The 2012 Victorian State Titles were held on the Labour Day Long weekend 10-12 March at Black Rock Yacht Club in Half Moon Bay, Melbourne. The racing was in the capable hands of Ross Wilson (PRO last 2 Olympics and the upcoming Weymouth Olympics), Bill Bell (IYRU Judge) and Mark Taylor (Long term Committee / Treasurer). All are regarded as Black Rock Royalty and should be congratulated for running a faultless regatta with some challenges given they were running the OK Dinghy and Musto Skiff Victorian Titles in conjunction with the Pacers / Pacer Pursuit’s.
28 Pacers and 3 Pacer Pursuits enjoyed 15-20 kt Southerly and surfing conditions on Saturday, light sea breezes on Sunday up to 10 kts and a perfect 10-15 kt South Easterly on Monday. A mix of old friends and new members converged on Black Rock.
Results and photographs are available at http://www.bryc.yachting.org.au/?Page=58909
Brothers Brody and Corey Riley somehow managed to kick their father Graham (3rd at the Nationals) off Sharpshooter 2 and did a remarkably good job in all conditions beating the entire fleet at least once with the exception of the overall winner and were clearly the best Junior helmsman / Junior Crew combination.
Amy O’Brien managed to convince her Father Allan (2nd 2011 Victorian Titles) to sail with his old mate Doug Vockler as she wanted to sail with a male “friend” from Qld in Tim Robbo. Tim and Amy proved a formidable combination and could have easily won 2 or more heats only to have it slip through their fingers under pressure due to lack of training. Tim and Amy were equal 3rd (4th on count back) with Alan Riley / Ellie Riley & Nathan Riley. Alan sailed with a chronic case of the flu but hit his straps on Sunday finishing with 1, 2, 1 & 6th in the last 4 heats.
The Junior Skipper / Senior Crew trophy was hotly contested between John (8 yrs old) & Darrell Faulkner and Lachie (9 yrs old) & Tim Caldwell with John and Darrell taking it out. Both boy’s did a remarkable job in a testing range of conditions and should be extremely proud of their performance.
The non spinnaker division was a clean sweep for Jack / Brook and Holly Felsenthal. Jack is the current Laser 4.7 National Champion and past National Champion in the Minnow. Jack was most threatening when matched with his sister Holly rounding the 1st mark in 2nd position in one race showing the club Pacers have some life left in them when sailed correctly.
The Masters trophy was retained by Allan O’Brien & Doug Vockler and challenged early in the strong breezes.
The overall prize in the Pacer went to Phil & Jack Chadwick in Chaddywagon from Simon Merritt & Jessica Vincent in Electric Blue. Simon & Jess who have been unbeatable for the last 3 years however had a few stumbles early in the regatta before ending in typical strong fashion. The Title could easily have fallen in favour of any of the top four boats. It was a hotly contested event from top to bottom. In the Pacer Pursuit Jim & David French had to run down Jonathon Pulhan in five out of six heats to win convincingly.
A special thanks to Sue Wilson, Jane Chadwick, Bridget Chadwick and Anna O’Brien for making the lunches each day and serving up the BBQ before presentation. Thanks also to Campbell & Liz Martin for the welcome BBQ at their home on Saturday night. The regatta was typically welcoming in the Pacer tradition for which we can all be very proud. We look forward to the next regatta. Hopefully our children will let us sail with them a little longer!