ISAF Sailing World Cup "Sail Melbourne" regatta was held 7-14 December at Sandringham Yacht Club.
Windsurfing entrants from Queensland were Joanna Sterling, Lara and Shari O'Brien in the RS:X class and Catherine Paice in the Techno 293 class. Lara was struck down with illness while training in Melbourne, prior to the event and was unable to compete.
The Queenslanders were coached by Max Wojcik (Joanna's coach). RS:X competitors in the women's class included competitors from Russia, Norway and France. Overseas competitors in the men's class were from Russia and Lithuania.
15 races were scheduled over 5 days, however one day's racing was abandoned due to very strong winds, gusting to 30 knots.
Overall results in the Women's RS:X were:
1st Stefania Elfutina (RUS271)
2nd Joanna Sterling (AUS254)
3rd Maria Mollestad (NOR23)
Men's Results:
1st Juozas Bernotas (LTV14)
2nd Dimitrii Polishchuk (RUS4)
3rd Alexandra Askerov (RUS7)
Good stuff, congrats Jo and Max, bummer Lara...next time. Very good effort Shari…sailing in an event of that caliber is a win on its own. Great photo’s Pat, they give a fantastic insight of the event.
Magic shots Pat and great to see the girls doing so well. Sorry to hear you got sick Lara but otherwise it looks like it was a great event. Some of those shots show that the conditions were pretty heavy at times but I guess all those times I saw Jo out with her nine meter sail when I was over on my five paid off with that great result. Congratulations again to all involved and go Queensland!
