OPEN SKIFF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

DECEMBER 2021

THE OPEN SKIFF STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS were held at SoPYC in December with a strong fleet of 30 competitors participating across both open and intermediate.

RFBYC was represented with ten sailors competing against eight clubs across the state that included EFYC, MBSC, PDSC, SOPYC, MOFSC, KBSC, GBYC and one sailor from Christmas Island.

A total eight races were completed across two days, sailing both the traditional triangle and the international slalom course that provided a change of style and spectacular action that was welcomed by all sailors. It was very pleasing to see a strong fleet of new young faces across the intermediate fleet that represent the future of the class and skiff sailing for the years ahead.

Congratulations to RFBYC’s Brenn Armstrong winning the under 13 State Title and second overall. Other open class sailors finishing in the top ten included Bindy Vitales-Jones, Hudson Armstrong, Darcy Brinkmann-Gray, Wojteck Tarasewicz and Oceana Oakly.

In the intermediate class, congratulations to Noah Tiller finishing third with Charlie van der Sturyf and Peirs Bringkmann-Gray all in the top ten.

A notable mention to Hudson Armstrong for being awarded the Outstanding Sports Person for the event. The Open State Champion was, Harry Griffiths (EFYC) and Intermediate, Finn van Duren (MOFSC).

One of the core values of Open Skiff Sailing is to have fun and the State Championships certainly achieved this across the weekend. In addition to the state titles there were a few scheduled team races to ensure friendships are built across the state. A feature event on the calendar is always the parent’s race that provides spectators with one of the most enjoyable, competitive and hilarious events of the year, and really does acknowledge how skilled these juniors sailors are at their sport.

Full results, pictures and videos of the action can be viewed at the WA Open Skiff Sailing Facebook page.

Special thanks to SoPYC for hosting the event, all the volunteers and sponsors that included Gill, Boating Hardware & Skiff Gear Online.