Report from the 2006-07 Nationals, Christies Beach SA

29 boats and crews enjoyed a well run series for the 35th National Mosquito Championships held in the first week of January, 2007 at Christies Beach SC, Adelaide. The anticipated conditions of strong breezes did not eventuate, instead there were gusty Northerlies opposing the sea breeze resulting in some very tricky conditions.  There were some good medium breezes at times as well though.

In the MkI (cat rigged) division Bob Wilson (Port Melb. YC) started off well with two bullets.  With a powerful rig setup that saw him first out on the wire in gusts his worst result was a fifth and by the time he finished with a fourth bullet in the last race he had taken out his eleventh National Title by 6 points.  Chris Dean, a relative new comer to the class but an experienced local from Christies took second place and Tim Shepperd from Gippsland Lakes YC sailed a consistent series to a well deserved third place.

In the MkII (sloop rigged) division Warwick Kemp with Kieran Latter crewing (Adelaide SC) won after a tight tussle with second placed Simon Hallsworth and Sarah Martin (also Adelaide SC). They went into the last race on equal points. Kemp picked the shifts on the first leg to take a commanding lead after which Hallsworth chased him hard but was unable to make up all the ground.  Peter Cobden and son Tom (Cairn Curran SC) were the only other boat to score a bullet winning two races which secured them third place on a countback.

Beau Delaine from Lake Bonney YC was awarded the Junior Skipper award and Victoria took out the State teams award. Sponsors of the event were Ashby Sails; Tatachilla Winery; Wedderburn Scales and Labels; Patritti Wine Cellars; and Binks Marine.