Australian National Sabot Council Championships - Preview

Nicholas Schoe © Louise Schoe

Tasmania will be represented at the Australian National Sabot Council national championships by two young Sabot sailors at the forthcoming nationals on Lake Macquarie, NSW from December 27 to January 3.

It will be first time Tasmania has been represented in the class national championships since 2018.

Brooke Teahan, from Port Dalrymple Yacht Club and Nicholas Schoe, from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, will take advantage of the border re-opening and be able to travel for the event.

Tasmanian Sabot Sailing Association President, Mick Jones, said "Tasmania has a strong history with the Sabot class going back multiple generations, having been active in the national association since the beginning in the early 1960's. Our local fleet has been going through a bit of renewal over the past few years. We're now at the point where we have a strong fleet and we're delighted that Brooke and Nicholas are making the trip north."

Tasmania will host the next edition of the nationals in 12 months time. "We're expecting to have quite a few Tasmanian participants in the Nationals next year" Jones said, "not just because we're hosting them here, but also because of the developing fleet."

The Association also runs a calendar of local Sabot regatta's, with the Southern and Northern regatta's recently held and State Championships at the end of February and an interclub regatta in March to round out the season.

Brooke Teahan - photo © Vanessa Teahan

"As well as the group of sailors that travels around the State for these events, there are many other Sabot sailors sailing at their local clubs" Jones said. Sabots are sailed at clubs in the South, North and North-West of the State, from Dover to Wynyard.

For Brooke, it will be her first and last Sabot Nationals. "This is my last season in the Sabot as I will be too old next year. I'm really excited about the opportunity to participate in the national championship. While the racing will be serious, the Sabot sailors always turn up to have fun and enjoy each other's company on and off the water" she said.

Both sailors are realistic about their prospects for success. "This is about having fun and participating in a big fleet. For me, just being there and completing the regatta will be a great result", said Nicholas.

In years past, Tasmania has produced national champions and frequently had sailors place high in the overall rankings. "We're fortunate to have a lot of experienced former Sabot sailors still active in supporting the class in Tasmania", said Jones. "Being coached by people who have been experts in the class means the kids can really develop great sailing skills" he said.

The 2022/23 Nationals will be held at Port Dalrymple Yacht Club. The Association will be offering sponsorship opportunities for in the New Year. "It's a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved with supporting a youth focussed event and gain national exposure" said Jones. "We expect to attract up to 60 boats for the Nationals next year, which could bring nearly 200 people to the region" he said.

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