Female skippers from Queensland won both the scratch and handicap trophies at the 30^th MG14 Australian Championships held at Darling Point Sailing Squadron (DPSS) from 2^nd – 7^th January 2022.

Close racing at the MG14 Australian Championships

The regatta was the first MG14 Australian Championships to be held in Queensland in 14 years, with last year’s competition cancelled due to COVID border restrictions. Despite the ongoing COVID travel challenge, it was great to see almost half the fleet from interstate. To make things interesting, ex-cyclone Seth sat off the Queensland coast for the duration of the regatta and provided varying conditions ranging from 2-25+ knots.

Local Darling Point Sailing Squadron sailors, Katie Bundred and Adam Walsh (MG389 Blowme) sailed consistently across the regatta to beat the competition and comfortably win the series. This win makes Katie the first female skipper to take home the title.

2021/22 Australian Champions: Katie Bundred & Adam Walsh MG389 Blowme

Previous national champions, Aqua Pest (MG397) Drew Van Ryn and Angela Bates from Cronulla SC finished in second place and Jim Kerrison and Deb Stening sailing Death Defying (MG422) from Port Macquarie SC were a close third.

Catherine Colbert from DPSS and William Duffield (MG351 SWT) from Maryborough Sailing Club improved across the series and won the closely contested handicap trophy.

Handicap winners: Catherine Colbert & William Duffield MG351 SWT

Second handicap place was junior sailors Tom Reynolds and Lachie Nock from DPSS (MG358 Ape Ship). Even with some breakages in the final race, third place was awarded to Geoff Davis and Jordan Roberts (MG430 Ballistic) from St George SC. Team Queensland won the inaugural State of Origin trophy based on the average handicap results of the whole team.

In Queensland, a recent resurgence in the MG14 class has seen a rapid increase in the MG14 fleet with most boats sailing regularly at Darling Point Sailing Squadron. MG14s are a great class for everyone to experience skiff sailing in a competitive class – all the fun with an affordable budget. The regatta saw competitors ranging in age from 12 years to mid-60s, with junior and female sailors finishing on the podium throughout the whole series.

Darling Point Sailing Squadron and its great team of volunteers successfully hosted the regatta with PRO Peter Walsh and his on-water team keeping everyone racing and safe out on Moreton Bay.