2020 Australian Laser Championships
Three of the Port Denison Sailing Club members made the journey to compete in the Australian Laser Championships in Sandringham, 1-8th January. This journey started well before migrating south with a decision to attend in March – June and involved a variety of on and off water training sessions, attending competitions in various locations, and a dedication to budgeting, sacrifice and endurance to best prepare themselves for the tough fleet of national and international sailors.
North Queensland competitors made up 8 of the 274 strong fleet across 3 rig sizes, which attracted world champions, Olympians, and aspiring sailors of the future alike.
Mack Mitchell and Will Nobes put together some very consistent results in the 79 strong fleet of 4.7s. Mack finished his first nationals in 42nd overall, 32nd Australian, and a best race at 23rd. Will finished 49th overall in 48th Australian and 28th his best race result. The conditions on the bay were quite tricky for the Bowen boys as the wave state, dense and competitive fleet, not to mention the sub 25 degree temperatures really pushed them to their limits. Both boys competed positively and learnt a huge amount, and we look forward to them bringing back their experience to grow and develop Port Denison SC.
Mathew Himson also sailed consistently despite having some great starts and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Mathew finished 45th overall, 20th Australian and a 9th to the top mark, proving the pressure of being up that far in the fleet too much, went for a few swims and finished 38th. Boat handling preparation can always be improved, particularly after it lets you down in high pressure situations.
After the interest and success of the campaign to the summer of Laser 2020, interest has already started for attending the Laser Nationals in Perth January 2021. Contact Mathew Himson at North Queensland Laser Squad regarding taking part in a team program, fundraising and being a part of the action this year. Also find us on Facebook.
