew Jacob Taranto from Manly. Possibly the crew with one of the shortest careers in the F11 Class, these lads put it all together in a spectacular showing of tenacity to take fifth placing. This was just one of the many instances of personal best results and skill development witnessed during a perfect week of youth sailing in a resort location.
F11 Nationals - Day 2 FINALS SERIES
Oscar SW
Mark Long, PSSAC - Pt Stephens, Saturday, 21 January 2012
As expected sou’easter built just after the planned 12noon start time, so the postponement was some 30 minutes. Eventually the breeze built to 8 – 10 knots. Again the programme for the day was two races with the Gold Fleet start ahead of the Silver Fleet. The Gold Fleet comprised the highest placed 44 boats after the Qualifying Series...
PORT STEPHENS SAILING & AQUATIC CLUB.
As expected sou’easter built just after the planned 12noon start time, so the postponement was some 30 minutes. Eventually the breeze built to 8 – 10 knots. Again the programme for the day was two races with the Gold Fleet start ahead of the Silver Fleet. The Gold Fleet comprised the highest placed 44 boats after the Qualifying Series.
Finals Race 3.
GOLD FLEET: It became quite obvious early that the ebb tide would play a significant part in the sailing this afternoon. After two general recalls attributable to the strength of the current, the expertise of the Race Officer, Col Chidgey in tweaking the startline made the third attempt a success.
At the first windward mark the leader was 1399 Nomad sailed by Michael Anderson and Yanni Papadopoulous, just ahead of the very consistent team in 1382 MWD Ash and Dan Heyworth, then 1391 Bolt Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant in third. 1316 Jynx sailed by Oliver Parker and Nathan Bryant was showing their first hit at a top five spot by holding fourth, then 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan and Emma Jones were fifth. The main missing player was 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike, stuck back in mid fleet.
The only boat to slip position on the first downwind was 1391 Bolt, being replaced temporarily by 1375 Outlaw Beynon Telford and Ollie Reardon, just ahead of 1366 Protagonist Jessica Isles and Barnaby Dowse.
The most significant change to the order up the second beat was 1263 Oscar, who had appeared from the pack to slot into fourth place, just in front of a recovering 1391 Bolt and 1316 Jynx. The smaller team on 1263 Oscar slid up to second on the reach out to the wing mark, then proceeded to advance on the leader 1382 MWD. The double crossing of the main Port Stephens channel going out to the wing mark and back, caused various degrees of difficulty to many competitors, who were confronting the current for the first time. MWD held on to record it’s second victory in the Finals, fending off the slippery 1263 Oscar. 1391 Bolt moved into third, displacing 1316 Jynx and 1399 Nomad from the fourth and fifth places.
SILVER FLEET: There was a repeat dominant performance in an all-the-way victory for 1390 Intrepid sailed by Felix Daverio and Maxime Dupont. At the first windward mark and down the first run were two boats new to the top five ranks. Second being 1351 Watch Me Wally Carly Turner and Tom Steenson, and 1301 Frozen With Fear sailed by Ashley Atkins & Beth Davies.
By the finish of this demanding race, 1390 Intrepid had maintained her lead, ahead of the improving 1301 Frozen With Fear. The mover into the top ranks was 1271 Bad Dog skippered by Harry Lawson and crew Nick Bennett from Northbridge. 1341 Top Gear showed again her consistent like for the front-runners by claiming fourth, ahead of 1351 Watch Me Wally.
Finals Race 4. The SE had remained the same at 8 – 10 knots, and the tide was still ebbing.
GOLD FLEET: The starter got them away cleanly at the first attempt, with an even spread of Flyers across the entire course. Given that there appeared to be some pressure lines from the right hand side of the beat. Early regatta leader, 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan and Emma Jones chose this option which eventually proved to be to their detriment. At last, one of the season’s form boats 1393 Waverunner sailed by Sarah & Harry Parker made it to the front. Leading at mark one from the now hot form 1263 Oscar with team Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike. Also showing regatta consistency were 1392 Ryan Wilmot and Simon Murnaghan in third, with 1382 MWD brothers Ash and Dan Heyworth.
Hot on their heels was 1380 Hot Chilli skippered by Belmont’s Jarrod Turner and crew Katelyn Smith. After training hard all 2011 with the YNSW Emerging Talent Squad, young Jarrod was struck down by a serious infection which required hospitalisation during mid-late December and resulted in loss of condition, only getting back into the boat at the start of this regatta. This was a nice reward for him, and a double for the Turner’s with sister Carly’s fifth in the previous Silver Fleet race.
1263 Oscar and 1393 Waverunner then went on to wrestle position, with Oscar taking the lead on the downwind legs, Waverunner would counter with superior upwind results. As the breeze softened late in the race, it was 1263 Oscar who had the advantage to claim her first win of the regatta and so take the top spot on the regatta leader board.
Boats in third to fifth positions switched around as well, but it was 1392 Ryan Wilmot and Simon Murnaghan who took third ahead of their clubmate 1382 MWD Ash and Dan Heyworth. Jarrod Turner and Katelyn in 1380 Hot Chilli kept the pressure on until the end, and recorded their best regatta placing of fifth.
