The 44^th Tasar National Championships turned on some thrilling racing for the pleasure of spectators.

Representatives from most states and territories took part in the event alongside some international guests, with 81 boats in all registered for competition.

Plentiful breezes produced fast sailing throughout the week. Schools of fish rode the bow waves beside the odd turtle on the start line and even jellyfish on their foils.

‘Coolit’ maintained a comfortable lead to win the top division, Gold Fleet, over Navy Sailing’s Rick Longbottom and Darryl Bentley, separated by one point from South Australia’s Craig McPhee and Gill Berry in third. 

Victorians Paul and Bronwyn Ridgway, in front of Heather MacFarlane and Chris Payne filled fourth and fifth.

The second tier Silver Fleet was won by Western Australia’s Dean and Zoe Dixon, ahead of Mission Beach legend’s Greg and Judy Heath. Army Sailing’s Ben Wolski and Bronwyn Turner were third.

Off the water, competitors socialised at a series of social events. This included the welcome night and a lay day winery tour as well as New Year’s Eve barbecue and RONSTAN’s presentation hour. At the latter competitors swapped race stories over cheese and champagne.

The next Tasar Nationals are in Darwin during July 2018, and for the keenest of “Tasarites”, it’s Japan Worlds in July-August this year.

Jenny Sorensen - Tasar publicity officer