Spectacular Sharpies hit the Derwent

9:38 AM Mon 28 Dec 2009 GMT

'Sharpie action on the Derwent' Peter Campbell &copy

The Australian Sharpie, one of the icons of adult off-the-beach, high performance sailing, hit the River Derwent running today with some spectacular sailing in lead-up races to the National championships.

Sailing in north-westerly breezes of 14-17 knots, with some gusts of 20 knots, the Sharpies produced fast downwind sailing under spinnaker in the two invitation races, with Tasmanian Ric Buchanan placed in both races.

The 27 boat fleet includes a strong South Australian contingent, with Adelaide sailors winning both invitation races. Mal Higgins sailed Blur to victory in the first race from local competitors Ric Buchanan in One Hump or Two with third place going to Gun Smoke, helmed by Paul Burnell, Commodore of the host club, the Sandy Bay Sailing Club.

Jason Heritage won the second race in Bread Run, followed close by fellow South Australian Dave Higgins in All Scoobed Out with Ric Buchanan third.

The first heat will be sailed tomorrow, starting at 2pm off the Sandy Bay Sailing Club with the seven heat regatta continuing through to 6 January.

by Peter Campbell

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