On Saturday 17th of August 2024, the only A Class event (GP4) so far for the NSWRYA in 2024 was
held on Lake Illawarra and hosted by the Illawarra Radio Yacht Club (IRYC). The event attracted a
small fleet consisting of eight (8) of the best local A Class sailors and a sole entry from Sydney.
While strong winds and possible rain were forecast for the event the competitors were met with
sunny skies and a reasonable 10knt consistent breeze from the west which provided good options for
the course which was able to be set parallel to the shoreline and control area.
Racing began slightly after 10.00am due to some last technical issues (gremlins) that impacted our
local A Class stalwart, Brian Dill, from getting onto the water but eventually we got underway
conducting five (5) races under “B rig” conditions with however Brian gremlins were not quite sorted
seeing him rescue in the first race and striking a few other times through the event.
Right from the start in these testing conditions it was clear that our visitor from the north, Daniel
Weizman, would be the sailor to beat today as he dominated the first series of races winning all races
by a healthy margin followed Brian Dill, Lauire Hinchcliff and Barry Grant who battled it out for the
minor places before the wind increased to over 20knts at about 11:30am when the Race Officer, in
consultation with competitors, called an early lunch to all conditions to stabilize and rigs changes if
required.
When racing recommenced at 12:30pm the breeze was still strong from the west in the 20knt range
with gusts exceeding that at times with those with “C rigs” opting for the smaller rigs while those
that left them at home battled on in “B Rigs” or some sensibly opted out and watched on from the
sideline as the bravest battled it out on the water. A further three (3) races were held with several
breaks between each as conditions become less favorable.
Even in the increasing winds and having to carry his “B Rig” all day Daniel continued his dominance in
his Sword that seemed to relish the conditions and while the conditions claimed a few casualties
along the way the locals continued with close racing for minor places with Ralph Hyman and Lester
Pearson hanging in with some consistent performances. After nine races (9) and with the breeze
seeming to continue to increase the Race Officer, in consultation with a unanimous vote from the
competitors, called an early end to the event at 2:00pm.
Congratulations go to the Podium Winners and all their fellow sailors for a successful day.
1st Daniel Weizman
2nd Brian Dill
3rd Laurie Hinchcliffe
Thanks goes to the volunteer members from the IRYC that supported the event in David Moll as the
Race Officer, John Ricklemen and Allan Thompson as Registrars, Peter Andersen, Dennis Yarrow,
Vince Zweers and Kevin Costello as Observers and Bruce Benoit for operating the Recovery Boat,
setting the courses and also being an Observer.