Nice rides downhill @ the Sprint Series

 With the biggest ever cash prize kitty of $2000 and the largest turnout yet of Cherubs, the 3rd Billabong Brewing Sprint Series was a fiercely competitive regatta.

The Sprint series was held over the 6^th and 7^th of December and comprised of 3 rounds. Each round had 3 back-to-back short races, each race in the form of a windward return using a gate in the middle.

Conditions were a perfect 20 knot South Westerly for the first round on Saturday afternoon with race sponsors Synovate watching the excitement from the spectator boat. “Serenity Now” sailed by Steve and Blake Vance put in a flawless act and won every race and consequently won that round. There were a fair few spills, but none more dangerous than Josh Leslie from Fine Mess falling off right between the gate. Lucky he had his hand up otherwise he would have been run over.

Following tradition the sailors decided to party it up Saturday night, this time in Leederville. Most guys and girls were getting right into it knowing there was a cash prize for “Biggest Party Animal” presented on Sunday, subsequently won by Todd McVee from “Back in Black” but it’s probably best we don’t go into why.

Sunday morning’s round kindly sponsored by “Rhiannon Fryer “was characterised by a very light indecisive breeze swinging from North East to South at around 5 knots. Heavy- weights Cam Rule and Todd Montgomery on “Cunning Linguist” dominated in the light weather helped along by their powered up rig. Luckily the courses were short so no-one had to suffer too much.

A nice strong South Westerly blew again for the last round on Sunday afternoon and the boys on Cunning Linguist went into it 2 points in front, but spent too much time showing off around the spectator boat and missed the start of the first race. By the time the second and third race had completed the lead was shattered by some consistent top finishes by the closest competitor and a new winner had emerged.

 Young Guns Brennan Stead and Josh Leslie on “Fine Mess” from Perth Dinghy Sailing Club took the honours in what resulted in a very tight contest between the top 3 boats. Long time Cherub sailors and last year’s winners from Mounts Bay Sailing Club, Cam Rule and Todd Montgomery on “Cunning Linguist” were runners up. 3^rd place was taken by Steve and Blake Vance on Serenity Now from Perth Dinghy Sailing Club, who could have won the series if they placed better in the lighter weather.

“Go” sailed by Matthew Jones and Daniel Lucas demonstrated their fast improving sailing skills by winning handicap. The best women sailor’s prize was won by Renae Vance and Rachel Jones on “Who Made Who”. XO sailed by Telisha Crannage and Bronwyn Campell took out the “Best Stack” award by hitting a power boat.

Series sponsors “Billabong Brewing” had a fantastic time out on the river watching Cherubs fly past the gate in the last race. Many of the sailors were lucky enough to sample their gluten free range of beers that were left over from the spectator boat. Some even lucky enough to sail right up to the spectator boat and grab a beer for the ride back to the club.

Presentations were held at Mounts Bay Sailing Club which had a festival type atmosphere. There was a DJ pumping out some great beats and much of the prize money found its way back to the bar. The celebrations went on long into the night, capping off what was a very successful regatta.