SILVER FLEET: What a way to win her first nationals race, with first mark leader 1295 Sparta sailed by Hanna Lanz and Islay Dumas from Avalon showing a clear all the way win after a long day on the water for Silver Fleet. This was more impressive in that she held off the Silver Fleet front-runner 1390 Intrepid. 1390 had displaced early second placed boat 1271 Bad Dog Harry Lawson and Nick Bennett, who stayed in the top pack and ended up with a well deserved fifth placing. New also to the racing top five was 1370 Checkmate Jess Angus & Heidi Whitlock from Avalon, and they performed like a seasoned racer and notched their best placing so far in third. 1341 Top Gear Kiah Hodgkinson and Patrick Dawson scored a hat-trick of fourth placing in this race which shows that consistency can result in good overall standings.
The new name we see after Fianls day 2 in the Silver Fleet, is leader 1390 Intrepid on 112 points, having displaced 1394 Knott Now skippered by Caitlyn Walmsley and Jessica Lawson who hold second with 130 points. As mentioned earlier, consistency rewards with overall good standing, seen by the third position held by 1271 Bad Dog and 1341 Top Gear in fourth.
Gold Fleet at the end of today sees a tight battle between two boats, which now has 1263 Oscar on 22 pts, followed by MWD on 26 pts. Previous front-runners 1373 Hammer Time has now slipped further adrift but holds third on 44 points. Closing in on the podium is 1392 No Name Yet Ryan Wilmot and Simon Murnaghan in fourth place on 49 points. The stage is set for an exciting last day of racing, with many places expected to switch about in the Salamander Bay arena.
F11 Nationals - Day 1 “FINALS SERIES”
Mark Long, PSSAC - Pt Stephens, Friday, 20 January 2012
The expected soueaster built just in advance of the 12noon start time, and the course was set in the center of Salamander Bay. The programme for the day was two races with the Gold Fleet start ahead of the Silver Fleet.
PORT STEPHENS SAILING & AQUATIC CLUB.
The expected sou’easter built just in advance of the 12noon start time, and the course was set in the center of Salamander Bay. The programme for the day was two races with the Gold Fleet start ahead of the Silver Fleet. The Gold Fleet comprised the highest placed 44 boats after the Qualifying Series.
Finals Race 1.
GOLD FLEET: It became quite obvious early into the first beat, that those that sailed left side from the pin end of the start line, won the double whammy of significant ebb tide current plus the 15 degree shift left in the wind. Unfortunately for regatta frontrunner, 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan & Emma Jones, the right side led to a disastrous first mark position.
At the first windward mark the leader was 1382 MWD Ash and Dan Heyworth, followed by their clubmate, 1327 Cheeky Sam Holmes and Gracie Trigilone, 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike from Gosford, then 1391 Bolt Nicola Forbes-Smith from Avalon. Also missing from the top group was the other regatta co-leader 1365 Whatever Angus Willams and Jesse Lilley.
Oscar was able to run into second on the first downwind, and later on the next set of reaches Bolt moved into third position. This was the order of finishing, followed by Cheeky, then 1340 XLR8 sailed by Matt Burke and Ben Carruthers.
Hammertime could only recover to 13th place, and his co-leader Whatever carded an 8th position, which opened up the overall standings for the regatta to date.
SILVER FLEET: There was a similarly dominant performance as seen in the Gold Fleet, where the race leader set up a substantial lead towards the end of the first windward leg.
From there it was an all the way victory for 1390 Intrepid sailed by Felix Daverio and Maxime Dupont. Consistently chasing from second place was 1293 Relentless Luke Alexander and Charlie Parry followed by 1394 Knott Now Caitlyn Walmsley and Jessica Lawson.
Finals Race 2. The SE had built to 14 knots, and the tide was slack now for the second instalment of Finals. The starter got them away at 1400 hours, with an even spread of Flyers across the entire course.
GOLD FLEET: 1391 Bolt sailed by Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant lead the fleet by mark 1, to be just ahead of her younger clubmates, the Costanzo sisters, Clare and Juliet in 1294 K, who have shown remarkable improvement during the racing so far. Then followed MWD, 1374 Fired Up sailed by Maddy Clancy and Simon Boardman, and Hammer Time. Now the charge was on, with Hammer Time moving up to third by the first leeward mark, and there appeared 1392 Ryan Wilmot and Simon Murnaghan jumping forward out of the main bunch. By the second windward mark 1391 Bolt had maintained her lead, with Hammer Time now second, and 1392 third.
Now for the screaming reaches ….. Hammer Time’s technique shot them to the lead before the wing mark, from where the race looked won. But as Bolt went into the wing, her rudder pintles failed and this resulted in a retirement. This opened the door for 1392 who kept closing on Hammer Time down towards the last leeward mark. Never giving up, 1392 split tacks immediately which chanced to find him two little favourable shifts and this proved to be just enough for 1392 to cross the finish line in first, closely followed by Hammer Time. The consistency of MWD and Oscar, resulted in them securing third and fourth placings respectively. The young Costanzo sisters in K maintained their improved form to hold onto fifth.
SILVER FLEET: Again, these newer F11 teams relished in their own race, as the fleet sailed in tight proximity. This played out as a three way duel, with first mark leader 1295 Sparta sailed by Hanna Lanz and Islay Dumas closely tailed by 1394 Knott Now Caitlyn Walmsley and Jessica Lawson, then 1389 Vite Zac and Ella Davies. Between these three boats the positions switched about, until the final two reaches, when Knott Now surged ahead to claim victory. Second place went to Vite, just ahead of Sparta in third.
