SABRE NATIONALS – BELLERIVE YACHT CLUB TASMANIA
Susan Hextell from Cleveland Yacht Club represented Queensland in the 32nd Sabre National Championships at Bellerive Yacht Club in Tasmania 28th Dec 2009 to 3rd Jan 2010, it was a record fleet of 61 boats a great effort indeed.
Susan was the only entrant from Queensland to make the 5048 km round trip. She wore a maroon penny with a big white Q over a white outline map of Qld, one would say “she carried the whole of Queensland on her back.”
Two Invitation races were held in a strong WNW breeze on 28 Dec, and Heats 1 & 2 on 29 Dec in equally strong SE winds. Long day on 29 Dec with SE 12 to 15 knots for Heat 3 easing 5 to 8 knots for Heat 4.
More moderate SE sea breeze on 30th Dec for Heats 5 & 6. Gusty NW winds in the 15-25 knot range on 31st Dec for Heats 7 & 8. Jan 2nd much more typical Tassie weather - low 20's, and strong 20 - 25 knot westerly which turned into 40 knot + winds needless to say boats were capsized everywhere plus some even cart-wheeling across the water, racing was cancelled for the day whilst rescue crews were kept busy retrieving boats etc., no injuries were reported and very little damage to boats.
Susan sailed consistantly and finished every race, she did Queensland proud and is to be congratulated on such a gutsy effort.
Full results can be seen on http://www.sabre.org.au/tasmania/200910SabreNationalsinHobart.html