The 60th Cherub Australian National Championship was held 27 December 2024 to 3 January 2025 at Largs Bay Sailing Club, South Australia, with competing boats from Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
The National Championship was a hotly contested battle at the pointy end of the fleet, with the top three boats taking out the podium positions in almost every heat. NSW boat Robbie skippered by Marshall Day (aged 16 years) and crewed by boat owner Will Beck, took out the Championship with an impressive scorecard [8 points 2,(3),1,1,1,1,1,(DNF),1] (Drummoyne Sailing Club). In second place was After Dark, skippered by Nicole Barnes and crewed by Brett Lancaster [12 points 1,1,2,2,(3),2,(3),1,3] (Drummoyne Sailing Club). Third place was taken out by Motorboat skippered by Zac Heyes and crewed by boat owner Peter McLeod [17 points (3),2,(3),3,2,3,2,3,2] (Belmont 16s Sailing Club). Handicap winner was Squealer skippered by Jessica Swadling and crewed by James Glassock, representing Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club.
Largs Bay conditions were mostly softer breeze than anticipated, although a couple of heats at 15-20 knots saw the fleet enjoy the big waves which Adelaide is renowned for. Competitors and their families enjoyed the rigging space, friendly atmosphere and facilities at Largs Bay Sailing Club. Largs Bay Race Committee ran the racing extremely well, a testament to the professional volunteers of the club, which keeps the cherub class returning to the brilliant beachside sailing venue.
The Cherub Class was aptly described by NSW cherub sailor Lily Peel during the regatta as “a class for life”, accurately reflecting the fleet competing at Largs Bay. The fleet included 3 all girl crew combinations, 2 sibling crew combinations, 8 sailors 18yrs or younger, a father/son crew combination and a 55+ years aged sailor. The cherub class prides itself in the off water camaraderie, and class culture was in fine form at Largs Bay, being described as ”inclusive, encouraging and just so absolutely brilliant. As a parent I couldn’t back this class enough – 60% of boats at this Nationals were mixed crews – how awesome is this! She Sails is right here – the Cherub Class continues to raise the bar”.
Full results for the 60th Cherub Australian National Championship can be viewed at: www.sailres.com/view.php?s=2534
Cherubs are lightweight hulls with an asymmetric spinnaker, making for exhilarating downwind rides. Cherubs hit speeds approaching 25 knots downwind in windy conditions. These speeds are exceptional fun and also accessible to sailors of any age and skill level. Cherubs encourage innovation and development throughout the fleet. Cherub sailors include home boat builders, professional shipwrights, sailmakers and riggers, ensuring the class is at the forefront of dinghy sailing technology and development. The speed through which class innovation spreads across the fleet displays the sportsmanship of our sailors and their willingness to share ideas to achieve excellence in sailing. We all like to go fast, and it’s best done in good company!
The next Cherub National Championship will be held in NSW. It is anticipated there will be a flurry of boat purchases in the coming months, with keen kids transitioning from junior classes to cherubs for next season, to enjoy the epic speed rides the cherub offers. Gotta love the cherub!
Holly Norris
Cherub National Council of Australia
@AustralianCherubs
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