The new name we see after Finals day 1 in the Silver Fleet, is leader Knott Now crewed by Caitlyn Walmsley and Jessica Lawson. Added to this list of emerging talent are six other boats that recorded a top five placing during these first two Finals races.
Gold Fleet at the end of today has a tight group of four boats which is now headed by Oscar on 19pts, followed by MWD on 21pts, then previous front-runners Hammer Time & Whatever still in touch just a couple of points behind. Stay tuned in for the next day of competition.
F11 Nationals - Day 3 QUALIFYING SERIES
Mark Long, PSSAC - Pt Stephens, Thursday, 19 January 2012
Well, the weather is in sync with the new Flying 11 race format! The expected building soueaster took a long time to start up, and never really reached any significance. All part of the decaying low pressure cell that was forecast to threaten eastern NSW.
F11 Nationals - Day 3 QUALIFYING SERIES
PORT STEPHENS SAILING & AQUATIC CLUB.
Well, the weather is in sync with the new Flying 11 race format! The expected building sou’easter took a long time to start up, and never really reached any significance. All part of the decaying low pressure cell that was forecast to threaten eastern NSW.
The most perfect NE winds on the Planet gave way to a 3 – 6 knot oscillating SE breeze in the western half of Salamander Bay for race 6 to complete the Qualifying Series of a maximum of six races before the split into gold / silver fleets for the Finals Series. The big decision facing the young Flyers was whether to head left towards a fractionally building ESE pressure line, or stay out of the flood tide and favour the Soldiers Point shore.
Yellow/Green Group: Yet another personal best result for a new team, with 1340 XLR8 Matt Burke and Ben Carruthers starting clear at the leeward end of the start line and sailing hard left of the fleet. By the first mark XLR8 had a 1 minute 40 second lead from 1363 Party Trap Annie Wilmot and Demi Gilbert in second. Regatta leader 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan and Emma Jones were back in fifth position.
XLR8 was never headed from there, but 1396 Slick Owen Long and Sarah Jones moved into second on the first downwind and held this to the end of a shortened course later at the wing mark.
Hammer Time wasn’t able to recover and remained in her fifth place.
Blue/Red Group: Once again the left side of the course paid with more pressure, from where 1393 Waverunner Sarah and Harry Parker and 1263 Oscar sailed by Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike stepping into the lead positions by the first windward mark, but with Waverunner holding a commanding 90sec advantage. By the first leeward mark, all places from second to thirteenth were closely packed within to 100 meters.
Second place on the regatta leader board 1365 Whatever Angus Williams and Jesse Lilley were buried in twelfth place but smartly they moved into third position by half way up her second beat. Places held until the finish.
The Race Committee’s decision to return to shore finally proved the best option as the wind slowly faded and attempted to establish itself from the ocean, very late in the day.
At the midway point of the regatta. We have joint leaders in Hammer Time and Whatever both with 9pts followed by Oscar on 13pts, 1382 MWD Ash & Dan Heyworth on 17pts. Then we have a three way tie with 1357 Smoke & Mirrors Andrew Isles and Daniel Bromelow, 1396 Slick Owen Long and Sarah Jones, and 1391 Bolt Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant all on 20pts.
It is expected that the winds will stay from the SE and slowly increase over the next three days of sailing for the Finals Series of remaining six races. The new split fleet methods to aid fleet control have been warmly accepted by the Flying Eleven sailors after being introduced for the first time this season.
GILL® - F11 NATIONAL TITLES - Day 2 17th January, 2012.
Mark Long, PSSAC - Pt Stephens, Thursday, 19 January 2012
Today we saw two races conducted back to back. Unfortunately the most perfect noreaster on the planet didn't quite build to expectations for the second day of racing, offering strengths in the range 10-15 knots...
QUALIFYING SERIES
PORT STEPHENS SAILING & AQUATIC CLUB.
Today we saw two races conducted back to back. Unfortunately the most perfect nor’easter on the planet didn’t quite build to expectations for the second day of racing, offering strengths in the range 10–15 knots.
Race 4 - Starting at noon in 12knts ENE within close proximity of the Soldiers Point shoreline, and the leeward mark just 250 meters off the beach gave friends and family an exceptional view of the action.
Blue/Green Group: Title contender 1365 Whatever Angus Williams and Jesse Lilley, returned in response to an individual recall, only to discover this wasn’t their error, then cleared to the right hand side of the course which proved to be the winner in more pressure and slightly out of the current. Whatever popped out first off the beat and went on to win by over 1 minute from 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike who charged from fifth at the first mark. 1388 MWD Ash and Daniel Heyworth were edged out of third place by his club mates 1327 Cheeky Sam Holmes and Grace Triglone who had their best place of the regatta so far.
Yellow/Red Group: Regatta leaders 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan and Emma Jones were tested all the way by new up and comer 1329 River Rat Amelia and Henry Stabback switching leaders until the last windward mark when Hammer Time set their kite first and consolidated down the final two blistering reaches. There was a significant gap to third placegetter 1392 Ryan Wilmot and Simon Murnaghan who recorded their best effort so far. This race saw 1388 Zepher Daniel Nugent and Liam Hazell demonstrate their PB for the regatta.
Race 5 – Race 5 began in slightly less wind of 10 – 13 knts, and a little more from the east.
