The 2020 Australian Sports Boat Nationals will be held between February 16 and 20 at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto. There is a quality fleet of boats preparing to “bring it on” to the current national champion Malcolm Dean from “The Stig” and take-home the top trophies, sponsored prizes and bragging rights until the 2021 year.
“The Stig”, Malcolm Dean’s Shaw 650, blasted out of the blocks last year with a win in their first national titles at Sail Port Stephens then backed it up with a first in the Queensland State Titles and second at Airlie Beach Race Week. The Stig’s focus is to knock off Re-Heat (REO 7.2) at these titles. Re-Heat is the only boat to beat the pace setter in competition racing at last year’s Airlie Beach Race week in the overall results.
Malcolm needs to be watching his back as the battle of the 650s has some hot competition with Situation Normal, Lickety Split (Shaw 650s) and Depth Charge Ethel (Leech 650). Crank (Egan 7), REO Speedwagon (REO 7.7) and K8 (K8) have entered and are willing to have a tilt at the title and will also be fighting it out for line honours. With more boats and crews yet to nominate, this year’s racing will no doubt be as exciting as ever. Nominations run until the event, but late fees start at 5pm on the 03/02/2020 and SMS certification cut off is the 02/02/2020.
Sponsors of the Association, Wet Tech Rigging, Evolution Sails QLD, Marine Outlet, Harken Australia and the Exultant one “BP” from Bar Karate have got on board to make this event fun and full of goodies. BP has mentioned some Bar Karate craft beer may be on offer which will quench the thirst of the thirsty sailors after blasting around the course with some spinnaker runs resulting in 20+ knots of boat speed if pushed hard enough. One of the mottos that we have is “Just Send It”.
The Australian Sport Boat Association is working with Top Yacht in introducing an ASBA LTP (Long-term performance) handicap for those boats that do not want to race under the SMS rating (sports boat measurement system). This will provide the best “bang for your buck” racing in this mixed fleet Sports Boats class.
If you want fast and fun sailing, get your family and or mates together and come on board and join us for some Sports Boats action. For more information you can check out the Australian Sport Boat Associations Facebook www.facebook.com/sportsboatsaus and Webpage www.asba.org.au
