Report by Jervis Tilly
The Club ran a successful Slalom event over the weekend of 11 & 12 November which saw 20 WASZP sailors hit the waters just off Palm Beach. RPAYC’s own Louis Tilly, retained his state title and was awarded the Atomic Ski trophy (donated by the Paulson Family). Congratulations Louis!
The NSW Slalom acted as a test event for the Nationals Slalom which RPAYC will be hosting in late January 2024.
Saturday’s forecast was a for a big sea breeze on the target race course area at Palm Beach. After a long sail up Pittwater, the 20 competitors were initially treated to amazing conditions with flat water and a good NEly; perfect for Slalom’s downwind format. The Race Committee, lead by Rear Commodore Centreboard, Mat Butterworth put on 6 great races. As the breeze started to get a bit funky, the sailors skills (to keep in the puffs) were tested .
There were good battles throughout the fleet, where experience and skills ranged from not yet foil gybing, to having a crack at the podium of the upcoming Nationals and Worlds in Sorrento, Victoria. Most competitors were under 21 but some of those over 21 put in good performances too.
The day concluded with a “Distance Race” back down to the bottom of, and then around Big Pond. This was a spectacle with the WASZPs smoking at over 20kts much of the time (the promised big breeze was pumping on Big Pond!). The sailors travelled over 70km on the day and most needed a good rest overnight.
Sunday was less good. The breeze tried hard but failed to build, and the fleet did some practice with only occasional foilable gusts. After a wait on shore (and a good Class meeting), racing was called off at 2.15pm and a BBQ-fueled presentation was held on the main Clubhouse Lawn.
Louis Tilly (RPAYC) won in a tight tussle from Keizo Tomoshima (WSC) with Nicholas Dunne (Townsville) taking 3rd. Hanako Tomoshima (WSC) was the top female, and Louis also won the Distance Race. Many thanks to everyone who made the event possible; those who competed, the volunteers (especially Maxine Troop and Ted Anderson) and the Club.
If you are interested in trying a WASZP, please contact Gary Essex via the Sailing Office – sailing@rpayc.com.au
