The first official races of the 2011 Queensland Youth Week got underway here at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Moderate winter conditions allowed for the race committee to push through two solid races across the three course areas.
On the northern course the Laser radial and 4.7’s got underway at 12:30. Coming out of the blocks fast and proving his experience over the fleet was Queensland Sailing Team member Mitchell Kennedy. “I was happy with today, I’m leading overall and it was good racing” he said. In second is Daniel Smith followed closely by Madison Kennedy in third, all Queensland Sailing Team members, enjoying Queensland’s winter racing.
In the smaller rigged 4.7 class Western Australian Ben Walkemeyer leads with a consistent score of a 1st and 2nd in today’s races. In second and third are New South Wales training partners Joshua Dawson and Millie Bennet, sailors from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
Across to the western course and the enormously strong Optimist fleet battled it out in near perfect conditions today. Leading after two races is Western Australian young gun Chris Charwood currant Australian Optimist Champion. On equal points with Charwood is Victorian James Mcleenan, who battled head to head with the Australian Champion, on the water today. In third is best placed Queensland youngster Kye Evans, who had a consistent day and is planning on improving tomorrow in the predicted lighter conditions.
On the Eastern Course the large 29er fleet punched off the start line at mid day in a moderate southerly breeze that had the boats just planning upwind. Tight top mark rounding’s in both races made for some intense racing, however not tough enough for Queenslanders Tom Siganto and Joel Turner who took two wins today.
“The conditions were moderate, but it was abit choppy which made it difficult” Siganto said. “Our boat speed was good today, we were keeping the boat really flat and we were fast, we are hoping to do the same sort of thing tomorrow”. He added. In second is young up and comers Lachie Robba and Alex Ker from Queensland, followed closely by NSW sailors Brooke Smith and Sam Ellis.
The prediction for tomorrow looks grim with a 2-4 knot southerly that could alter attempts at racing. However the regatta has only just began here in Queensland and the racing has never been tighter.