ULLMAN SAILS 2007/08 MG Skiff Qld State Titles

They came, they saw, they conquered

The morning of the 29th of Sept dawned to the ominous sound of deep thunder rolling across Lake Cootharaba under a lightly overcast sky and 13 MG’s sitting on the beach at Boreen Point, 2 NSWelshmen and 11 QLDrrrrrs. Boats had arrived from as far a field as Lake Macquarie NSW and Yeppoon Qld. The youngest skipper 13 and the oldest over 60, with a good contingent of youth.

Race 1 was held in less then 5kts and shortened. Line honors went to Tom Graham in the only Sportskiff, the first MG home “Nightmare on Helm Street”, skippered by Peter Lahey, with “Viper” close behind.

Race 2 on Saturday afternoon was held in a steadily increasing breeze, Greg and Daniel on “Final Phase” showed the Qldrrs what was to come, being chased by “Nightmare on Helm Street” and Emily and William on “Windfire” from Keppel Bay

In what was to become something to remember at this QLD States, nearly all the crews enjoyed some fantastic spinnaker rides back to the beach on both afternoons.

Race 3 started in almost drifting conditions for everybody other then Greg and Daniel on “Final Phase”. Greg’s long relationship with the wind gods paid off as he seemed to be in the right place every time to pick up the gradually increasing wind as it filled in from almost every northerly direction. “Nightmare on Helm Street” and “Viper” Skippered by Toni Kennewell worked hard to keep him honest.

Race 4, finally a steady N.E. breeze of 10/12kts and for the fist time for the weekend, last years Australian Championships Silver medalist, Keegan Codd and Sam Pryor on “Prawn Star” were able to start and after the first triangle it was obvious that “Prawn Star” had the pace over “Final Phase”, though the results will show “Final phase” winning over the QLDers after some annoying gear hick ups for the National Silver medalists. “Nightmare on Helm Street” and “Viper” letting it be know that “Prawn Star” isn’t the only Qld boat on the pace. Again the spinnaker rides back to the beach provided heaps to talk about back at the clubhouse.

The final results saw the QLD championship being taken back to NSW by Greg and Daniel on “Final Phase” and the 2007/08 Qld Champion on Handicap being taken by Jonathon Codd on “Fireworks” after a consistent and competitive performance in conditions that didn’t suit their heavier crew weight.

Throughout the weekend the racing was very competitive throughout the entire fleet, with all positions being fiercely contested in every race, some great racing that I’m sure everybody enjoyed.

Special mention needs to be extended to “Screw loose” with a combined crew age of 28yrs at their first regatta managed to complete all races in style and “Voodoo”, combined crew age of 30yrs, finishing 5th overall at their first away regatta. Congratulations to both crews.

This event showed the strength of the MG Skiff in Qld, being the largest QLD MG States to date, 13 boats on the beach and 6 apologies, indicating the depth of the class also considering the large spread of ages competing and the level of racing and competitiveness. It is virtually guaranteed that this years National Titles at Lake Cootharaba will be a huge success.

Our thanks go to our sponsors Ullman Sails for providing all the fantastic prizes and the volunteers of LCSC