5:41 AM Sun 17 Jan 2010 GMT
The Endeavour Yacht Association of Australia held its 2010 State and National Championships, which were hosted by Gosford Sailing Club from 8-10 January.
The Endeavour Class has a long and proud tradition of racing, cruising and deep water sailing, and is a very competitive boat even today, 45 years after its inception in Botany Bay. And the Endeavour Association is as active and enthusiastic group of sailors as you can find anywhere. There is rivalry, of course, but whenever anyone has an issue or a problem, the other Endeavour owners and sailors are quick to come forward with help or recommendations.
15 Endeavour 26's and 9 Endeavours from 24' to 39' were entered (although a few did not start) the race. The wind was very light just leading up to the start, but filled in nicely, and kept all competitors on their toes. Reading the wind became a critical factor in this race.
In the Endeavour 24 class, NorthHarbour boat 'Dumaresq' took the line honours, followed by Gosford boats 'Bubba' and 'Sea Gypsy'.
Dumaresq is no newcomer to the podium, she has taken out the State and the National Championship two years in a row prior to this one, including twice trailering the boat to Perth for the title race.
And Bubba and Sea Gypsy are both excellent examples of how a very inexpensive boat can be rescued from apparent ruin and brought to a beautiful, seaworthy and competitive condition, something that has happened to many other Endeavours over the years.
In the Endeavour 27+ class, another North Harbour boat, 'Hagar' won (expectedly), followed by Gosford boat 'Kiatoa' and 'Second Fling' from Sydney Amateurs.
The largest class, the Endeavour 26's, was well populated with former champion boats, making for a tight race, with lead- and position changes throughout. Last year's Champion 'Rebel' from Wangi Sailing Club won by nine seconds from Botany Bay's 'Kokomo', another recently 'revived boat'. Gosford boat 'Divine Intervention' came third.
Full Results at:
www.gosfordsailingclub.com.au/level3_contain.php?id=77&;sId=83
www.endeavour.asn.au/
by Swampy Marsh
|
Manly, QLD
