Kate Ellingham: women's RS:X National Champion. Image copyright Will Calver/oceanphotography.co.nz
by Jodie Bakewell-White
The RS:X and Techno National Championships wrapped up on Sunday after four days of light winds at the regatta hosted by Manly Sailing Club.
Racing was possible on Thursday, Friday and Sunday however with light breeze throughout the entire event the board sailors had to work hard for their placings.
Visiting international Dorian van Rijsselberghe of the Netherlands came out on top of local NZL Sailing Team sailors Jon-Paul Tobin and Tom Ashley who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively, however Tobin takes the 2011 RS:X Open National Champion title in which only New Zealand entries are counted.
Kate Ellingham, from the NZL Sailing Team claims the domestic double crown winning Sail Auckland earlier this month and following that up with victory at Manly in the RS:X 8.5 fleet. Two French nationals topped the Bic Techno board with Luke Holiday from Manly Sailing Club the best of the kiwis.
60 board sailors took part in the light airs event off Manly including 21 visiting international sailors.
“The first two races were sailed in an average of 8 knots,” explains Janet Watkins, “the third race looked hopeful with a bit of planing before the start and for about half the race. We set a slalom finish for races two and three. On Friday we managed two races again in barely 8 knots average - they certainly worked hard for their places!”
“On Saturday we had our mark one boat sitting on the horizon all day waiting for a little more that 3.5 knots from any direction! We eventually called him ashore and hoisted "A" at 1700 hrs,” says Janet.
“Sunday, the final day, didn't look too hopeful but by 1200 we had a steady but light nor'easter (Nothing above 8 again!) So we managed to complete two more pumping races for the RS:X fleets. The Technos who started the day with not having a series complete, also managed to complete three races inshore where the convection currents off the land gave them a breeze of up to 12 knots at times.”
Dorian van Rissjlberge won the men's RS:X championship. Image copyright Will Calver/oceanphotography.co.nz
RS:X Open
1st Dorian van Rijsselberge (NED)
2nd Jon-Paul Tobin
3rd Tom Ashley
RS:X 8.5
1st Kate Ellingham
2nd Flavia Tartaguni (ITA)
3rd Justina Sellers
Bic Techno
1st Antoine Aubert (FRA)
2nd Nicolas Goyard (FRA)
3rd Luke Holiday
Manly Sailing Club
