6:24 AM Mon 15 Mar 2010 GMT 'Rhapsody in Blue just ahead on the run - 2010 Western Australian Etchells Championships' Dirk van der Struyf Click Here to view large photo The 2010 WA Etchells Championships have once again gone to class veteran and consistent performer Rob Bird and his long time crew of Graeme Johnson and Nic Gray sailing Rhapsody in Blue. Last year's champion Skip Lissiman on Bandwagon took second place and Gary Smith on Tusk rounded out the podium to take a well deserved third. The regatta was run over two weekends with the first weekend providing excellent, tight and tactical racing in variable southeast breezes on the Swan River. Four races were completed on weekend one with some exciting racing and a few black flag starters to mix up the results overall. Weekend two just completed was a frustrating one for competitors and race management alike with an unusual weather system sitting over Perth which shut the breeze down completely on race day 3 with no races getting underway. Race day 4 was met with a similar forecast and all crews were subsequently towed to the race course to wait to complete the final two races. A light westerly eventually filled across the course and the race committee did a great job getting two short races away to complete the six race series, presentations were held on the upstairs deck of the picturesque Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club with Bird and his crew accepting the trophy. In an understatement of his expert helming skills Rob Bird was quoted 'I am blessed with two wonderful crew who make me look good, they always ensure I don't take big risks and importantly keep us going fast'. Indeed Bird did not win a race however was never outside the top four in all heats in a testament to his consistent regatta were it is crucial to not have a blow out result. by Dirk van der Struyf

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