2012 Minnow State Championships - Parkdale Yacht Club, 25-26 February 2012

All Minnow Sailors,

The 2012 Minnow State Championships are at Parkdale Yacht Club on Saturday and Sunday, 25th to 26th February 2012.   Information relating to the regatta, including NOR and SI will be posted shortly on the website.

2012 Minnow Nationals - Results

The 2012 Minnow National's have been concluded.

Congratulation to the national champions and podium finishers:

Overall & Seniors

1st - Will Fox (BYS, VIC) in Ozone

2nd - Kane Orvad (TCYC, WA) in Knock Out

3rd - Jasper Pluim (BYS, VIC) in Griffen

Juniors

1st -Callum Green (SSC, WA) in Red Dragon

2nd - Jed Cruickshank (DSC, NT) in Ginger Ninja

3rd - Kieren Schortz (DSC, NT) in Daydream

Novices

1st - Emma Hawkless (PYC, VIC) in Quantum

2nd - Liam O'Brien (SSC, WA) in Minnie

3rd - Morgan Mews (TCYC, WA) Twister

Results are available on:

www.minnowwa.yachting.org.au

Click on "Results" and "National Championships" for the latest results

Minnows invited to join the Yachting Victoria Development Squad (YVDS)

The Minnow Sailing Association is pleased to announce that Yachting Victoria has included minnows in the Yachting Victoria Development Squad (YVDS).

The YVDS is step 7 in the Yachting Victoria pathway and is the next step for those aiming at selection to the VIS (step 8). The Yachting Victoria Coaching Committee has changed the selection criteria for the squad and it now includes Optimists, International Cadets and Minnows.

2011 Victorian Dingy Champion - Hugo Llewelyn

Congratulations to minnow sailor Hugo Llewelyn who was crowned the 2011 Victorian Dingy Champion at Mordialloc Sailing on the weekend of 10^th and 11^th December.  This capped off a great weekend of sailing with class representation from:

• Minnows
  
• Optimists
  
• Lasers, 4.7, radial and standard
  
• Sabres
  
• Contenders
  
• Pacers
  
• 29ers
  
• 49ers
  

The minnow fleet provided the largest represented class at the regatta with novice minnow sailors also present and training in the lee of the beach.  Mordialloc Sailing Club once again turned on a great event with its friendly, relaxed and family orientated club providing a great location to watch the on-water action and to wind down afterwards in the bar and lounge.

Good luck to Hugo and his minnow compatriots when they represent Victoria at the 2012 Nationals at Rockingham in WA in January.

A key feature at regatta’s around the bay this spring has been the purpose built minnow trailer acquired by the Minnow Sailing Association with help from it’s sponsors to market and promote sailing at the junior development level. 

Look out for the trailer at future events and if you would like utilise it at club events or for marketing of junior sailing, please contact the Minnow Sailing Association.     ‘All hail the blue sail’

2011 MSA Development Squad, SSCBC 29th to 31st October

Congratulations to the kids who attended the training program held over the Melbourne Cup long weekend at SSCBC. Each day provided plenty of entertainment both on and off the water with Mick Miller providing two presentations to the kids and some fantastic sailing skills demonstrated in testing conditions.

Saturday kicked off with some very strong and variable winds from less than 10 knots in 15 minute lulls to around 20 knots for extended periods. All kids were on the water and particular recognition goes to the novice group who excelled in difficult conditions.

Sunday was the ultimate test for the group, with novices shore bound or watching from the relative comfort of the support ribs as the Advanced group and a couple of hardy Intermediates braved the conditions in consistent 22 to 25 knots breezes and at times over 30 knots. The feedback from the kids was …. ‘that was awesome’.

Monday returned to more gentle and calm conditions of 12 to 15 knots, with some sailors complaining that the winds were too light. All groups successfully completed a full day of training. It is great to see the vast improvement in all groups over such a short time period …. well done.

A number of Zhik prizes were handed out to several well deserving recipients after three full days. Special recognition goes to Dara Martin for her multiple boat flips in heavy winds and the sail back to shore in her boat by her coach in shorts and a t-shirt. Great effort kids ….. your coaches and parents are very proud of your achievements.

