Results 2003
NSW Formula Windsurfing Championships
Belmont 16’ Skiff Sailing Club
11-12 January 2003
A stiff southerly breeze, white knuckles, clenched teeth, boards
flying through the air! Some of the best freestyle moves that I have
seen for a while. But this was meant to be racing! Very entertaining!
Graham and I definitely had the best view of racing from our rescue
boat, albeit through a haze of salt spray and the occasional drenching.
35 competitors had registered for the NSW Formula Windsurfing Championships,
mostly from NSW but we did have representation from Queensland and Western
Australia as well as the UK and New Zealand. By registration time Belmont
Bay was bathed in sunlight with a fresh southerly breeze blowing.
Racing was underway at midday. The top and bottom marks of the course
explored the extremities of the Bay and still the fleet covered the
two lap races within 35 minutes. After three races and a short break
the course was moved further out into the Lake to get cleaner air. The
breeze had freshened and the racing was now a combination of full on
adrenalin pumping excitement and survival. Race 5 saw 13 boards cross
the start line on time with a few extras joining the fray shortly after.
The remaining half of the fleet enjoyed the spectacle from the relative
comfort of the shore.
Sunday’s racing was somewhat more civilized! The breeze, although varying
in both strength and direction all day, was mostly 8-15 knots. The variable
winds kept the competitors and course -setter on their toes, but by
2.30pm another 4 races had been run. More than enough to decide a worthy
Champion.
Phil McGain displayed total composure and set the benchmark for racing
throughout the weekend. The battle for the minor placing went on in
earnest all weekend. Sam Parker, Mike Nelson and Brett Morris swapped
places and were constantly within striking distance of the lead with
Sean O’Brien constantly nipping at their heels. And once again some
of the most impressive racing was shown by the Youths who were not fazed
by the conditions or the competition.
A big thanks to the Belmont 16’ Skiff Sailing Club for hosting the event.
Top hospitality and a great sailing venue. The race management team
did a top job; Tom Mackel and Ray Frankiewicz on the Start Boat, Graham
Morris and Nick Nelson on the Course / Rescue Boat and Trish Nelson
on shore. A very efficient team!
- NICK NELSON
1. Phil McGain NSW/USA
2. Sam Parker NSW
3. Mike Nelson NSW
4. Brett Morris NSW
5. Sean O’Brien QLD
6. Byron McIlveen NSW
7. Murray Towndrow NSW
8. Rick Murray NSW Master
9. Nathan Bowness NSW
10. Andrew Regan NSW Master
11. Sam Fawkes NSW Youth
12. Wayne Bowness NSW
13. Cameron Harrison NSW
14. Tim Healey NSW
15. Luke Johnson NSW Youth
16. Ewan Patterson NSW
17. Paul Raven NSW
18. Chris Ting NSW
19. Rhys Herbert NSW Youth
20. Max Cross NZ
21. Steven Floyd NSW
22. Tibor Ferenczy NSW Master
23. Ben Fawkes NSW Youth
24. Glen Morrell NSW Master
25. Matt Stevens WA
26. Steve Shimeld NSW
27. Bruce Healey NSW Master
28. Gary Pyke NSW
29. Simon Pearce UK
30. Simon Jenns QLD
31. Barney Knight ACT
32. Ian Knight ACT
33. Paul Craig NSW Master
34. Stephen Walsh NSW
35. Trent Towndrow NSW
36. Nick Martin NSW
