20 IOMs came out to sail in the GP2 regatta for 2024. This regatta is also named in memory of Susan McAnna who was taken from the world far to young! Susan’s contribution to NSW RC Sailing cannot be understated as she held the NSWRYA Secretary position for a number of years and also managed scoring for a number of events.

Day 1 started out under overcast conditions with a solid B Rig breeze. Matthew McAnna held the PRO role for the day and provided a moving briefing urging sportsmanship. Racing started promptly at 10 in two fleets, With Anne Walker again keeping the fleet management and scoring under control, ably assisted by Sylvia Newman across both Sat and Sun.

Paul Jones jumped out to an early lead and sailed consistently through out the day keeping well on top of the score sheet. Lindsay Walker and Ben Taylor had a full on arm wrestle through out that day, with a fairly tight bunch 4 – 9 swapping positions through out the day. Breeze held fair all through the day and day 1 wrapped with some great sailing and everyone looking forward to Sunday.

Sunday dawned with the dreaded “W” in the breeze direction which had the fleet sailing an inverse of the course from Saturday. Conditions through out the morning remained light and variable which certainly took some focus and patience as the breeze did its thing. Owen Jarvis stepped in as PRO for Sunday and had some great support from Scott Condie through out the day. With slightly lower numbers for Day 2 we switched early to a single fleet – made for some interesting starts and a number of general recalls, the black flag also made an appearance for one start sequence following a couple of GRs. Funny how far back from the line everyone was with the black flag on show :).

Paul Jones continued to dominate the top of the score sheet and built build a substantial lead. Lindsay and Ben continued their tussle to the remainder of the podium positions, with a tight bunch of Paul Morrish, Laurie Hinchcliff, Terry McLeod and Daniel Weizman continuing the competition deep into the next places.

The breeze softened significantly through out the morning leading to some amazing lifts and shifts that added spice to the sailing. Breeze continued to soften and shift after the lunch break with a few gusts coming through making the choice of which side of the course would pay off more difficult as the day went on.

Thanks to all the volunteers that gave of their time to support the sailors through out the regatta and I think Susan would have approved of the sportsmanship through out!

Congratulations to Paul Jones, Lindsay Walker and Ben Taylor – 1,2 & 3 respectively. Lindsay also took the memorial trophy as the highest placed NSW sailor who has not won the trophy before.

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