Pro Choice Racing Series Held in Wet and Windy Conditions

The WAIS sailing program enjoyed an entertaining period last weekend with the wet and blustery weather creating interesting conditions for competitors.

The weekend festivities were kicked off withanother series of the Pro Choice Pacer racing at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, with six boats competing for bragging rights.

30 knot conditions were predicted leaving all competitors and spectators alike excited for the big winds and some big crashes, but sadly the winds died during racing leaving standard 10 knots in shifty river conditions.

I was drenched by 8am, but the windsheld, andracing was on. Steve Thomas with Eamon Robertshaw crewing won the day with consistency and precision in the tighter situations.

It was great to see Eamon back on the water just two months after breaking his ankle. David Gilmour with James Omay finished second only getting ahead of Jasper Warren sailing with Paris Stowell in the medal race.Luke Parkinson, who has been dominant in the series so far, never found form, dropping to fifth.

We will have another Pro Choice racing day on the 6th of June.

The WAIS sailors are starting to head off to International regattas, and Steve Thomas is aiming for the 49er Worlds in July. David and James are heading to the Youth Worlds in July, whilst Tim Castles and Ryan Hannan leave soon for Kiel Week, a World Cup event in the lead up to their World Championships. Stacey Omay and Chelsea Hall are now in Holland racing at a World Cup event which commenced this week.

Keep posted for future updates, Thanks and sail fast!

Belinda Stowell, WAIS Head sailing coach.