2011 Development Squad

The 2011 MSA Ronstan Development Squad kicked of at Sail Mordy on the weekend of 27/28 August 2011.
It was also the venue for the unveiling of the MSA’s new trailer, emblazoned with images of minnows and sponsors (see image below).  It was a definite hit.
The sun shone all weekend and everyone had fantastic fun and plenty of time on the water, including the novices.
It is not too late to join in the program with plenty of sailing days remaining.
If you would like to discuss the program, please contact Scott Llewelyn on 0418 568 597

2011 MSA Ronstan Development Squad

The 2011 MSA Ronstan Development Squad kicked of at Sail Mordy on the weekend of 27/28 August 2011.
It was also the venue for the unveiling of the MSA’s new trailer, emblazoned with images of minnows and sponsors (see image below).  It was a definite hit.
If you would like to discuss the program, please contact Scott Llewelyn on 0418 568 597.

2011 MSA Ronstan Development Squad

The 2011 MSA Ronstan Development Squad program is ready to commence at Saill Mordy on 27 and 28 August with Ronstan again as the squad's main sponsor.  

The program's cost has been subsidised by the MSA to ensure great value and includes a unique screen printed Ronstan sailing top.

Please email Brendan Edleston on bedleston@flagstaff.com.au for a copy of the information brochure for the program and to be included in the general emailing list for future MSA updates.

Quantum VictorianMinnow Championship Grand Prix - Series 2

The next regatta is at Albert Park Lake on 25/26 June 2011, don't miss out on some great sailing

MSA Junior Development Squad - 2011/2012

Please find attached information flyer

Quantum Victorian Minnow Championship 2011– Grand Prix Series 1

Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club played host to the first series race of the Quantum Victorian Minnow Championship 2011- (Grand Prix) over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend; and the Minnow Sailing Association’s new development squads were there! 

In what was perfect autumn style sailing conditions, 30 Minnow and Opti sailors were involved in a training weekend with 6 short course races held over two days.  

In the morning the kids were treated to some great on water training (from Scott Llewelyn (SSCBC) and National Sabre Champion Callum Burns (BYS)), and then given the opportunity in the afternoon to put their new skills onto the race track. 

With a tricky out going tide on day one and a shifty 13 – 15 knot south easterly/easterly breeze, the racing was exciting with our Minnow up and coming super stars in close tacking duels in a beat to the top mark. 

The coaches had focused on some great practical tips like staying out of the channel on the outgoing tide whilst beating, then getting into the channel on the downhill runs, further highlighting a need for the kids to have their ‘heads out of the boat’ in search of pressure on the water; and importantly sailing to it. 

On day two, the morning produced some tropical style rain on a still bay, but before long a light breeze slowly built with some good pressure from the east/south east.   The Minnows soon found themselves hiking on a 8 -10 knot great little breeze.   Once again, the racing was close, and those who worked closer to shore found better pressure and those who listened and executed a ‘flat is fast’ policy enjoyed the fruits of their hard work. 

Hugo Llewellyn from SSCBC ended up victorious after six races by only one point from Will Fox (BYS) followed in hot pursuit by Jeremy Edleston (BYS) third and Jasper Pluim (BYS) 4^th.  

There were patches of brilliance shown by the likes of Josh Copeland (SSCBC) who is definitely on the way up; and a top effort by young Luc Telford from Parkdale in knocking off a couple of the top guns in one heat. 

The weekend was a great success with lots of quality mileage with a lot of laughter.    A highlight was Hugo and Foxy celebrating with a ‘planking’ session on their capsized Minnows off the sisters; a questionable risk versus reward decision with the temperature of the bay now a little chilly! 

MSA Traveller Series - Commences 11 & 12 June @ SSCBC

The MSA is reinvigorating the Traveller Series.

More details will be posted on the website shortly and the first event is the OTB Winter Series at SSCBC over the June long weekend (11 & 12 June).

For more information, see details on the SSCBC website www.sscbc.com.au

2012 Minnow National Championships

The 2012 Minnow National Championships in WA have been confirmed with the Cruising Yacht Club of Western Australia (TCYC) holding the regatta between Friday 6 January 2012 and Wednesday 11 January 2012. 

