GNC Quality Precast Geraldton 63rd Pelican State Championships
17 boats with participants from Esperance, Busselton, Perth and Geraldton, made up the fleet that participated in the GNC Quality Precast Geraldton 63rd Pelican State Championships, which ran from the 4th to 8th of January.
Strong winds greeted the competitors early in the series with the Invitation Race being sailed in 25 knots and the postponement of Heats 1, 2 & 3. To make up for this, 4 races were sailed on the scheduled ‘lay day’ (Wednesday the 10th). Conditions for the remainder of the regatta were varied, including strong to moderate, gusting easterly winds with choppy seas and light, to moderate, to strong, south / south westerly breezes.
In a nerve-wracking end to the regatta, the eventual winner would only be decided following the final race. Heat 7 commenced in a 12 to 18 knot shifting, easterly wind. Following a poor start Westside sailed by Jack Preston and Leong Chan, sailed superbly up the first leg to round the top mark in front. From here positions constantly changed, including Got Wind sailed by Ashleigh Fishwick and Vivienne McLaren picking a favourable wind shift to lead around the final top mark. Lessening winds on the final downwind leg resulted in the fleet bunching up. In a nail-biting finish Westside, displaying all round sailing skill won from a flying Combat sailed by Harry Griffiths and Xavier Putt, who pipped Got Wind on the line. This finish resulted in Westside claiming the State Title, with Combat a very close second.
The series proved a real test for all participants who must be congratulated for their sportsmanship and fair sailing throughout the series. Although the racing was extremely competitive, the friendships and camaraderie developed throughout the week was a highlight. Most importantly the sailors displayed a willingness to have always have fun and enjoy their sailing.
GYC can be very proud of how their junior sailors performed throughout the regatta. 9 Pelicans were entered and for 15 participants it was their first State Championship. Each sailor showed improvement and real resilience during testing conditions throughout the week, culminating in the GYC Pelican Team winning the Teams Trophy. Congratulations to Jack and Leong. The boys were challenged throughout, however displayed exceptional sailing skill in all conditions to be deserved winners.
A big thanks to our generous sponsors and to the selfless volunteers who made the week well run and enjoyable, both on and off the water.
Dave Fishwick, Junior Rear Commodore
