Round 4 – Icebreaker Winter Series; Sunday 23 August
The fourth and final round of the Icebreaker Winter Series saw 20 boats take to Little Pond for an action-packed morning of racing.
Conditions were challenging early, with the AP flag remaining up for the first hour before a steady northerly breeze filled in, allowing racing to get underway. The breeze provided some excellent competition across the fleets, with Optis, Lasers, 29ers, Multihulls, 420s, a Skud and a windsurfer all taking to the water.
With both the Round 4 results and overall Series honours up for grabs, there was plenty to race for across the fleets.
Optimist Intermediate:
Ebba Nixey (Darhorse) produced a strong performance to claim the Round 4 honours, winning the final race of the day to secure the overall victory. Jackson Bolewski (Wave Rider) sailed consistently throughout the morning to take the runner-up position, while Olivia Dorling (Fish) completed the Round 4 podium in third.
In the overall Series standings, it was Olivia Dorling (Fish) who came away with the Series victory after a consistent campaign. Her big sister, Lara Dorling (Lord Lion), secured second overall, with Sylvia Carlson (Silver Lining) rounding out the Series podium in third.
Optimist Open:
Oliver Sun (Better Knot) continued his impressive form to take out Round 4 and claim the overall Optimist Open Series victory. Oliver has sailed exceptionally well throughout the Series and thoroughly deserved the result.
Bono Svacek (Riptide) pushed Oliver all the way, finishing second on the day and just one point behind in the overall Series standings. It has been fantastic watching their friendship develop throughout the Series while also seeing them battle it out on the racecourse.
Mixed Two-Handed:
Victoria Lin and Annabelle Sampson (Rush) took the Round 4 honours in their 420, putting together a strong performance across the morning. Linda Buchan and Arthur Spithill (Jim Brown) were close behind to claim second, with Aaveer Patil-Chaudhari and crew securing third place.
In the overall Series, consistency proved the key for Courtney and Jonny Harrison (Indefatigable), who sailed their 29er to the Series victory. Fred Attrill (Katsu) and crew, Willow Murray, secured the runner-up position, while Linda Buchan and Arthur Spithill (Jim Brown) completed the overall podium in third.
Mixed Single-Handed Handicap Division:
Lyndall Paterson (Spindle) dominated the Round 4 racing, winning all three races to take out the day’s honours. Phil Malcolm (Boat named “TBA”) followed in second, with Michael Hanavan (Joanna) completing the Round 4 podium in third.
The overall Series title went to Phil Malcolm (TBA), whose consistent performances across the Series earned him the championship. Robert Jones, sailing the windsurfer, secured second overall, while Michael Hanavan (Joanna) claimed third place in the Series standings.
Multihull:
Beau White (Pegasus) was in outstanding form, winning all three races to take the Round 4 victory. David Fisher and crew (The Barbaloots) were the closest challengers, securing second place, while Angus Musgrove (Thunder Buddy) sailed into third.
The overall Series title went to David Fisher and crew (The Barbaloots) following a consistent campaign across the Winter Series. Alana Harrison and Sam Dalton, sailing their Nacra 15, secured second overall, with Angus Musgrove (Thunder Buddy) taking the final spot on the Series podium.
Congratulations to all our winners!
A huge congratulations to everyone who competed throughout the Icebreaker Winter Series. It was fantastic to see such a diverse range of boats and sailors taking part, and we thank everyone for helping make the Series a success.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water when the season kicks off on Sunday, 13 September.