South Australian State Heats 1 & 2

6 November 2012

South Australian Fireball State Championship Races 1 & 2 (4/11/12)

Sponsored by Burson Auto Parts www.burson.com.au

We arrived in Wallaroo to hot and glassy conditions.  With 36 degrees and a not too promising wind forecast we were anticipating a slow day on the water. Fortunately the breeze filled in just in time and we had two quick races in a 15-20 knot N-NE breeze and nice flat water. The courses were loop, triangle, finish.

Race 1.

After a general recall we started on a black flag (thankfully no casualties).

With a short first work to the top mark, the fleet was very closely bunched.  

John Heywood/Brett Litteldike rounded in third but showed great wire running skills and split from the fleet to take a comfortable lead at the bottom mark which they held to the finish.  Robin Inns/Joel Coultas snuck pass Greg Allison/Richard Watson to take 2nd and the fast finishing Matt Carter/Matt Neale only seconds behind in 4th.

Race 2.

In similar conditions the fleet charged off for the 2nd race and got away clean on the first try.

Nathan Stockley/David Kemp had the lead at the top mark but a mishap during a jibe on the run had Robin/Joel in the lead at the bottom mark which they held onto for the remainder of the race. The group behind were again very close. Greg/Richard had a tight tussle with John/Brett in the final stages of the race and finished 2nd/3rd.

After just 2 races the results are as expected tight. It is great to see the close racing throughout the fleet and we expect this to continue.  

Thanks to our day sponsor, Burson Auto Parts, the fleet was treated to a free sausage sizzle that was well received. Race winners were also shouted a drink.

This year we also have a 'Screwball' of the day award presented to the person(s) who had demonstrated the most deserving 'screwball' type behaviour. Our first recipient was Pete Allison who assisted by Ian (Nads) Nadebaum had decorated Greg and Richard's boat.  Last week Greg and Richard had rescued a cat sailor who had become separated from his boat. Pete and Nads decided that Greg and Richard were part of team 'International Rescue' and plastered their boat with Thunderbird stickers! Pete's award was a free drink from the bar however the catch was he had to dress in the supplied 'Screwball' clothing for the duration of the drink!

The next two races will be held at the Port River S.C. on the 18th of November.