Shadowfax helmed by Mark Gooding has taken out this year’s S80 State Championship held over the labour day long weekend in Cockburn Sound, with a convincing win. For the Shadowfax crew of Mark Gooding, Pete Botman, Simon Griffiths, Jim Gooding and John Boswell, it has been many years in the making, testing the leader board with numerous second places. But this year saw a quick boat, consistent sailing, and few mistakes to clinch the title.
Four SoPYC boats ventured down for the series and had great results. John Hassen jumped off the Queen Mary and onto Glasgow Kiss (with owner Greg Tonnison and a crew from Wicked) finishing in a solid second overall with some great sailing. Don’t Panic!! (Mat Selby) took out a big heat win in race 5, and James Barton jetted in from the colds of China to helm Abby Road with some of his family and mates, grabbing a great third place finish in race 6.
Testing and challenging conditions were on offer with heavy easterlies on day 1 seeing the small jibs go up and many tumbles under kite in the 3 races. Day 2 saw some very light conditions over the 3 races and tested everyone’s patience and skill, while the final day 3 saw a strong south-westerly breeze in the morning with two races wrapping up the series and again putting boats and crews to the test.
It was John Hassen who last took out the S80 State Title for SoPYC almost 20 years ago in 2005 on Balancing Act in a close fought tie-break with Bill Brownlee on Scott Park Homes (aka Shadowfax) also from SoPYC. Bill has never quite forgotten as John is never backward in reminding Bill of the name on the trophy when the two of them catch up.
A terrific regatta was enjoyed by all and great to see a bunch of boats from SoPYC competing for the top prize in the S80 Association fleet.
For those with a keen eye you will notice Amego and John Holder’s name appear on the trophy quite a few times. John is just about finished his truly epic renovation of Amigo and will see its return to SoPYC and the swan river in the next few weeks (or thereabouts)!
For those wanting the challenge of close one design keelboat racing we have two different and terrific S80 opportunities available for any keen sailors at SoPYC. Glasgow Kiss (second in this year’s State Titles) has a 1/3rd share available. Ex RP boat Zinfandel is currently undergoing some repairs in Bunbury with our KBSC contacts, and will be returning to SoPYC and the market very soon – a great entry level boat. Get on board.
