Victorian State Titles 2022

Over the weekend of March 12-14th Rye YC hosted the ELEMENT SAILS Victorian Championships for 2022.

Light and changeable winds saw both sailors and race committees tested. In the end the 4.9 Cats were Ollie McKeon, James Cooper and Steve Owens 1,2,3 and the Sloops saw Peter Dunk/Kate Hyde first and Ant Richards/Tilly Richards (in her first ever regatta) taking out 2nd place.

The racing was much closer than the results might suggest, a number of races conducted at or near wind minimums. In the end, we had to settle for 6 of the scheduled 9 races. There were at least 6 sailors who could have made a podium place in the Cats but either bad luck or bad timing went against them.

It was great to have such close racing and strong competition. Of particular note is the sportsmanship of Michael and Maxine Jopp who abandoned a race session to assist another competitor with a health emergency - truly the Taipan Spirit.

We also inaugurated the “Taipan Legends” award. This award was commissioned by class stalwart Warren Morse and will be awarded annually to someone who has served the class with distinction. We are pleased to announce Ant Richards as the first recipient - well done Mate!!

See below for results, and some awesome photos courtesy of Rye Yacht Club: