Rooster RS Aero Nationals 2024
The Rooster Aero Nationals 2024 held at Mount Martha YC, showcased exceptional sailing talent, particularly within the RS Aero 5, 6, and 7 rigs. Conditions were mixed over the championship providing fantastic variety and opportunity for everyone over the 4 race days in a 10 race series with breeze oscillating from 5-20 knots. Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron made a significant impact within the 57-boat fleet, with BYS sailors securing notable positions in multiple divisions and one Australian Championship!
In the RS Aero 7 division, Krystal Weir excelled, claiming the top spot with a series of impressive performances. Meanwhile, the competitive trio of Paul Rogers, Paul Smart and Simon Pluim from BYS displayed their sailing abilities, securing 17th, 18th and 20th positions, respectively, in a competitive field. Of note was Simon’s ability to be inside the top 5 boats to the top mark of some races, Paul Smart’s ability to cruise past sailors surfing waves downwind, and Paul Rogers’ knack for sleuthing past boats upwind.
The newly introduced RS Aero 6 division saw a fierce battle at the top of the fleet with Stephen Cockerill, aka The Boat Whisperer, of Stokes Bay Sailing Club (UK), securing the top spot ahead of Rhett Gowans. BYS representatives Mark Hughes, Andrew ‘Doc’ Little and Michelle de Blaquiere demonstrated their skills and determination, finishing 12th, 13th and 18th in an equally competitive fleet. Highlights for BYS sailors in this fleet included Mark settling some old scores with past Laser Masters rivalries, Doc learning how to fly on reaches, and Michelle practising her evasive manoeuvres on the start line to avoid wayward vessels.
The best performance came from Philippa Danks who secured her maiden RS Aero 5 Australian Championship and also crowned Australian Women’s Champion! Philippa of BYS demonstrated outstanding boat handling skills, smooth upwind sailing and tactical downwind sailing to clinch the title. Philippa had a consistent regatta, securing first place in 7 of the ten races and never finished outside the top 2. This effort was remarkable considering how little time Philippa has spent in the boat recently.
The BYS Aero fleet looks forward to bringing the competition back to regular club racing in the coming weeks.
All photos courtesy of Mount Martha Yacht Club
