VICTORIAN YOUTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

EASTER 2022

OVER THE EASTER BREAK, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria held the Victorian Youth State Championships, a national level event for the selection of the Youth World championships later this year. In the 29er, three out of the six teams that travelled represented RFBYC over the four days of tricky racing.

On day one, the 29er fleet faced a light sea breeze that quickly shutdown allowing the Northerly gradient to come through. A single race was held due to the difficult and patient racing as the fleet raced in 0.5 knots at one point!

Day two, a roaring 23-30 knot Northerly made up some very exciting racing on the 29er course. The conditions lead to four fast races, that saw many lead changes and at some instances even more swims. The RFBYC team was able to put consistent scores on the board with Zach and Vas scoring three top five results, Ona and Pol improving greatly, and the Cameron brothers placing considerably well, being underweight by 20 – 40kgs when compared to the top teams.

Day three, sailors were keen to get back on the water, but the lack of wind led to a lot of waiting and no racing.

Day four, the final day the fleet was ready to hit the water early in anticipation of the strong Southerly forecasted. As the breeze increased so did the chop, making it the ultimate challenge for all sailors, having to battle against 20-25 knots of wind and up to 2m chop. The conditions made for spectacular and competitive racing. Four races were held in these conditions to decide the final standings as all was up for grabs in the front group. Overall, Zachary Sprunt and Vassilis Katsaitis finished in 3rd, Ona and Pol Rafart came 13th and, Angus and Alasdair Cameron 25th.

With many lessons and takeaways, the fleet is hard at work as the two RFBYC teams, Zachary Sprunt and Vassilis Katsaitis and, Ona and Pol Rafart are preparing for the 29er world championships in Barcelona, Spain. The RFBYC 29er fleet enjoyed competing nationally again after two years and thanks the yacht club for the ongoing support and involvement.

29er squad playing it very cool in Victoria!