The Beneteau First 34.7 DYNAMIC saying deep in heavy air with her UK Sailmakers A3.
(BUSSELTON, WA Feb 14-19, 2016) Western Australia’s premier keel boat regatta was sailed on Geographe Bay, which is located approx 100nm south of Fremantle. 52 boats raced in six divisions. The fleet saw winds from both ends of the spectrum with light for the first two days and 16-30 knots of wind for the last two days. In between was a lay day that allowed competitors the opportunity to get out and sample the fine wines and foods of the Margaret River region. At the end of the regatta UK Sailmakers clients had won four of the six division with clients also finishing 2nd in three of the divisions.
Peter Burtenshaw and Mike Campbell
The highlights of the regatta for UK Sailmakers Fremantle’s Geoff Bishop were;
1. Watching the tight tussle in Division 2 between the two Beneteau 34.7’s, Laurie Flynne’s Dynamic and Peter Burtenshaw’s MINDS EYE. Peter, the new owner of MINDS EYE, had the advantage of a new set of X-Drive working sails, where as Laurie had the experience in knowing his boat well. In the end Peter gave a hard fight, but experience got Laurie to the top of the podium, while MINDS EYE finished second.
2. It was also pleasing to see Busselton local Doug Lawler take the win in the Race/Cruiser Division; Doug has been trying for a while. Actually all the place-getters in this division where from country area’s, which was really good to see.
3. The Racer/ Cruiser IRC Division only had three yachts and they were all UK clients. When the wind picked up on the last two days, Tony Carter’s Just Cruis’in was able to get away from the other two smaller yachts, but he was pushed by the smaller Nuzulu who’s light air performance was enhanced by a new Trogear bowsprit.
4. Geoff also was really happy for Ron Meyers who came away with an overall win in the Cruising fleet. Ron put a new Black Titanium mainsail and headsail on board at the start of this sailing season. His comments to Geoff during the regatta, was how much easier and faster his boat was to sail compared to last year.
5. In the Jib and Main division, Donnybrook farmer Ken Walker had a very popular win. Ken took ownership of the yacht at last year’s regatta and fairly new to sailing always finished a long way back, this year he surprised everyone with his improvement. He and his crew where by far the happiest amongst the winners.
Ken Walker and the Leonie crew.
Final results:
Div 1 IRC
1st Farr 40 “The Next factor” Dave Walling.
2nd GP 42 ‘Black Betty” Gary McNally
3rd Farr 40 “Enterprise” Anthony Kirke.
Div 2 IRC
1st Beneteau 34.7 “Dynamic” Laurie Flynne with UK Sails
2nd Beneteau 34.7 “ Mind’s Eye” Peter Burtenshaw with UK sails
3rd Kerr 32 “Ocean Ranger” Hugh Warner.
Racer/Cruiser Division
1st OD 35” Twist and Shout” owned by Doug Lawler
2nd Titan 36 “ Electric Tram” owned by Barry Brown/ Greg Simpson with UK Sails.
3rd Flying Tiger ‘Easy Tiger” owned by Michael Cameron.
Racer /Cruiser IRC
1st Beneteau First 40 ‘Just Cruis’in” Tony Carter with UK Sails
2nd Stienman half tonner “ Nuzulu” John Palmer / Jaye Martin with UK sails
3rd Beneteau 35 “ La Premiere” Mike Campbell with UK Sails.
Cruising Division
1st S97 “ Hornet’s Nest” Ron Meyers with UK sails
2nd S97 “ Ocean Cowboy” Fred Talbot
3rd Dufour “ Spritzig 2” Diana Dunbar
Jib and Main
1st Catalina 35 “ Leonie” Ken Walker with UK sails.
2nd Bavaria “Heaven can Wait” Gary Griffiths
3rd “French Kiss” Jean-Philippe Hanriot with UK sails.