Albert Sailing Club 2011 Winter Series & Winter Regatta

The Albert Sailing Club winter program is about to commence and we encourage the MSA members to attend these great events:
§         Winter Series - an 8 race program from Saturday 21 May to 6 August with a break every 2 or 3 weeks for a club trophy race or other event.
§         Winter Regatta on Saturday 25 June (pm) and Sunday 26 June (am and pm) is a popular short race series, two weeks after the June long weekend and a week before the mid year school holidays. The regatta can be entered as a single stand-alone event.

All club races have a start time of 2pm for Division 1, with 3 minute intervals for following divisions and more information is available on the Albert Sailing Club website - www.albertsc.org.au

OAMPS - Coaches for 19, 20 & 21 April

The Minnow Association would like to announce the appointment of George Davies and Jack Lloyd as our coaches for the three day pre OAMPS minnow coaching program.  Our coaches are accomplished youth sailors, starting their sailing careers in Minnows and progressing through various other junior classes and currently sailing 20er’s.
They have both been selected for the VIS Sailing Program.

it is a great opportunity for our up and coming Minnow sailors to have access to and learn from our youth coaches.  Could you please ensure that all sailors are well prepared and on time for each session and arrive with:
§         Log book
§         Sunscreen
§         Water
§         Lunch
§         Snacks
§         Sail No. and sailors name marked on containers
§         Dress for the conditions
§         Dry clothing
 

Weather permitting they will be spending extended time on the water.  Start time will be 10am (sharp) rigged and ready aiming to be finished by 2pm (Green Fleet) and 3pm Open Fleet.  Some areas that will be covered by our coaches:
§         Boat Set up
§         Sail shape (Light, medium, heavy)
§         Starting drills
§         Boat speed
§         Downwind Technique (light, medum, Heavy)
§         Upwind Technique (Light, medium, heavy)
§         Race Tactics
 

OAMPS - Coaching Clinic

Please find attached flyer for the class coaching clinic at SSCBC from Tuesday 19 April to Thursday 21 April 2011.

OAMPS - SSCBC, April 2011

SSCBC is hosting the OAMPS regatta over the Easter/School Holidays.

The MSA is seeking interest from MSA members for the three day coaching clinic (Tuesday 19 April to Thursday 21 April), prior to the competion on Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April.  This clinic will involve paid coaches, so coaching fees will be applicable.

If you would like to register interest in the coaching clinic, please email Brendan Edleston on edleston@flagstaff.com.au

2011 Victorian Championships - Results & Photos

Congratulations to Hugo Llewelyn on becoming the 2011 Victorian Champion, winning the Overall and Junior Division, with Jeremy Edleston winning the Senior Division and Joshua Copeland winning the Novice/Green Division.

The results for the Open and Novice/Green fleets are available in the links below this article.

Click on the link for some of the photos from the 2011 Victorian Championships.

If you have photos to include - email them to edleston@flagstaff.com.au

Try a 420

Senior minnow sailers - see attached flyer on trying out a 420 on 3 April 2011 at SYC

2011 Victorian Minnow Championships – Open Results

Click on the link below for the results

2011 Victorian Minnow Championships – Novice/Green Results

Click on the link below for the results

2011 Minnow States - SI for Novice

For the Sailing Instructions for the novice fleet (green group) please click on the link below

2011 Minnow States - SI for Open Fleet

For the Sailing Instructions for the open fleet (senior and junior divisions) please click on the link below

2011 Minnow Nationals - photos

Kids, check out the photos from the 2011 Nationals at Safety Beach here by clicking on the link below

2011 Minnow State Championships – click here for On-Line Entry

Registrations for the Minnow State Championships at Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club on the 5^th and 6^th March 2011 are now open. Registrations will only be accepted using the on-line booking system located by clicking on the heading above.

Please note: Registrations completed after 17 February 2011 cannot be guaranteed a regatta t-shirt and will be subject to a first in policy on any remaining t-shirt stocks.

