With six weeks remaining until the first race is run, 120 boats have entered the Geographe Bay Tasar World Championship to be held in January 2015. There are entries from Australia, Japan, U.S.A., Great Britain and Ireland.
Current World Champions Anthony Boscolo and Haley Lane from Seattle, Washington State are travelling to Busselton to defend their title with their 35-year-old boat USA 505. “120+ boats will certainly be an experience, I thought 60 boats was a lot last year, I can’t even picture that many Tasars in one place” says Haley of the upcoming worlds.
Four of the top six placed boats at the Cascade Locks Worlds in 2013 will be competing in this event.
Haley says “Last year we met the friendliest bunch of competition (Aussie Tasar Sailors) we have ever sailed against. We are really very excited to be seeing everyone again, and meet (a whole bunch) more of you, and do a little sailing too! We hope our boat survives the trip! We’re looking forward to exploring the Busselton and Margaret River regions, we’ve heard about the natural beauty of the area as well as the world class food and wine on offer.”
Five previous World Champions are also competing in the event including Lisa and Jay Renehan (U.S.A), Rob and Nicole Douglass (AUS) and Bronwyn Ridgway (AUS).
The Australian National Championship will be held in conjunction with the World Championship and there are nine past Australian Champions competing, including Rob and Nicole Douglass, Shane Guanaria, Craig McPhee, Gill Berry, Bronwyn Ridgway (current AUS Champion), Alistair Murray and Michael Paynter.
Racing in Geographe Bay in such a large fleet promises to be memorable, and the organizing committee is working hard to ensure that the off-water events will provide the perfect complement to the competitive racing – giving competitors a great opportunity to unwind and socialize. If you’re interested it’s not too late to buy a boat and get into one of the biggest sailing events in WA waters this year! For more event information go to www.tasar2015.com or visit our Facebook page “Tasar2015”. Potential sponsors are encouraged to contact the organizing committee, as sponsorship opportunities are still available.
– Lloyd Lissiman, Managerial Committee
