2005 Australian Nationals
Tasmanian crew Lucy Shephard and Sophie Chesterman in “Capricious” have shown great consistency in the light to moderate conditions to win the 2005 International Cadet Australian Championships, held in NSW for the first time. With 2 heat wins, 5 podium finishes and a 9th as a discard, the girls scored a comfortable victory from Jock Sinclair and Matt Fitzpatrick from Geelong in “Longreach” and Kate Aulich and Anton Sasson from Sandringham in “Striker"
The 86-strong fleet made a colourful sight sailing out of Woollahra Sailing Club. The resurgence of the class in recent years and its growth in NSW, plus the lure of sailing in Sydney for the first time in its 44 year history, ensured a big turn-out. The brilliant weather certainly helped to showcase the harbour at its best and the added attractions of the Sydney-Hobart start and the New Years Eve fireworks made for a memorable time for the interstate families and crews.
As always in the International Cadet Class, the interstate team trophy was hotly contested. Victoria triumphed over traditional rivals Tasmania to win the prestigious Tillett Trophy. The Handicap Prize went to “Brothers in Arms” from RYCV, skippered by Sam Duncan and crewed by Olivia Finlayson. Sadly, Lewis Duncan the regular crew, broke his wrist two days before the regatta. The Harry Richards Trophy for the Most Determined Crew saw a popular win to “The Flying Crow” crewed by Jake Clark and Madeline Whitehead from the new fleet at Port Lincoln.
It was also a time of generational change with many of the stars of the last few years moving through into senior classes. First year skippers were plentiful and more than proved their worth. The fleet also boasted the children of two previous Cadet World Champions and one current Olympic sailor, heralding the arrival of the next generation.
The class continues to grow in NSW with two more boats purchased after the titles. The Redlands Sailing Club base at Mosman Bay is sure to be a hive of activity in coming months.
As with all International Cadet national championships, the climax of the event was the announcement of the Australian Team, and reserves, for the 2006 World titles in Hungary.
The Australian team comprises:
- Capricious – Lucy Shephard and Sophie Chesterman
- Stolen Pig – Sally Peacock and Doug Shephard
- Insayne – Henry and Isabella Say
- Pelorus – Tom Ransley and Katie Hudson
- Sure Thing – Tom Kelly and Kane Skelton
- Drop Bears – Elliott and Lewis Noye
- Kaos – Cameron and Alison Dale
Reserves:
- Drama Queen – Ellen Ketteridge and Matt Beckwith
- Mustang Sally – Catherine and Dean Johnston
- Satani – Tahali Kikuchi-Miller and James Minns
All in the class wish them well in their endeavours. Not doubt too, many are already planning and preparing for the 2006 titles at Sandy Bay in Tasmania.
Final Overall Results (Microsoft Excel)
Martin Pryor (Class and Regatta Chairman)