2011 Minnow National Championships - Overall Results

Congratulations to Gemma Burns in 1145, Blondes Away as the 2011 National Minnow Champion.  Gemma is the first girl to win the National Championship in 13 years.  Gemma also won the Senior Division and the Brian MaCarthy Trophy for the Invitation race.

Hugo Llewelyn in 1144, Gull is the 2011 National Junior Champion and Hamish Bolton in 796, Sea Snake is the 2011 National Novice Champion. The top 3 places in the championship went to VIC, NT and WA sailors demonstrating that competition is strong across the states.

2011 Minnow National Championships - Senior and Junior Results

2011 Minnow National Championships - Novice Results

Ronstan Sponsorship Winners

Gemma Burns (Overall and Senior Division) and Hugo Llewelyn (Junior Division) are the winners of the two year Ronstan sponsorship packages, which includes a full deck fitout and sailing gear.

2011 Minnow State Championships

The 2011 Minnow State Championships will be held at Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club on the weekend of the 5 and 6 March 2011.

The NOR is now available and can be downloaded by accessing the link below.

Registrations will be via the on-line entry system and will open shortly.

Missing Life Jackets - Safety Beach Sailing Club

Safety Beach Sailing Club are missing 10 life jackets from their sail training kit, which were borrowed by some parents for use in ribs on the water during the 2011 Minnow Nationals. Can all minnow sailors and parents please check that they have not accidently kept the life jackets and contact Ross Martin on rfmartin7@bigpond.com if you have located any.

Thank you

2011 Minnow Nationals, 5th- 9th January 2011 – Click Here for On Line Booking

REMINDER - Registrations for the Minnow Nationals at Safety Beach are still open.

2011 Minnow Nationals, 5th- 9th January 2011 – Click Here for On Line Booking

REMINDER - Registrations for the Minnow Nationals at Safety Beach are now open.

Registrations will only be accepted using the on-line booking system located by clicking on the heading above.

Please note:Registrations completed after 10 December 2010 cannot be guaranteed a regatta t-shirt and will be subject to a first in policy on any remaining t-shirt stocks. Therefore, don’t miss out by registering early.

Minnow Class Rules - Battened Hiking Shorts Are Not Permitted

The Minnow Sailing Association advises the minnow sailors that the Minnow Class Rules do not permit the use of battened hiking pants.

There are a number of sailing shorts on the market that contain battens that do not comply with the Minnow Class Rules.

NOR - 2011 Minnow Nationals, 5th- 9th January

Download the NOR for the 2011 Minnow Nationals here

Minnows in Australian Sailing, December 2010

The December edition of Australian Sailing has a great expose of the recent Nationals in Darwin.

See if you can spot your boat or a friend's.

Minnow Development Squad @ SSCBC

The MSA Development Squad had a great regatta over the Melbourne Cup long weekend at SSCBC.

The group is now 16 strong and sailed each day in varying conditions from light and shifting to strong and gusty.  The program is focusing on boat handling and trim, sailing tactics and boat performance.  The kids are having a fantastic time.

Thanks again to our sponsors Ronstan who have provided special tops for the kids that look fantastic and cannot be purchased in stores.  Look out for the kids wearing them around the clubs.

The next event for the Development Squad is the 13^th and 14^th November at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron.

Head coach, David Kamer will update the kids with more information on the next round at BYS.

See you on the lawn.

UPCOMING REGATTAS and EVENTS for Minnows

5th to 9th January 2011 Minnow Nationals Saftey Beach, Vic.

 For other events please see Yachting Victoria website at: http://www.vic.yachting.org.au/

SSCBC Melbourne Cup weekend Coaching/Racing

Over Cup weekend SSCBC will be running a coaching/racing program. Coaching will start at 9:00am each morning and racing will commence at 1:00pm
SSCBC.com.au
All Sailors are required to register.

For those minnow sailors who have not registered and paid for the Minnow Training and Development Squad program, SSCBC will be providing coaches to assist you.
See you on the water.
Scott Llewelyn
0418 568 597

Minnow Coaching Program Upcoming Dates

Minnow sailors are invited to join MSA 2010 Minnow Coaching Program

which includes Pre Nationals Training and Preparation

30th and 31st October and 1st November  (SSCBC)

13th and 14th November (BYS)

27th and 28th November (Black Rock Sailing Club)

11th and 12th December (Safety Beach Sailing Club where Nationals will be held)

Please contact Scott Llewlyn on 0418 568 597.

