2014 Coast Championship

Stuart Penderleith leads the Radial Fleet on Sunday

The Coast Championship run at Gosford over 18th and 19th October saw 61 competitors (7 4.7′s, 25 Radials and 29 Standards). The weekend was bookened weather wise by two roaring southerlies around 25 knots on Friday and Monday but over the weekend in nice sunny weather the wind only hit around 12 knots on Sunday (NE) and 8 on Saturday (E). The conditions on Saturday were challenging for for sailors and for RO Peter Walsh and his team with the wind constantly moving 40 degrees over the course. Sunday, after a delayed start, was much kinder provided fairer and close racing on the tight course.

Scott Sydney on his way to another win in the Standards

Scott Sydney from Woollahra SC showed the Standard fleet a clean pair of heels winning five of the six races. Sean Feeney from MHASC was a comfortable second taking a win from Scott on Sunday. Third was local Jack Sprague returning from a stint in Europe and showing he has not forgotten how to sail a Laser fast. Thomas Vincent from McCrae YC Victoria who is a frequent competitor in our events was the first under 21 Standard and finished a creditable 4th in his first season after graduating from the Radial.

In the Radial Stuart Penderleith from MHASC was the clear winner with four bullets. Finn Alexander from Double Bay SC was second closely followed by Woollahra SC’s Zac Skulander. Annie Eastgate from Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron was the first female and seventh overall.

Nic Anderson from RPAYC won in the closely contested 4.7′s from fellow clubmate Nathan Bryant and local up and coming Laser sailor Ashleigh Robson.

Thanks to Gosford Sailing Club Sailing Manager Peter Walsh and his on water team for running this event. Thanks also to Kath Herrmann for the series scoring and Dave Edmiston for registration and logistics support.

The full results for the series are here

There are some photos taken on Sunday by Alison Meech which can be viewed here.

Final results are here.