Red/Green Group: This proved to be the clash of the top echelon of girl skippers within the F11 Class. The only boat in their way was the leading Green Group boat of 1357 Smoke & Mirrors Andrew Isles and Daniel Bromelow who lead all the way. Both 1374 Fired Up Maddie Clancy and Simon Boardman and 1393 Waverunner Sarah and Harry Parker had their eyes on second placing, but Wave Runner did just enough to hold on to second. Similarly, we saw 1391 Bolt Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant tussle hard 1290 Living The Life Nicole Barnes and Calvin Camacho. However, Living The Life used her F11 experience to hold off Bolt despite this being their finest placing to date.
Blue/Yellow Group: For the second time in this regatta, we had the top two from the leader board going head-to-head, plus many of the other top ten aspirants. It was also clear that this eventually developed as the closest and most congested race of the regatta with twenty boats crossing within just two minutes. At the first mark both Hammer Time and Whatever were buried, but when they got within range of each other, the one-on-one tactics began to emerge. These two boats had identified one another as the boat to beat in order to take the title. Whilst this match was playing out, there were three others who were chasing their first win of the event. Lightweight Sabot National Title runner-up sailor Kurt Hansen with Lindsay Pike in Oscar jumped early to lead at mark 1, chased by 1392 and MWD. Eventually, it was MWD who triumphed over Oscar, but 1392 failed to hold back Whatever, who snatched third and secured a two point advantage over Hammer Time team back in fifth spot.
After five races, the Race Committee decided to conduct the final (sixth) race of the Qualifying Series at noon tomorrow, from where the fleet will be separated into their Gold / Silver divisions for the Finals Series. The first of these Finals races will follow in the mid afternoon to set the stage for the following three days of competition.
All eyes will be on the developing east coast low pressure system which has confounded national championship racing fleets even as far north as Brisbane, and is expected to track southwards over the next four days.
After the last two days of solid nor’easters, there doesn’t look like being any respite for the fair wind sailors, with winds changing to the south-east and south and strengthening through until the weekend. Nonetheless, the obvious competency of this youth fleet, should deliver some exciting racing in conditions which will show off the little skiff speed these boats achieve.
GILL® 2012 Australian Flying Eleven Championship - Day 1
Pt Stephens Nationals 2012
Mark Long, PSSAC - Pt Stephens, Tuesday, 17 January 2012
The GILL® 2012 Australian Flying Eleven Championship welcomed 174 young sailors vying for the ultimate Flying 11 class event of the season on the pristine waters of Salamander Bay at Port Stephens, NSW...
F11 Nationals -Day 1 “QUALIFYING SERIES”
PORT STEPHENS SAILING & AQUATIC CLUB.
Monday 16th January 2012 – Pt. Stephens
The GILL® 2012 Australian Flying Eleven Championship welcomed 174 young sailors vying for the ultimate Flying 11 class event of the season on the pristine waters of Salamander Bay at Port Stephens, NSW.
Whilst last year’s modern record of 103 boats for the Flying 11 class had the sailing community abuzz with a very positive view of participation within the sport, many of the class’s more experienced and older sailors were encouraged to move into the next level of skiff and dinghy competition such as the 29er fleet swelling their numbers to NSW and national record levels in 2012.
With the unique social and technical attributes of the Flying 11 class, we again achieved a huge number of 87 boats comprising an obviously new and spritely influx to the class – all good signs for the future of the sport.
Due to the swelling numbers of participation in the Flying 11 class, the association adopted a modern split fleet format to ensure fair and competitive racing with four fleets sailing a six race qualifying series followed by a gold and silver fleet playoff for the title with a maximum twelve races scheduled over the two series. The format is now commonplace for like classes around the world and provides our sailors with an introduction to the graduate classes’ format when they age out of the class.
Races 1-3 Qualifying Series
The RO Col Chidgey was able to manage three races as per schedule for the start of the championship conducted back to back. The four group allocations of Red, Blue, Yellow and Green each comprised of 22 crews creating a start line-up of 44 on each of the two starts for each of the races – a total of six starts.
“The most perfect NE winds on the planet prevailed on day one, this was what the national F11 Association was asking for”, commented National F11 Vice-President Mark Long.
Race 1 – The first race of the day got underway at 12 noon in 17kts with the additional chop & wave new to most F11 sailors. Initially proving a little challenging for many there were numerous capsizes on the first downwind of the day. Both starts began cleanly with small oscillations on the 0.8 nm beat out to West Bank. The revised course of a windward/leeward leg followed by a triangle dished up two screaming reaches; the waves they battled upwind made for spectacular surfing downwind for the amassed spectator fleet quite befitting reminiscent of a Sydney to Hobart start.
Blue/Red Group: Angus Williams and Jesse Lilley 1365 Whatever cleared out to win by over two mins from Ash Heyworth and Daniel Heyworth 1382 MWD followed by veteran pure blonde Kajsa Doyle and Nathan Lilley in 1356 Pure Blonde in her favourite wind range.
Yellow/Green Group: The current leaders in the 2011-2012 NSW State Championship series Jack Buchan and Emma Jones 1373 Hammer Time started their campaign with a hard fought win over new up and comers Owen Long and Sarah Jones 1396 Slick, the race switching leaders until the last windward mark when Hammer Time set kite first in building 20kts wind with Slick showing they weren’t about to give in closing the gap and threatening all the way down the final leg finishing 30secs astern with a larger gap to third placegetter 1357 Smoke & Mirrors Andrew Isles and Daniel Bromelow.