The 29th Minnow National Championships (4th to 10th July 2010), were held at the Darwin Sailing Club located on idyllic Fanny Bay.

The friendly and easy going nature of the top end soon had the visiting competitors and families from Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland relaxing in the sun and enjoying the regatta at this unbeatable “getaway” location.

Heavy winds of 20 knots during the days leading up to the regatta abated and provided perfect sailing conditions.  Some of the older (and heavier) competitors were a little disappointed in the lighter conditions, however the shifting breeze and strong tides provided plenty of opportunity for testing sailing abilities with the odd race getting up to 14 knots.

The regatta attracted 51 competitors ranging in age from 7 to 15, with 37 in the Open Fleet (Senior and Junior) and 14 in the Novice Fleet on two separate courses.

The regatta made the local Darwin news, see the video clip at:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/07/04/2944418.htm?site=northwestwa

Senior Division

In the Senior Division local NT sailor Hamish Wiltshire in Sonic claimed the Australian Minnow National Championship 2010 title with four 1^st places in nine races.  Silver went to Victorian, Gemma Burns from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron sailing Blondes Away.  West Australian’s Kane Orvad (TCYC) took the Bronze place sailing Knock Out.

Gemma sailed a fantastic regatta and steadily improved in each race as she became more accustomed to the sweeping tides and shifting breezes of Fanny Bay.

Hayden Brown (BYS) in Barging Buoy sailed exceptionally well given the light breeze, including a 2^nd and two 3^rd placings, finishing in 5^th place.

Mackenzie Bird (McCrae) in Sea Monkey sailed consistently, including a 2^nd ,  thoroughly deserving his top 10 finishing place.

Kiera Bates (BYS) in Vegemite Rhinoceros improved throughout the regatta and finished with a 6^th in the final race and 13^th overall.

The Ford family from Parkdale had a great regatta. Jemma , in her new boat Fish Out of Water showed fantastic improvement as the regatta progressed with a 4^th and 5^th in the latter part of the regatta, finishing 15^th overall. Molly sailing Bionic Blonde gave her big sister a run early in the regatta including an 11^th and finished in 24^th place.

Bella Dixon (SSCBC) in Ultra sailed consistently throughout the regatta finishing in a very respectable 16^th place.

Sian Harding (BYS) in Banani was always competitive, and tested the skills of some of the smaller and lighter competitors finishing in 19^th place.

Claire Burns (BYS) sailing Sapphire had a solid regatta, often more worried about her Victorian team mates results than her own!  Watch out as she steps into her new boat for the 2010/11 season.

Junior Division

In the Junior Division WA sailor Dale Brett from TCYC in Red Bull sailed exceptionally well to take 1^st place, 2^nd was Victorian Jeremy Edleston (BYS) in Phantom and 3^rd, WA Breanna Spencer from TCYC in Fire Bird.

Jeremy and Breanna had a fantastic tussle for 2^nd and 3^rd throughout the regatta with the last work in the final race deciding their finishing places.  Well done to both on some great tactical sailing.

Charlie Dixon (SSCBC) in Smartie Pants sailed brilliantly with three 2^nd places to finish 4^th place.

Hayden Harding (BYS) in Mini Bomber was a regular front end performer with two 3^rd places finishing in 5^th place. 

Oscar Philip (SSCBC) was a consistent performer with a 3^rd and two 4^th places finishing in 6^th place.

Laura Harding (BYS) in Ready Oar Knot, sailed beautifully until an unexpected collision with a bitumen path during another form of water sport (namely a water slide), resulted in a damaged knee.  She continued sailing with a bandaged, straight leg and in lots of pain – a gutsy effort and a great finish in 10^th place.

Hamish Fleetwood (SSCBC) in Reckless had a solid regatta finishing in 11^th place.

Novice Division

The Novice Prize was hotly contested with a photo finish for first, second and third place.

