Wollongong has become a hotspot of sorts for sailing in recent weeks, with national championships held on Lake Illawarra in consecutive weekends throughout January.
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First up was the Australian Flying Ant National Championships, with the Spiral Class Australian Championships following a week later over the Australia Day weekend.
The Illawara’s crop of junior athletes performed exceptionally well at both competitions.
An Illawarra Yacht Club contingent competed in the Flying Ant class, with Jake Morgan and Grace Bunyan finishing fourth and Audrey Scheu and Zoe Bower fifth in the scratch competition.
The club shone in the handicap competition, with Jade Bower and Abby Clarke taking home the sliver medal. The pair led the competition into the final day of racing, however they were unable to hold off fast finishing Victorian pair Phillip Gripsey and Mason Mahoney.
Illawarra’s Elliot Winn and Noah Chenhall finished in third.
“Jade and Abby were leading into the last day, however Victorian newcomers on board Rapido had an outstanding day, winning the last two races and taking the title,” Illawarra Yacht Club’s Phil Bower said.
“Hornet [Jade and Abby] had an amazing day in the light wind conditions on the Sunday, with two second places and a win.”
With the Flying Ant competition wrapped up, it was time for the Spiral Class racers to vie for an Australian title on Lake Illawarra’s pristine waters.
Oak Flats Sailing Club sent a crew of juniors to contest the event, with many competing in their first competition.
Despite the inexperience of Oak Flat’s juniors, the sailors recorded a number of impressive results.
Contesting the 4.5 Protoype Sail Division, the club’s sailors recorded a clean sweep of the podium. Maarten Overton took out the top prize, with Koby Wingate and Bailey Hardie close behind in second and third place.
Charles Overton was fourth overall and took out the Handicap competition.
