DRAGON BITES

2023 Victorian States

2023 VICTORIAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – METUNG

Following the Prince Philip Cup in Sydney, Sandy Anderson and I towed Plum Crazy down to Metung on the Gippsland Lakes in readiness for the Victorian State Championships. It was a faultless 11-hour drive. We departed Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron early on Sunday morning via the Harbour Tunnel and on to the M1, M5, M31, M23, then the picturesque Monaro Highway and over the Snowy Mountains to East Gippsland. We left Plum Crazy grazing in a paddock near Metung. A few weeks later Sandy, Caroline Gibson and I returned to Metung to compete in the Victorian State Championships, January 27–29.

Sailing on Lake King, part of the chain of Gippsland Lakes, was a delight. Especially after the wind, rain, tide, chop and water traffic on Sydney Harbour a few weeks earlier. We sailed three-up (Sandy Anderson, Caroline Gibson, Susie Parker) and were pleased to complete all three races on Day 1 in 18–20 knots of breeze. Days 2 and 3 were milder, perfect 12–15knots. We held our own well in these conditions and were in the middle of the small fleet of seven, with our best being 2nd place in Race 5.

Lake King is a vast body of water and enables longer windward/leeward courses to be set – up to 1.2 nautical miles between marks. The course can also be established in the middle of the body of water, so with no built-up areas and a relatively low-lying land mass surrounding the racing area, there are few sudden shifts. The locals were often split as to whether to go left or right.

The contest was very close with local Metung identity and AIDA President Fred Haes in Wicked II taking out first place in the first three races, whilst Nick Rogers grabbed second place. Nick Rogers, having also left his Karabos IX in Metung after the PPC, then took first place in Races 4–6. With Sandy Anderson and Damien Daniels (Imagination) taking 2nd places in the latter races, Fred had to do more than just come 1st in the last race of the Regatta – he had to bury Nick down the bottom of the pack. It didn’t happen and Nick won the title from Fred Haes (2nd) and Damien Daniels (3rd). We were 4th and faced the same challenge as Fred. To come 3rd, we had to beat Damien in the last race by several places. That wasn’t to be – Damien had a great last race, a befitting performance for another Metung local.

Metung Yacht Club is a smart, friendly club with a rich sailing history going back to the 1930s. Their recently refurbished club house is near the centre of town, walking distance from a great pub and plenty of accommodation. However, the town fills up quickly in summer as it is one of Victoria’s most loved holiday spots. If you are thinking of entering the PPC 2024, then book early. And you won’t be disappointed with the sailing venue.

Forthcoming Regattas

Dragon Class Regattas for the diary:

• 2024 Prince Phillip Cup National Championship; 21–28

January 2024, Metung, Victoria

• 2025 PPC; January 2025, Perth dates TBC.

Don’t forget you can follow the Australian International Dragon Class on Facebook for local and world Dragon fleet news. If travelling, view the IDA website for events being held around the world: www.internationaldragonsailing.net/ fixtures-results/regattas-2023