Issue date
True to history, yet another Starling national champion was decided at the last race.
Although leading through the qualifying series and into the final day’s racing at the Wakatere Boating Club, Luke Cashmore was dealt a cruel hand. Having been the most consistent sailor all regatta, he suffered a personal worst placing of 20th.
Pre-regatta favourite and second on points Sean Herbert managed to win the same race. It was a fortunate bounce back after a shocker 23rd in the previous heat. With still two more races scheduled, it remained possible for any of the top three on the points table to win the series.
The final day started with a light 3-5 knot southerly, but proceeded to become what PRO Paul Davies described as, “a race course with more holes than grandma’s nightie".
With a rapidly building outgoing tide, it became apparent further racing was impossible so the pin was pulled on the last two races, handing Herbert the overall lead for the first time in the series.
Herbert had been the season’s form sailor, winning regatta after regatta in all conditions. He attracted high praise for wins in the upper wind ranges against bigger, stronger sailors despite his slight frame. His nationals win capped off a most successful season.
(Tauranga's Joel Kennedy takes advantage of the waves.)
First female Samantha Stock was 11th overall, having sailed a solid, consistent regatta, never finishing worse than 18th and deservedly nabbing a second in race three.
The development fleet was won by Georgia Livingstone and Yachting New Zealand regional support officer Kim Admore spoke glowingly of the progress made by all eight sailors under his tutelage. This fleet is small but an important aspect of the nationals, giving the participants invaluable on-water coaching while racing on their own course. All came away with significantly enhanced sailing skills.
Once again the class is indebted to race umpires Mike Allison, John Grace, Jamie Southerland and Simon Barrington (Australia) for their energy and expertise. All apart from Mike travelled considerable distances to attend the regatta. The rules session run by the umpires prior to the racing was gratefully received and, tellingly, on-the-water infringements seemed isolated to those who hadn’t attended the meeting.
The regatta organisers Simon Probert, Penny Harrison and their team at Wakatere Boating Club ran a wonderful event. With an entry list of 102 sailors from as far south as Timaru and as far north as the Cook Islands, the Starling nationals remains the strongest championship of any New Zealand-designed class.
Results
John Peet Trophy – national champion - Sean Herbert
Kohi Cup – second place nationals - Luke Cashmore
Murrays Bay Cup – third place nationals - Oliver Cowley
Alan Sayer Cup – first female nationals - Samantha Stock
John Bisley Cup – second female nationals - Kaya Tobin
Des Townson Trophy – first over 19 – Kate Sheldon
Harken Trophy – youngest skipper in top 10 – Caleb Armit
Chris Timms Memorial Trophy – highest-placed under 16 years – Sean Herbert
Howick Sailing Club Cup – first silver fleet - Joshua Blackie
Graham Leonard Hayes Shield – for exceptional courage - Rebecca Hume
Cooke Trophy – qualifying series leader – Luke Cashmore
Queen Charlotte Cup – nationals most improved – Harry Dalbeth
Nationals Development Fleet - first - Georgia Livingstone
Brian Peet Trophy – first wooden boat – Sean Herbert