Race 2 – The second race of the day began in slightly less wind of 14/15kts, but still a true nor’easter.
Blue/Yellow Group: The conditions offered up a clash for the heavyweights – themore heavy air specialistsgiving within these randomly assigned groups a chance to have a good crack at each other. Hammer Time again jumped to an early lead with the relatively lightweight 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike (our Sail Sydney & Youth Midwinters F11 winners) present the challenge them, finally placing third just astern of Angus Williams in second, Hammer Time logging her second victory to stamp her dominance early in the championship.
Green/Red Group: Brother and sister skippers Andrew and Jessica Isles waged a sibling battle in the second start, 1357 Smoke & Mirrors Andrew Isles and placing first and 1366 Protagonist Jessica Isles and Barnaby Dowse second respectively, ahead of class stalwarts 1362 Guccii Ira Dubery and Tristan Bongolan.
Race 3 – Not wanting to waste any of the perfect true NE wind, the Race Committee decided to insure the complete qualifying series with the third race for the day. Each of the previous two races had been completed in just over one hour each. With the air temp of 26 degrees and a clearing sky, coupled with a majority of huge smiles on the faces of the sailors, the decision was made to stay afloat and go to a third dose of the best of what Port Stephens has to offer!
Yellow/Red Group: Wind was a little harder into the NNE and left was the way to go. Hammer Time started from the pin end and Slick from the Race Committee boat end. After a long 5 minute drag-race to the left, they crossed within meters respective order. These positions held down the first square run, then up the big beat, a battle royale unfolding with pure boat speed being tweaked up notch by notch. These crews sailed away from the rest of the fleet to round the final windward mark with Hammer Time 100m ahead. Slick wasn’t giving up and closed to 40m astern at the wing mark. This is the way things stayed with the more experienced combatant crossing 25secs ahead over the line. Skipper Lachlan Murnaghan with crew Niall Powers in 1353 Flying Hellfish steered his personal best taking the Flying Hellfish to a well-deserved third spot.
Blue/Green Group: The second groups start of race three saw Pure Blonde score her maiden victory in a Flying 11 national’s competition after many years in the class, ultimately showing her long time club-mate Whatever a clean wake. 1391 Bolt Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant sailed into third following up from her earlier fourth and fifth places in race 1 and 2.
Tomorrow will serve up more of the same perfect NE conditions in the 15 – 20 knot range. Now with their new-found wave sailing techniques, the close to two hundred young F11 sailors will be keen to test themselves in “Sailing Paradise”.
Hammer Time nails round one of Flying 11 NSW State Championships
Sail-World.com
Peter McIntosh, Gosford SC, Wednesday, 7 December 2011
It wasn't just the 20-knot-plus southerly that gave the F11 fleet a hammering during the first round of the NSW Flying 11 State Championships on Brisbane Water, Gosford. Belmont pair Jack Buchan and Emma Jones in Hammer Time handled the tough conditions exceptionally well, winning all four opening races....
Hammer Time nails round one of Flying 11 NSW State Championships
'Charlie Gundy and James Glassock (1320) and Kirrily Biskupic and Harry Coombs (1338) in Intergalactice Cookie Monster. - Fll state F11 titles' Mark Scott
It wasn't just the 20-knot-plus southerly that gave the F11 fleet a hammering during the first round of the NSW Flying 11 State Championships on Brisbane Water, Gosford.
Belmont pair Jack Buchan and Emma Jones in Hammer Time handled the tough conditions exceptionally well, winning all four opening races.
From warm and mild on Saturday to cold, wet and wild on Sunday, a challenging array of conditions were dished up for the 172 teenage sailors competing in the first round.
The two-day event attracted a bumper fleet of 86 boats from clubs ranging from Belmont to Sydney including seven from the host club Gosford, some experiencing their first big fleet racing in ``every-which-way' conditions.
On Saturday the wind was tardy to arrive then light and shifty, enabling only two races to be the held.
On Sunday, a 20-25 knot southerly arrived on the scene resulting in quite a bit of carnage and again shortening the race program to two races.
'Survival mode' was an appropriate tactics description for the final race of the day, with 18 boats recorded as not starting at all after being battered in the first race. Another 22 started but did not finish the final race due to multiple capsizes in more than 20 knots and rain. Racing was abandoned after the day's second race when lightning was sighted.
Hammer Time really hit the nail on the head but with another weekend of racing still to be held in Cronulla in February they are still only three points ahead of the consistent Manly pair of Ashley and Daniel Heyworth in 'ifMW' with drops still to come into play.
Jack Buchan and Emma Jones are leading the state titles in Hammer Time - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott
As expected the host club's star performers were Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike in 'ifOscar' who won one race and are in third spot just a point in front of James Lawira-Fernandez and Tom Walmsley from Manly. In fifth spot are the consistently highly placed Jarrod Turner and Katelyn Smith in 'Hot Chilli' from Belmont.
The fledgling Gosford fleet all had their thrills and spills, with top half of the fleet placings for Sophie McIntosh and Stuart Brown (overall 13th, best third), Michael Anderson and Yanni Papadopoulos (31rst, best 14th), Bradley Leicester and Samantha Gray (47th, best 16th).
Leading the All Girls division are Avalon's Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant in Bolt who are also sitting in ninth spot overall.
The second round will be held in Cronulla in late February.
