Tasmanian sailors battled amongst themselves for the major placings in the invitation race of the International Cadet national championships at Largs Bay Sailing Club today, as 82 boats hit the start line to kick off a massive week of racing.
The Tasmanian team held the first four positions of the practice race for the entire day, with places changing regularly in the moderate sea breeze that offered the best respite from a hot Largs Bay coastline.
Coaches and spectators were enthralled as only 12 seconds separated the first three boats with the sister-brother pairing of Matilda and Oscar O’Donoghue proving successful, winning the race in the super slippery Sea Ya.
The duo held off competitors Isabella Declerck and Isabel Wilcox, sailing It’s Pink, on the finish line. Sea Ya looked slightly quicker downwind, however It’s Pink sailed methodically closer to the breeze to even out the tight contest.
The race track offered 12 knots as the leaders played the left hand side of the race course.
Victoria had a strong showing as well with Matilda Davis and Will Shepard finishing fifth in Whip it Real Good.
A fleet of 82 boats hit the water today at the International Cadet nationals.
The Victorian and South Australian teams each had two boats each in the top 10, while New South Wales’ highest finish was a ninth through Natasha Nisbet and Ryan Littlechild in Sequence.
Special mention goes to Dos Amigos, sailed by Quinn Auricht and Jonas Barrett from South Australia, who are two talented Optimist sailors who sailed well to be fifth at the top mark before a lack of spinnaker experience let them down.
For such limited time in the boat, these are two promising cadet sailors that are making a real name for themselves.
The clubhouse was full for the welcome night event tonight.
The invitation race proved a success as it had close racing combined with plenty of smiles on the water.
A storm is forecast to come through on the first day of championship racing tomorrow, which will give the race officer plenty to think about.
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