At the end of the regatta, WA’s Callum Green (SSC) sailing Red Dragon, QLD’s Thomas Little (PPSC/SYC) sailing Wind Express, and Victorian Jasper Pluim (BYS) sailing Local Buoy all recorded three 1^st, three 2^nd, and one 3^rd from seven races, allowing for two drops.

The results could not be separated on a count back.  Final results were subsequently awarded on the results of the final race, resulting in 1^st to Callum Green, 2^nd to Thomas Little and 3^rd to Jasper Pluim.  Great racing.

Casey Bates (BYS) in Monkeys in Pyjamas steadily improved throughout the regatta and sailed brilliantly finishing in 5^th place.

Henry Edleston (BYS) sailing Pirates Life surprised many by finishing every race given his shaky start in the Invitation race, finishing in 7^th place.

Sofia Burns (BYS) in Dart Two was nearly always the first on the track and was a consistent performer in both sailing and commentary (on and off the water) finishing in 9^th place.

The Grimshaw’s from Parkdale also sailed well in the Novice Fleet.  Isabella in Dragonfly stuck to her guns, especially in some of the windier conditions finishing in 11th place. Whilst her brother William, sailing Captain Underpants, improved throughout the regatta, finishing in 13^th place.

Wash Up

As always Darwin Sailing Club held a fantastic regatta and all families had a ball.  Several families have expressed a desire to make the return trip to Darwin in 3 years and are hoping their kids don’t grow too much in the mean time.  A big thank you to all at DSC!

The next Minnow National Championships will be held on 5^th -9^th January 2011 at Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. 

The Victorian’s look forward to welcoming all competitors from Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland, and as reflected in the results of this last regatta the titles on offer will again be hotly contested across the states.

If you need information regarding accommodation etc please contact Brendan Edleston from the Victorian Minnow Association via email to edleston@flagstaff.com.au.

2011 Minnow Nationals

The 2011 Australian Minnow Championships will be held at Safety Beach from 5th to 9th January.

For accommodation information please click on link below.

Victorian OTB Major Events 2010-2011

Please see the link below for dates of all YV sanctioned major events for the forthcomimg period.

http://www.yachtingvictoria.com.au/default.asp?Page=47179 

New Rule changes - does your boat comply?

For up to date and amended rules for the Minnow class, please click on the link below.  Please read and ensure your Minnow complies with Class regulations. Please check especially that your centreboard complies (recently ammended rule).

New Rules of Measurement - Centreboards.

The MSA has introduced new rules of  measurement for centreboards.  Please click on the link below to access a detailed article which outlines these changes and new guidelines.

2009 Australian Minnow Championships Results

For the final results in the 2009 Minnow Nationals at Blairgowrie please click on link below:

2009 Victorian Minnow Championships Results

It was fantastic turnout for the Minnow State Championships.

For Results please click on links below:

OPEN FLEET  http://Www.Sscbc.com.au/site/yachting/results/sscbc/2007/club/otbvics/series.htm

For overall results see "Minnow combined".

NOVICE FLEET   http://Www.Sscbc.com.au/site/yachting/results/sscbc/2007/club/novvics/series.htm

2009 State and National Championships Report

Our expert reporter gives a comprehensive summary, see link below.

Many thanks to Russell Bates for the great photos.

Results from YV Junior Regatta at Elwood April 18 and 19 2009

A great turn out of fourteen Minnows completed in this year OAMPS Vic Youth and Junior Regatta which was sailed in mainly light winds off the beach at Elwood Yacht Club.

Sam Hannah showed great consistent form carrying 9 heats of seconds and thirds to finish second overall to Jack Graves who won an incredible seven heats in the ten race series. 

Jack Felsenthal and Zac O’Connell both sailed well to finish just outside these top two.

Rupert Arter and Liam Edleston in new boats, Griffin and Phantom, showed that they will be at the top of the pile come the next Nationals.  Close behind Charlotte Llewellyn also in her new boat Living Dollsailing a consistent series.

Felix and Sylvie Saisch pulled off the great feat of finishing on equal parts after the 10 races.

