The S80 2023 State Championships held at the Royal Perth Yacht Club Annexe Fremantle proved to be a highly successful event, with some outstanding sailing displayed across the regatta. Along with the S97 State Championships and the Farr 9.2 State Championships, the S80 event attracted a strong field of sailors who were eager to compete for the coveted State Championship title.
Located in Cockburn Sound, Fremantle, the regatta presented varying weather conditions throughout the event. The wind was a mix of light south-easterlies, light to moderate southerlies, and strong sea breezes ranging from 18 to 25 knots. The final race of the day on Sunday afternoon saw a solid sea breeze, causing one yacht, the S80 Escape from Bunbury, to lose its mast.
Despite the challenging conditions, the S80 fleet put on an excellent show of sailing, and it was clear from the outset that the competition would be fierce. Misbehaving (Phil Slee) from Bunbury was undoubtedly the standout performer in the S80s, winning five of the seven races and securing the State S80 Championship title. The first race on day two saw Up Front (Matt Selby) from SofPYC take the win with a fantastic display of light air sailing performance.
South Perth S80’s also put up a strong showing, with Up Front (Matt Selby) taking out the consistency award and finishing 5th overall in the S80 State Championship. Shadowfax (Jim Gooding) also had an impressive performance, finishing 3rd in the S80 State Championship.
The regatta was well-attended and well-run, making for an enjoyable and memorable event for all involved. The high level of sailing and competitive racing made for a thrilling spectacle for spectators, who were treated to some great displays of skill and sportsmanship by the sailors.
In conclusion, the S80 2023 State Championships held at the Royal Perth Yacht Club Annexe Fremantle were a great success, with some outstanding sailing showcased by the competitors. Congratulations to Misbehaving (Phil Slee) for taking out the State S80 Championship title, and to all the sailors who participated in the event for their excellent performances and sportsmanship. The regatta was a testament to the strength and passion of the Western Australian sailing community and served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of this exciting and challenging sport.
