A large and competitive fleet of Tasar sailors from all over Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania descended on the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) for the 2023 Victorian Tasar State Titles sponsored by Rooster Sailing. The event was run as a test event for the competitors and SYC race management for the 2024 Tasar World Championships – http://2024.tasarworlds.com. All sailors left the event having thoroughly enjoyed the sailing, racing and social activities and looking forward to sailing in the World Championships in nine months time. Sandringham Yacht club used the opportunity well and brought in the World’s Race Officer, Steve Aulich, and his very experienced team to run the championship. Steve and his team knows the class and club well and ran an exceptional regatta.
A highlight of the regatta was the post racing debrief, in which all sailors partook. Eventual State Champions and former World Champions, Chris Dance and Peter Hackett opened up their considerable wealth of knowledge and imparted some great tips to an eager audience. The Tasar Association of Victoria conducts formalised training regularly for members and the debrief has become an informal adjunct to that to help people maximise the enjoyment of their sailing.
Chris and Peter started the regatta well, but an OCS in race 5 put them under some pressure but held onto a comfortable lead throughout. Young guns James Sly / Eliza Solly (49erFX legend), Harrison Sly / Zara Challis finished in 2nd and 3rd respectively with former world champions Paul Ridgway / Bronwyn Ridgway having a bad final day falling to 4th overall. Gary Ratcliffe / Robyn Ratcliffe finished fast with a win in the final heat to hold out Contender World Champion Mark Bulk / Oliver Bulka for 5th.
The excitement for the 2024 Worlds is growing with an expected fleet of 100 plus Tasars. Many overseas boats have also expressed interest including sailors with Olympic Gold Medals, World Champions and many National Champions. We are especially excited to be hosted by the Sandringham Yacht Club and looking forward to a truly memorable event, filled with great camaraderie from a great group of sailors that know how to enjoy themselves on and off the water. Entries are now open, and more information can be found at http://2024.tasarwolds.com – Nationals December 28th – 31st 2023 Worlds 2nd – 9th of January 2024
Full results can be found https://www.clubops.com.au/DisplayResults/DisplayPublicSeriesResults?Id=1882
All photos by Blaise Vinot
