The 28th running of the SoPYC Swan River Championships was sailed last Saturday morning in very light and trying conditions for both the RO (John Hassen) and all competitors. We did get two races completed and with the two from December just scraped in a series result. Eight S80’s turned out for the event and the sausage sizzle bbq social afterwards.

The inaugural Swan River Championships was first sailed in 1996-97, with OTL won by Sweet Babs (pc Gerry Drysdale) and Consistency by Balancing Act (John Hassen).

We had the privilege of trophies being presented by the sponsors, past president and life member Rupert Leslie and Glenda Leslie.

As it turned out it was a day of countbacks! Dave Beresford helming Sweet Babs (yes the same boat as in 1996-97!) took out the Consistency trophy from Rum Runner (John Ghul) on a countback, with Don’t Panic!! (Mat Selby) finishing in third place. Well done to everyone.

Winner of the Swan River Championship OTL was Christian Christiansen and his crew on Fusion - who won on a countback from Jim Gooding on Shadowfax. Third-placed was Don’t’ Panic Mat Selby (who also beat Rum Runner on countback!). Well done to all crews!

S80 Club Championship Series
Four S80 Club Championship heats have been run so far, with some very close racing to date. Winning boats and taking out the coveted bottle of S80 wine to date are:

• Heat 1: Fair Game (Sue),
• Heat 2: Shadowfax (Mark & Jim),
• Heat 3: Don’t Panic!! (Mat).
• Heat 4: Shadowfax (Mark & Jim),

The next S80 club heat will be on Saturday, 15th February 2025, with the series currently tied on points between Don’t Panic!! and Shadowfax.

S80 Opportunities
For those wanting the challenge of close one design keelboat racing we have some different and terrific S80 boat opportunities available for any keen sailors at SoPYC, including Glasgow Kiss SP164 (second in this year’s S80 State Titles and Winner of Ron Tough match racing event) has a 1/3rd share available. We are also actively looking at other boat opportunities for sailor to join our fleet. If you are interested in owning an S80 or just sailing in the fleet get in contact.

Just contact Mark Gooding 0419 921 095 or [email protected]