Sylvie the older sibling winning on a count back, to keep her younger brother in his place, by a place!

Only one point behind Isabella Dixon could have made it a three way tie.  It goes to show that each place in each race is important in the final count, as I am sure all of these sailors could think of how they could have made up those extra few places.

Likewise Gemma Burns and Sarah Boyce tied on points with Gemma on top with count back and a best effort of 6^th in one heat.

Hugo Llewellyn and Scott Munday rounded out the field, although both missed more than three heats in the series.

It was a long two days which required great concentration in the light and testing conditions.  Well done to all.

For all results please see http://www.yachtingvictoria.com.au/default.asp?Page=41208

News from First Minnow Champions

In 1975 the inaugural Minnow Championship was held in Victoria. It was won by Michael Walters in Tortoise II.  The following year brother Paul Walters won the Victorian Junior Championship in Seaweed and then again in 1977 in Rockweed.  

Michael now lives in Switzerland and Paul teaches at an International School in Libya,  their progression from the Minnows is quite amazing.

Both boys sailed competitively until University,  when Michael caught the Orienteering bug.  He moved on to 24hr Rogaines at which he and his friend won the first World Championship at Beechworth in 1992. Michael now runs in Ultra Marathons each year including running the gruelling Mont-Blanc circuit of 160 kms with about 2000 other competitors.

Paul has a similarly amazing story.  He gave sailing away when he went to Uni but instead of running around mountains he climbs the high altitude peaks.  He scaled the north face of Everest in 2000 and has climbed many other 8000 metre peaks. Paul was at the top camp of K2 awaiting his opportunity to summit when that terrible disaster hit last year when many climbers perished. Thankfully Paul has the smell of the sea in his nostrils now and has been on some ocean racing boats in the Middle East and has signed on for an all-amateur boat to sail in this years Cowes week in the U.K..

All this seems a long way on from sailing Minnows. However there was something there in the Minnow experience that developed Michael and Paul's determination and helped them cope with their somewhat extreme activities. 

Victorian State Championship 2010 Report and Results

The Minnow State Championships were held at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron on 6 – 7 March 2010.  The weather for the weekend was challenging, with Saturday’s electrical storms preventing sailing.  Sunday presented some better weather and the race committee was able to hold 4 races, 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
 
In the Open Division Sam Hannah in Swift was 1st, Jack Graves in Ozone 2nd and Zac O’Connell sailing Zac- A-Tack placed 3rd.
 
In the Senior Open Division Jack Graves was 1st, Zach O’Connell 2nd and Gemma Burns in Blondes Away 3rd.
 
In the Junior Open Division, Sam Hannah came 1st, Keira Bates in Vegemite Rhinoceros 2nd and Jeremy Edleston in Phantom 3rd.
 
In the Novice Division, Jasper Pluim sailing Local Buoy placed 1st, Alex Bolton in Sea Snake was  2nd and Elliot Johnston in Ankst placed 3rd.
 
The Rex Fettell Trophy for outstanding effort over the regatta was awarded to Molly Ford sailing Bionic Blonde from Parkdale Yacht Club.
 
Well done all our competitors for persisting with some frustrating conditions and thank you to all parents for assisting with children in the event.
 
The Minnow Sailing Association thanks the staff and volunteers at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron for their assistance at the regatta, and Ronstan and the Fox family for their kind donations.
 
For full results please see http://blairgowrieys.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=68
 

RESULTS of 2010 Minnow Nationals at Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club

Success for Victorians at the Nationals held at Lake Cootharaba, QLD on the 27th to 30th December 2009!  In good conditions with constant seabreezes ranging from 6 to 20 knots, 30 competitors battled out the 2010 championships, in  a very well organised regatta. 

Jack Graves in Ozone (SSCBC) became the new Australian Minnow Champion with straight wins.

Sam Hannah sailing Swift (SSCBC) was second overall and became the Australian Junior Minnow Champion.

Kye Evans in Kye the Spy 2 (LCSC) was third overall and second Junior in a fine performance.

Novice champion is Elyse Ainsworth sailing turtle.

For full results please click on the link http://results.lcsc.org.au/minnows/SGrp27.htm