Despite it being a cold and wet September weekend 35 Hobie 16 sailors along with a smattering of Tiger, H18, Turbo and 17 sailors descended on Palm Beach for the NSW state titles. Undeterred by rain, or a forecast lack of wind they came to have a last hit out before heading off to Fiji for the upcoming worlds. And even though the weather was lousy we did get some good racing and as usual all the placings were taken up by the guys whose names are expected to be at the top of the sheet. Aaron and Bradley are looking pretty good these days and easily added the NSW Title to their list of recent victories. They seem fairly focussed and I'm sure a few people see them as a pretty good bet for Fiji. But don't write off Tim Shuwalow who was the only other winner (after a season of not much sailing). Tim is without a doubt the smoothest sailor I have seen on a hobie and one who always seems to make the right decisions. He happily took everybodys stern and headed off the line on port tack in the last race and after that he says he "got lucky". The toughest job of the weekend is setting courses and once again Hooper did a great job. Conditions were difficult for him but he managed to set decent courses and lines despite that. It must be said, though, that life on the best start boat that we're likely to see for a few years, was probably a bit more pleasant than it was on a Hobie in the rain. Lots of people commented that one of the successes of the weekend was the incorporation of a day of sprint racing on the Friday. Although it didn't count for anything and there were no recalls it was great fun and a good day generally. The impression I got was that it's an idea that we should continue on with. It was great watching Rod and Kerry fighting it out with Jason for the pin end of the line, there is a bit of fight left in the old dog yet and he wasn't giving an inch. Speaking of old dogs it is true that it is nearly impossible to have a successful event without a major sponsor and once again Kerli and Ali (she is definitely not the old dog) stepped up to the plate and for that we all owe them our thanks - and probably a rum as well. It should be noted, too, that wisdom comes with age and Kerli was all packed up, dry and feeling smug while we were all paddling home after the last race!!! Thanks also to our other sponsors: The Palm Beach club also did a great job in providing food and drinks for the wet and hungry hordes and managed to find accomodation for everyone who needed it. Great job guys, it made the weekend a reasonably priced one for all of us which is pretty important with all the expense of a worlds just around the corner. Being buzzed by Lear jets in for the APEC conference was a bit of a novelty too and I guess we can at least blame George W for the weather. And finally, for anyone who didn't notice, David and justine Lovell are due to have a couple of babies while we are off having fun in Fiji. All the best for it and just remember we'll all be thinking of you.....yeah right!! Nick King NSW States Friday, 14 September 2007, Nick King |
Results for NSW Hobie State Titles held on Pittwater over 8th & 9th of September 2007 were as follows:NSW Hobie State Titles 2008 - H14
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