SYC Sabot Nationals 2011 2012

As the 2011-12 Sabot Championships comes to an end, the war cries of 138 competitors from 6 teams surround the Southport Yacht Club squadron with excitement for wins, the experience, and the anticipation for next year’s regatta. With the regatta's first days having heavy winds up to 25kts, the competitors stayed inshore on the Broadwater however later in the regatta lighter winds of 5-10kts gave the Seniors a great opportunity to skim over the Gold Coast offshore swell. These conditions proved to be in favour of the local sailor Kyle O’Connell in “Guided Missile” during races 9 and 10 taking out line honours in both cases. However, Finn Gilbert (Southern NSW) and Kurt Hansen (Northern NSW) were hot on his heels during both race but they could not push the leader from his position on the leader board. Kyle took the Australian title with Kurt Hansen in a

close second, followed by Finn Gilbert.

In Sabot Week, Liam Geck from Southern Queensland had another blinder of a day, however also with two competitors keeping him on his toes. David McKay and Harrison White, fellow Southern Queensland sailors, kept right behind the majority of the regatta and finished on a 2nd and 3rd respectively. Southern Queensland took home all of the teams prizes.

As the teams pack up and leave us tonight and in the coming days, Southport Yacht Club would like to extend a big thank you to all the families who travelled up and down the Australian coast to participate in this regatta. Also, a massive thank you goes to the Sponsors Club Marine, Zhik, IBS printing just to name a few and a special thank you to all the volunteers who put in massive effort and time the past couple of weeks and of course to our judges, race officers and team coaches. But most of all Shane Smith, for whom the Sabot Week has been named this year and the sailing manager of Southport Yacht Club, the success of this regatta is owed to him. Best of luck to all our competitors in the future sailing careers and safe travels.