Essence of victory in Tasmanian Sabre titles

11:02 AM Sun 4 Apr 2010 GMT

'Racing in Eighty Options Tasmanian Sabre Championships held on Port Esperance, Dover' 2010 Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta Click Here to view large photo

Matt Westland sailed Essence to victory in the Eighty Options Tasmanian Sabre State Titles conducted by the Port Esperance Sailing Club. The six race series was held over the Easter weekend as part of the Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta. Matthew Pearce in Tenacity was second with Tony Fist in Weekend Warrior third.

The series began on Good Friday with two races in light and shifting south to south-easterly breezes. The three overall place getters dominated race 1 while race two was won by Jeremy Fish in XS. Day 2 saw even more fickle breezes though the pressure and direction settled for the afternoon. Winners of the three races were Matt Westland, Jeremy Fish and Matthew Pearce. Race 6 was won by Eric Szabo in Itszaboat.

The series was a litigious affair with a number of results decided in the protest room, marring what otherwise was a well-sailed series in sometimes testing tactical conditions.

The Eighty Options Tasmanian State Titles is the first state championships held at the Port Esperance Sailing Club in any class since 1961. It is recognition of the club's efforts to build the Sabre class in its dinghy fleet and of the growing status of the Huon Tasmanian Salmon Port Esperance Regatta which next year celebrates its 150th anniversary.

by Steven L Harrison