Nicola Forbes-Smith and Natasha Bryant from Avalon in Bolt - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott
In third place are Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike in Oscar. - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott
Benjamin Leadbetter and Daniel Mann in Bad Wolf - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott
Nicholas Lyall and Alexis Wildman in Ratman on the calmer Saturday - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott
Action from Sunday's racing (note capzised boats in distance). - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott Click Here to view large photo
Heading home after racing is abandoned after two races on Sunday. - Fll state F11 titles - Mark Scott Click Here to view large photo
Our friends at the All Seasons Salamander Shores Resort has offer our F11 Families a special deal.....
Welcome to All Seasons Port Stephens Salamander Shores
Receive a warm welcome at All Seasons Port Stephens Salamander Shores - affordable waterfront accommodation.
Nestled in three acres of manicured gardens, the resort is a secluded hideaway 2.5 hours from Sydney. Close to attractions, the great value All Seasons Port Stephens Salamander Shores offers direct beach access and coastal fun for the whole family. Its 89 accommodation rooms boast garden or bay views and its many facilities make it ideal for a relaxing holiday or weekend getaway. The hotel room rate includes full buffet breakfast.
2012 F11 Nationals Salamander Shores Deal
Our friends at the All Seasons Salamander Shores Resort has offer our F11 Families a special deal for the duration of our national championship. Much of the social activities will be held here at the resort which backs onto the Pt Stephens Sailing and Aquatic Club.
Special Rates For F11 Families : Accommodation @ 15% off rate of the day.
David Price, F11 Headquarters, Thursday, 18 August 2011
Winter has just about passed and we have seen a heap of activity by our vibrant F11 clubs once again including the YNSW Class Development Programs and the ETS doing their thing too to make NSW sailors the envy of all other states. The somewhat hidden and passive benefits of all this activity, participation and training are only just now presenting itself....
AUGUST 2011
Guess what? The season is only a month away and the next few weeks will zip by so fast you won't have time to blink!
Winter has just about passed and we have seen a heap of activity by our vibrant F11 clubs once again including the YNSW Class Development Programs and the ETS doing their thing too to make NSW sailors the envy of all other states. The somewhat hidden and passive benefits of all this activity, participation and training are only just now presenting itself!
HOW is it only now presenting itself you ask?
It's not always easily identifiable in the short term. Our young crews grow up and move to their next classes which hide an easy analysis of the end results of all this activity. BUT - you only have to look at the wonderfully successful NSW Youth presence with plenty of F11 sailors past and present at the Aus Mid-Winter Youth Championships just past in Queensland where all our NSW sailors including our 15 x F11s produced an outstanding achievement by winning the State Teams category.
Anybody from NSW would have been very proud to be a part of this accomplishment which was unmistakably a direct result of the past 3 years of investment and support from our many YNSW Development Programs, our F11 class and clubs' programs and our unique NSW pathway choices. It is only now that these investments have begun to deliver. The impressive sailing participation levels from NSW were represented by 80 boats out of a record total 238 boats. At the conclusion of the event, all the other states readily acknowledged how successful our programs had been and recognised that NSW sailors had truly benefited from the investment and support from all the stakeholders - it was not what they were saying upon arrival I can assure you.
It was the first time NSW figured in the results as the overall winning team in the events history - how good was that!
So, here we go once again with a glimpse of what's to come from the F11 Associations. We'd like to get going now so that we can sort out all you have to do before you hit the water. It takes a bit of coordinating keeping in mind you also will be doing the same thing with your club activities over the next few weeks too.
Follow these links above to prepare for yet another fun filled season just around the corner.
More News
F11 National Constitution
Also during the past few months the National F11 Executive have been finalising an up-to-date redraft of the F11 National Constitution which will be in effect for this coming season. It consists of two parts - Part A containing the objects and administration structure of the Australian Flying Eleven Sailing Association and Part B the Measurement Rules for F11s. We will cover this subject in more detail in an exclusive F11 Information Email in the near future.
Upgrade Your Boat
As all clubs will be conducting the new season's registration of their fleets shortly, it would be a good time to canvas the F11 boats for sale and upgrade now to enable you to hit the season start with all guns blazing.
Youth Leadership Program
One of our F11 stalwart volunteers Andrew Kendall has developed a unique program to help all youth sailing classes by fostering a youth mentor program derived from predominantly F11 personnel both past and present. The primary goal is to implement a relevant "value adding" resource into the administration of all youth sailing and participation around Australia. The Flying 11 Associations have been quick off the mark to identify the merits for our class, embracing the passion and vision of such a program and have invited these young sailors to work with our F11 Taskforce led by Mark "Longey" Long to re-populate the Flying 11 class throughout Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. Why should NSW have all the fun and accomplishment of recent times:)
It's a no-brainer that the F11s have produced and continue to produce some of the best sailors in the world today - just look at the past F11 members of Australian Sailing Team and their world prominence leading up to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Sailing at the Olympic Test Event two weeks ago outshone all Australian sports including swimming as potential gold medallists!
If you would like to be a part or know more of the Youth Leadership Program, send Andrew an email at ambitionachievable@gmail.com
2011 Yachting Australia Awards
The 2011 Australian Yachting Awards nominations will be closing on 5th September. Anyone may submit a nomination provided the criteria and conditions are met. Full details and the nomination forms can be downloaded from the YA website.
