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Gus McIntyre – Sabre Aus Champ!

January 8, 2024

45th Australian Sabre Championship,

28 December – 3 January 2024

written by Alister Danks

Gus McIntyre of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron has been crowned National Sabre Champion after a superb effort at McCrae Yacht Club. Gus placed consistently in the top 3-4, with a combination of great starts, boat speed, tactics and regatta management. He had several close contests with dual Olympian and former Laser World Champion, Krystal Weir who finished second and Hamish Cowell (BYS) who finished third. Alister Danks (BYS) was fourth overall on count-back, and first of the oldies in the Grand Masters.

Gus is the first Youth to win the Nationals since 1993, following in the footsteps of the master, Wayne Bates in 1984.

The regatta was sailed in variable and shifty winds in the beautiful turquoise water off McCrae. Days 1, 3, 4 and 5 had light to medium winds, while day 2 had strong winds, stormy clouds and rough seas (18-22 knots, gusting up to 25 knots). Day 4 was challenged by wind shifts of up to 180°, and an approaching thunderstorm which caused for racing to be cancelled after 3 starting attempts. The tide had a strong presence all week. Initially holding boats off the start line, but then pushing them over, which resulted in multiple general recalls and a number of black flag disqualifications.

Blairgowrie is back to a dominate position in the Sabre class with 21 representatives, 5 of 7 heat wins, and two trifectas (1-2-3). As Steve Cowell said, “No wonder it’s hard to win a drinks voucher at club racing these days”.

Samantha Batty (BYS) had a string of great results including a 4th and an 11th on day one, setting her up for a stand-out regatta. Sam placed 12th overall and 2nd female sailor behind Krystal who was the first female, with Jacqui Lawson (BYS), third. Kirsten Binns-Smith won the prestigious female mid-fleet.

Ethan O’Brien finished 8th overall, and was often threatening the leaders, including a run away win in heat 2. John Petschel starred in race 7 to lead the fleet of 67 at the first mark. John finished 13th overall and 3rd Veteran. Gerard Magner had his moment in heat 2, winning the start from the boat end.

Samantha Kudnig showed great boat handling skills and dogged determination to finish both races on day 2 in 18-25 knots and very rough seas. While many others sought safety on the beach after multiple capsizes, Samantha persevered and finished both races with a smile across her face. Those who finished these tough races have gained a new level of confidence which they can take with them to future regattas.

Overall the regatta was enjoyed by all participants and supporters. Many enjoyed the relaxed club atmosphere, nice lawns and white sandy beach, cafes and restaurants across the road, and superb catering by Akimi for the Welcome and Presentation dinners. Thanks to the Race Officer Alistair Watson, Commodore Bronwyn Evans and all the volunteers who made it a successful event.

A wide range of clubs were represented including Lindisfarne (Tas), Perth Dinghy Sailing Club (WA), Brighton Seacliff (SA), Port River (SA), Maroochy (Qld), Townsville (Qld), Canberra (ACT), ANU (ACT), Elwood, McCrae, Mordialloc, Black Rock, Safety Beach, Mt Martha, Altona, Bendigo, Indented Heads, Williamstown.

Tony Carr invited all to attend the 46th National Champs at Perth Dinghy Sailing Club next Dec-Jan. He promised flat water and steady breeze for the whole regatta. Victorian State Champs are being help at Black Rock on 24-25 Feb, which should be great. Several interstate sailors intend to participate, including Stephen from Tas who plans to sail in 4 state championships this season.

The final full results are here:

https://www.mysailingclub.com.au/DisplayResults/DisplayPublicSeriesResults?Id=2410&Id2=45th%20Australian%20Sabre%20Championship

Listed below is the Top 10