A-Class Australian Nats 2014 for Glenn Ashby

Report by Bob Griffits – Full Results at www.a-cat.org
“Glenn Ashby extended his overall winning margin in the final race of the Australian A Class Catamaran Championships, held at the St Leonard’s Yacht Club , on Port Phillip Bay to secure an outstanding 10th Australian Championship in the class
Race 9 was sailed in a fresh 18 knots of wind. Ashby placed second, and Brewin who had challenged Ashby for the lead during most of the series, finished in forth place. The race was won by Darwin’s Jack Benson ( the defending Australian Champion), and Stephen Brayshaw placing third to secure a third overall placing in the regatta.

First to the windward mark was Julian Jenkins. But Ashby, Benson, Brayshaw, and Brewin are extremely skilful and powerful downwind, and soon moved through to once again dominate the racing.
The St Leonard Yacht Club provided great facilities for both competitors and spectators , and racing under PRO Ian Johnson was completed on schedule in an efficient and timely manner. The winds were mainly in the light to moderate range, with fresh 18 knot winds in races 8 and 9.

Glenn Ashby used an Ashby sail, and DNA platform. Steve Brewin used a Brewin sail, and a Nikita platform. Stephen Brayshaw used a Brewin sail ,and a DNA platform. All three sailors used a Fibrefoam mast.

At the conclusion of the regatta, 18 boats were loaded into containers for shipping to Auckland where the 2014 World Championships will be held in mid Febuary.
The Australian team will be further strengthened with the addition of Nathan Outteridge, Andrew Landenberger, Brad Collett, and Scott Anderson.

The World Titles should be a fascinating contest between a number of the America’s Cup skippers and crew, against some of the highly talented A Class sailors from Australia in particular, and the United States and Europe. It would be a brave person to try and forecast the winner of this event.”

Bob Griffits.