The award categories are:
*Male Sailor of the Year
*Female Sailor of the Year
*Sailor of the the Year with a Disability
*Youth Sailor of the Year
*Sports Promotion Award
Sports Professional Award
Volunteer Award
Life Time Achievement Award
* These awards will recognise outstanding achievements in the sport during the period 16 Aug 2010 to 31st Aug 2011and the others will focus on longer term contributions.
The Flying Elevens have a great chance to present their case after such outstanding success in recent times as a class and its contribution to sailing in general - so go for it! It doesn't always have to go to the "International Classes" minorities.
QLD YOUTH WEEK 2011 REGATTA A HUGE SUCCESS FOR THE F11S
QLD Youth Week 2011
David Price, RQYS - Manly QLD, Saturday, 9 July 2011
It was a fiery end to what turned out to be an ideal regatta for the 2011 Queensland Youth Week’s AUS Mid-Winter Youth Championships hosted by RQYS, Manly, Brisbane....
It was a fiery end to what turned out to be an ideal regatta for the 2011 Queensland Youth Week’s AUS Mid-Winter Youth Championships hosted by RQYS, Manly, Brisbane.
Plenty On For Last Race Day
All favourable wind conditions were present during the successful five day regatta held right smack in the middle of winter in sunny Queensland which ensured perhaps one of the fairest competitions for all 235 crews who took advantage of the off-season extravaganza.
The invitation race was conducted in a mid-strength breeze which resulted in a perfect opportunity to allow the visiting sailors a chance to sample the Morton Bay tides and seaways created by such a shallow yet broad expansive waterway. For the next few days, the conditions weakened yet remained quite consistent nonetheless, allowing the skill of the crews to predominate the proceedings rather than a serve of the “pot-luck” factor that has often skewed a winter regatta. The final day’s racing dealt a punch to the regatta with some blustery cold winds from the west, albeit the forecasted 30kts didn’t quite eventuate. Over the regatta, one race was abandoned due to a glass-out and the final race dropped due to excessive conditions, with the crews sailing in all conditions in between.
The Flying 11s fleet this year comprised fifteen crews, three more than our inaugural visit during last year’s event, and this time included four local crews, most of whom were sailing the F11 for their first time.
It was the young crew from Gosford, NSW – 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike who dominated right from the outset with straight wins in the first six races followed by two thirds on the last (heavy) day affording them the title of Flying Eleven Australian Mid-Winter Youth Champions for 2011.
The runners up from Belmont, NSW 1381 Slippery Little Sucker crew Harry Morton and Anita McCallum also demonstrated consistent results throughout the regatta with all second places after the first day’s racing. Our third placed crew also came up from Belmont, 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan and Emma Jones sailed a great regatta and won the last two races of the regatta in the strong conditions.
Our best placed Queensland crew were 1207 Havin Fun Oliver Burgess and Thomas Colledge from Darling Pt. Sailing Squadron ending up 9th overall with a consistent 6th-10th placing’s throughout the eight race series – a very commendable effort for the new F11 skipper and crew.
The Flying 11 class were in their element on the waters of Morton Bay, clearly demonstrating how valuable the boat is to the budding youth sailors of Queensland and a worthy pathway inclusion between the Optis and the 420/29ers progression. Many of the leaders of the other classes represented at this regatta were from the Flying 11 fleet of sailors such as fourth placed Bic Techno sailor Gus Williams, second placed Nick Connor and fourth placed Max Vos in the 4.7 Lasers, second placed Gracie Triglone in the O’pen Bic class and first placed crew Harry Price and Nathan Edwards, sixth placed Sam Ellis, seventh placed and current F11 National Champions Felix Gretch, and ninth placed Nina Long in the blue ribbon 29er class fleet.
The regatta was an absolute success for all who participated and surely must be viewed as a “must do” for the Flying 11 sailors of the future with expected record numbers expected for next year’s event.
All Flying 11 crews were a credit to their class and showcased the boat in most commendable and spectacular fashion. The Queenslander by all accounts loved sailing the boat and we expect their fleet of F11s will profit from the wonderful times experienced during this year’s event. We can’t wait for next year!
Penultimate Day - 2011 AUS Mid-Winter Youth Championship QLD
2011 QLD Youth Week
David Price, RQYS Brisbane QLD, Tuesday, 5 July 2011
It actually turned out to be the most consistent race conditions of the championship so far...
The penultimate day of racing at the 2011 AUS Mid-Winter Youth Championship was slated to be a drifter as the week long south/SE breeze was forecasted to turn to the west on Morton Bay resulting in a competing gradient wind with the Brisbane seabreeze. But it actually turned out to be the most consistent race conditions of the championship so far, with day 3 delivering a soft 6-8 knots throughout the entire day's play.
The previous day was interrupted by a complete drop-out in breeze resulting in the series program postponement of one race with only 3 races completed after two days of racing. However, with a cold but glorious day affording the race committee the opportunity to knock off three fair races for day 3, the series has become alive once again for the 234 crews entered in this year’s event
The F11 fleet is well represented with 30 young sailors are reveling in the sunny Queensland conditions mid-winter with Gosford SC’s 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike showing an exemplary scorecard after six races on 6 points, 1381 Slippery Little Sucker Harry Morton and Anita McCallum second overall with 17 points and 1373 Hammer Time Jack Buchan and Emma Jones in third with 26 points.
