Nossiter recaptures NSW Finn crown
Anthony Nossiter has regained the Finn NSW Championship crown he has previously won six times, including last year, this time sailing on tricky Pittwater, but it was by just one point to club mate Ian McKillop.
Nossiter (NSW) started the day on the backfoot. He was fifth overall coming into Day 2, so had a lot of ground to make up. And he did, winning Races 4 and 5 and finishing fifth in the final Race 6. Being a one-drop series once six races were completed, the triple Olympian was able to let go of a ninth place from yesterday.
Representing Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), host of the Championship, Nossiter, had close calls today, so tight were the finishes.
“I had an early night last night so I could back and smash the younger blokes,” said Nossiter, laughing.
On his performance, Nossiter shared, “Sailing the boat through the water should be automatic for me, but I was a bit rusty… I was fortunate to win.”
Conditions on Pittwater were light and shifty, mainly out of the north-west, so it was hard going for all.
“And there was no wind at top in Race 3, so we all got stuck together. It was good they restarted it. The Race Committee did a good job.”
Nossiter is disappointed he can’t make the Finn Australians, as he had already committed to driving the rescue/chase boat at SailGP in Perth. Before that, he will use his strength and sailing knowledge on the super maxi LOYAL, in the upcoming Rolex Sydney Hobart.
McKillop came into the day three points and one place behind Nossiter. However, 4-2 placings and winning the final race, then dropping 11th from the opening race yesterday, meant McKillop, leap-frogged up into second place.
“The first two races were tricky today. It’s always tough sailing at Pittwater in a nor’ wester,” McKillop said. “And the top five, you can throw a blanket over who will win,” said McKillop, a four-time winner of the NSW title.
The RPAYC sailor said he was “super happy” moving up the leaderboard today, “though I was disappointed with yesterday’s race. I went around a wrong mark – that cost me. It was my own fault and I can’t change it, but I kept chipping away today.”
Like Nossiter, McKillop’s next sailing gig is the Sydney Hobart. He will race on the nippy 40 footer, Back 2 Black.
Yesterday’s leader, Lewis Davies, had to be content with third overall. The Victorian sailor’s 6-4-6 results of the day were in stark contrast to trio of top three results on Day 1. He might not see it this way, but he’s new to the class compared to others – and less experienced. Others in the class think he’s on the way to the top.
Looking at the younger men in the class, McKillop is impressed with 35-year-old Davies: “Lewy has only been in the boat four years and he’s been getting better and better. He’s taken it up another level again since February and he’s spending a lot of time in the boat, which is good to see.”
Sam Ede (Vic) finished seventh overall, with a best place of third in the opening race and wins the Under 30 title, as he makes impressive strides in the class. Ede also had pleasure of beating his father, Tim, who claimed 11th place overall.
Race 4 was a battle royale between Nossiter and Marcus Whitley (NSW), the latter missing the gun by 17 seconds. Richie Robertson (Vic) was a further 14 seconds behind.
Race 5 and Nossiter had a tight battle to the end with Ian McKillop, who lost out by a mere one second, with Matt Visser (NSW) one second behind McKillop. It doesn’t get closer.
Race 6 went McKillop’s way. He beat Matt Visser (NSW) over the line by 36 seconds. Whitley followed six seconds behind. Whitley is another up-and-coming Finn sailor and finished fourth overall.
Three further windward/leeward races, adding to the three sailed yesterday finalised the Championship Today’s racing was held in shifty and flukey north-westerly winds of 8-16 knots. You had to be on the ball and pick the shifts right to succeed today.
The third race was underway but had to be abandoned on the first leg at the top mark due to a complete change of wind. Race Officer, Elaine Fowler, was forced to set a new course to suit the north/north-easterly that came through Pittwater at a steady 16 knots.
The Finn NSW Championship was organised by RPAYC in conjunction with the NSW Finn Class Association. Nineteen boats represented NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Many are preparing for the upcoming Finn Australian Championship to be held off Eden in February.
For full results and all information, please visit: https://rpayc.com.au/int-finn-class-nsw-championship/
Final results:
Top ten overall after six races:
1. Norge (AUS221) Anthony Nossiter (NSW) 13 points
2. Ken (AUS26) Ian McKillop (NSW) 14
3. Stay Slippery (AUS55) Lewis Davies (Vic) 17
4. Layla (AUS110) Marcus Whitley (NSW) 19
5. Maggie (AUS72) Chris Links (NSW) 19
6. Annika 100 (AUS5) Matt Visser 20
7. Lads on Tour (AUS111) Sam Ede (Vic) 29
8. Go (AUS321) Richie Robertson (Vic) 31
9. Does My Bung Look Big In
This? (AUS231) James Mayjor (NSW) 37
10. Somehow Someday (AUS240) Dougal Watt (Vic) 53
By Di Pearson/RPAYC media
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