The NSW & ACT State Championships were held at Georges River Sailing Club on 4-5 December. Day 1 saw 22 gusting to 28 knots SSW which tested the skill and endurance of the sailors. Day 2 presented a more manageable 15 gusting to 18 knot SE so no complaints about the wind.

The fleets were smaller than usual but no less competitive. In the Standards Brett Beyer Woollahra  SC had a one point victory over Daniel Costandi who sails at GRSC, Double Bay and RSYS. Daniel was the first Under 21 and Alexander Bijkerk (also Under 21) from RPAYC was third.

In the Radials Sylvie Stannage HHSC/DBSC had a convincing win counting four firsts and a second and dropping a third place. She thanked her coach Brett Beyer among others for supporting her sailing. Second was Jeff Loosemore MHASC/GRSC closely followed by GRSC sailor David Early. Ashton Scott from RSYS was the first Under 17.

The 4.7s were won convincingly by Hamish Cowell from Blairgowrie YS and Brighton YC. Hamish counted three firsts and a second for his win. He was also first Under 18. Second and first Under 16 was Aidan Simmons from Indented Head YC. Nathan Deng from RSYS was very consistent and finished third. Pru Bennett was the first woman and finished 5th.

RPAYC feet was represented by:
Two 4.7’s: Pru Bennett & Charlie Byford in a fleet of 14
Two Radials: Jenny Danks & John Black in a fleet of 25
Three Full rigs: Stewart Holdsworth, Alex/Zander Bjerkman & Bruce Ferguson in a fleet of 21
RPAYC sailors performed well with Zander coming third overall in the standard rigs and 2nd under 21yo and Stu Holdsworth coming a close fourth overall just two points behind Zander.
In the 4.7’s Charlie Came fourth overall and second in under 16yo, Pru came 5th overall and first female.

The results for the States at Georges River are Here.

Jon West’s photos of all the action are Here.