Goolugatup Sailing Carnival at South of Perth Yacht Club, Western Australia - Day 9
by Vikki Baldwin 13 Jan 2021 07:03 GMT
Emma Plasschaert during the Goolugatup Sailing Carnival © Bernie Kaaks
A brutal day on the water
After near perfect sailing conditions for the start of the Open Skiff and Laser Regatta on Monday, yesterday's (Tuesday) weather turned nasty.
With wind strength close to the allowable limit for the 29er class there were plenty of spills, damaged equipment, and a few minor injuries too.
Competitors in the Laser class seemed to handle the conditions better than those in the 29er class as their course was a little more sheltered. It made for a challenging day of racing for competitors.
Leading the Laser Open Class is Olympic representative Matt Wearn in Freo to Rio, with Luke Elliott and Ethan Mcaullay close behind.
In the Laser 4.7 division Antun Janekovic in Crossbow III leads, with Dominic Beer and Josh Till following close behind.
Stefan Elliott-Shirc in Ace of Hearts leads the Laser Radial by Emma Plasschaert and Elyse Ainsworth in hot pursuit.
With two races completed in the Open Skiff division two points stand between the competition's leaders with Erik Van De Veire leading Imogen Bates.
The Goolupatup Sailing Carnival winds up tomorrow after 10 days of spirited competition.
Sailors have enjoyed the competition and have complimented organisers on the well-run carnival.