January 2, 2023
Banjo Nicholson and Thomas Steenson Lead Cherub Nationals
by Sarah Imlay
After five stellar races, Banjo Nicholson and Thomas Steenson from Belmont 16ft Sailing Club are winning the Vaikobi 58th National Cherub Championship overall in 3170 ‘Harden Up.’ Belmont continues its winning streak with Scott Day and Nigel Hale following closely in second place in 3171 ‘Buckle Up Buttercup.’ In third place are Kristopher Fay and Tom Drury in 3181 ‘Schmicky Shmootin’, returning to battle for the title after winning the regatta in 2018/19 at Largs Bay Sailing Club, Adelaide.
Following the roaring invitation race, Wangi Wangi turned on some stunning conditions on Thursday for Race 1 and 2, with an unexpected breeze from the south at 10 – 15 knots. Much like the overall results, in Race 1 Nicholson, Day and Fay took out
Nathan McNamara and Peter McLeod won Race 2 in their new cherub 3196 ‘Motorboat.’ They were followed by long-time cherub sailors Trevor Fay and Nigel Blatchford in 3197 ‘Tequila Lady.’ In third place were Day and Hale in 3171 ‘Buckle Up Buttercup.’
Friday’s racing saw a double win for Will Beck and Tony Harrison in 3198 ‘Robbie’ in Race 3 and 4. Sunny conditions and lighter air from the East saw a wider spread across the fleet and increased chop.
Friday also saw the Try Cherub Sailing morning with many young guns from sabots and flying 11s jumping on board to skipper and try out trapezing.
New Year’s Eve saw one long race starting at 1155 hrs. Even lighter conditions between 10-12 knots made for more challenging racing. Marshall Day and Brett Lancaster took out Race 5 in their cherub 3190 ‘Gold Digger.’ Thousands lined Wangi’s foreshore following racing for the fireworks celebrations.
The Cherubs return to Wangi Wangi waters for Race 6 ad seven on the 2nd at 1355 hrs., recharged after the regatta lay day to celebrate the new year.
Sea Gal has released two YouTube videos with interviews from Cherub Sailors about the class and why they’ve stuck around. For more insight into class social activities and spectacular drone shots, head over to her Instagram.
Results for the series are available on SAILRES.com. For more epic racing photographs, head to the Cherub Facebook page and Instagram page.