Our Queensland representative crews have also demonstrated a commendable level of skill after only being introduced to the F11 at this regatta. 1207 Havin Fun Oliver Burgess and Thomas College from Darling Point SC lead the charge from Queensland with all but one top 10 finishes and are currently placed 9th on 52 points heading into the last day of racing.
The conditions for today are forecasted for a robust westerly up to 30kts. The race program has been altered to allow for 3 races so there is still plenty of regatta left for the crews to battle out the last day of the 2011 Qld Youth Week event.
QLD YOUTH WEEK 2011 - F11s Dazzle In Ideal Conditions Day 1
QLD Youth Week 2011
David Price, RQYS - Manly QLD, Sunday, 3 July 2011
The combined fleet of fifteen Flying 11s including the four local Queensland crews just revelled in the ideal conditions on Morton Bay for race day #1....
The combined fleet of fifteen Flying 11s including the four local Queensland crews just revelled in the ideal conditions on Morton Bay for race day #1 of the Austalian Mid-Winter Youth Championship during Qld Youth Week here at RQYS.
1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike Lead After Day #1
With a stable breeze of 12kts from the soueast and beautifl Qld sunshine, it was 1263 Oscar Kurt Hansen and Lindsay Pike from NSW who led the fleet over the line in both races on day 1, with 1358 Decoy Greta Quealy and Thomas Smith second overall with two third places and 1371 Playbuoy Nathan Judges and Jack Cuthbert in third position with a seventh and second places for the day.
Despite all four local crews virtually brand news to the F11s, our leading Queensland crew 1207 Oliver Burgess and Thomas Colledge are well placed in 9th place at this early stage of the championship with 1170 X-Stream Lilly Geck and Xanthe Walker snapping at their heals in 11th place.
The fleet rack up for day 2 with three races planned in a slowly weakening weather system with light winds forecast of 4-7kts today.
QLD Crew - 1231 Sugar & Spice Steph Markey and Carlton Smith
David Price, RQYS - Manly QLD, Saturday, 2 July 2011
The Flying Eleven fleet have returned to sail in the Qld Youth Weeks' Australian Mid-Winter Youth Championships after inaugural invitation to this event last July, this time with even more boats both overall and from the budding Qld F11 fleet.
The Flying Eleven fleet have returned to sail in the Qld Youth Weeks' Australian Mid-Winter Youth Championships after inaugural invitation to this event last July, this time with even more boats both overall and from the budding Qld F11 fleet.
We have 15 boats entered this year with 4 crews from Queensland enjoying the thrills of the dynamic little skiff out on Morton Bay. Even the event hosts RQYS are also enjoying record entries with now 234 entries overall.
Queensland have again produced a magnificent array of youth classes sailing mid-winter, with the last few days experiencing wonderful southerly winds around 15-20kts to delight the travellers from all over Australia.
With yesterday’s Invitation Race a huge success, today gets underway with race 1 at 1230hrs in brilliant sunshine and a steady 12kts from the southeast. Stay tuned for more action over the next few days of the regatta.
Pricey
QLD Youth Week 2011
QLD Youth Week 2011
QLD Youth Week 2011
QLD Youth Week 2011
QLD Youth Week 2011
QLD Youth Week 2011
QLD Youth Week 2011
New SAILOR PROFILE page ready for your submissions
David Price, Friday, 12 December 2008
Would you like to be more famous than you already are?
Here's your chance.......... Click on the About F11s main menu.
Would you like to be more famous than you already are?
Here's your chance.
We'd like to do a Sailor's Profile on every F11 sailor in the fleet, so we have placed a SAILOR PROFILE submit form onto our web so you can get all your info to us fast n easy.
It's all optional and you can update/remove/whatever your profile at any time.
The info will be useful when we write articles and reports about each event, and also be a good read, a good source of information to help you find a future crew perhaps - the list of goodies goes on..............
It will be vetted prior to being available for viewing; if there is anything "silly" then you will not see it of course - so be nice to me and I'll be nice to you! The system allows me to verify the supplier of this info too!
I look forward to you telling us a little about yourselves.
Guess what? The season is only a month away and the next few weeks will zip by so fast you won't have time to blink!
It was the first time NSW figured in the results as the overall winning team in the events history - how good was that!
Also during the past few months the National F11 Executive have been finalising an up-to-date redraft of the F11 National Constitution which will be in effect for this coming season. It consists of two parts - Part A containing the objects and administration structure of the Australian Flying Eleven Sailing Association and Part B the Measurement Rules for F11s. We will cover this subject in more detail in an exclusive F11 Information Email in the near future.
As all clubs will be conducting the new season's registration of their fleets shortly, it would be a good time to canvas the F11 boats for sale and upgrade now to enable you to hit the season start with all guns blazing.
The 2011 Australian Yachting Awards nominations will be closing on 5th September. Anyone may submit a nomination provided the criteria and conditions are met. Full details and the nomination forms can be downloaded from the YA website.
The Flying Elevens have a great chance to present their case after such outstanding success in recent times as a class and its contribution to sailing in general - so go for it! It doesn't always have to go to the "International Classes" minorities.
Pricey
Would you like to be more famous than you already are? 
Here's your chance. 
Sailor's Profile 
on every F11 sailor in the fleet, so we have placed a SAILOR PROFILE submit form onto our web so you can get all your info to us fast n easy. 
It will be vetted prior to being available for viewing; if there is anything "silly" then you will not see it of course - so be nice to me and I'll be nice to you! The system allows me to verify the supplier of this info too! 