Sailtech dominates Queensland Championship

See live onboard footage – full blast!

Under cloudy skies and a light to moderate southerly, Sailtech Sails stamped their authority winning Heats 3 and 4 to take the 18ft Skiff Queensland Championship for 2011.

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Four skiffs met the starter for Heat Three, Sailtech (Adam Young), Pure Blonde Qld (Laurie Williamson), Queenslander (Chris Garrett) and Bulimba Firetruck (Matt Ponting).  Panasonic sailed an impressive first beat to take an early lead over Sailtech, however by the bottom mark of the windward-leeward course on Waterloo Bay, Sailtech had closed considerably.  Our on the water spies missed exactly what happened, but Pure Blonde  seemed to be trying a “crazy Ivan” move on Sailtech by spinning before the mark forcing some fast moves by Sailtech to keep clear.  Whatever happened, Sailtech came out best to lead around mark two, and from there was never headed.  Queenslander performed well, but fell back with a capsize to finish well behind in third.  Bulimba Firetruck found difficulties at the top mark and failed to finish heat three, and returned ashore prior to heat four’s start.

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With time marching on and the breeze again fading, heat four was shortened to a one lap dash.  Sailtech favoured a mid line port hand start with Pure Blonde and Queenslander electing a more conservative starboard hand start from the committee boat.  With port tack well and truly favoured, victory was secured for Sailtech then and there, and they sailed a faultless race to win easily, and to collect the championship ribbons.  Pure Blonde finished second with Queenslander third.

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