Exciting competition to the end in the
2009 NATIONAL DINGHY
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Annabel Cox and Georgie Trew emerged as the most outstanding junior sailors in the recently concluded National Dinghy Championships by winning the coveted Trieloff Trophy.
Sailed in the crystal clear waters of Carlisle Bay over eight weeks and forty races, approximately thirty-five sailors competed in wind and sea conditions that varied from very light drifting conditions, to choppy seas and 20 plus knots of wind. These variable conditions proved that consistency is one of the most important factors in a competition such as the National Dinghy Championships.
The Dr. A. W. Trieloff Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the junior sailor or sailors showing the most improvement, excellent attitude and all round sportsmanship throughout the Championships. Annabel and Georgie took overall honours in the Echo 12 Class, a two man dinghy, where team work is essential in order to be competitive.
The Echo 12 class, with eight teams and sixteen sailors, was the most exciting to watch, as the start line that looked like organized chaos in the early races, turned highly competitive over the three months as the young sailors improved on their boat handling skills and tactics. The top three places continually changed leaders, but with fewer dropped points, the team of Isaac Brown and Matthew Alkins took second place, while seasoned dinghy sailor Lily Dash, with newcomer Kyle Smith as crew, placed third.
The Laser Radial class saw Jason Tindale, who began his sailing career in the Optimist class, well in front for most of the competition, followed by Chris Durant in second. Amy Cox, the winner of the Trieloff Trophy in 2008, sailed brilliantly, but struggled in the high winds to take third.
The Laser Standard, a class that carries more sail area for the heavier sailor, saw some of the fiercest competition as the islands top dinghy sailors battled for first place. Overall it was veteran Charlie Gloumeau taking the honours ahead of Rodney Reader followed closely by Greg Webster.
The Optimist Dinghy Class saw the talented Scott Gittens in the top spot, consistently winning nearly all of his forty races. Leisl Brewster struggled on the light wind days, but placed a convincing second over Jaime Ward in third position.
The Optimist Green fleet, a class for youngsters in their first year of racing, was won by a margin of only 1 point by Matthew Correia over Alec Drayton followed by Dylan Jackson.
The Barbados Sailing Association wishes to thank the Barbados Olympic Association and the Barbados Yacht Club for their continued support of youth sailing.
Racing will continue throughout the forthcoming year and interested persons are asked to Contact Us.