Sailing: New England sail to Thunderbolt Trophy spoils

Sailors were competing for the Keepit Kup for best individual sailor and the two clubs were competing for the Thunderbolt Trophy.

A long established tradition, the Thunderbolt Trophy is a 2-heat contest with Heat 1 sailed on Malpas Dam back in December. The New England sailors proved too strong on that occasion too and after building on their slight lead from Heat 1, wrested the trophy back off Lake Keepit.

The Regatta program of five races, commenced on Saturday afternoon with two races on a trapezoidal course sailed back-to-back.  The moderate northerly breeze provided very close racing with sailors from both clubs showing their potential. At this stage the Lake Keepit sailors thought they might just have a chance at retaining the Thunderbolt Trophy.

Sunday dawned clear and calm resulting in Race 3 being abandoned due to absolutely no wind.

Fortunately the breeze kicked in as forecast about 11.00 am, so Race 4 was completed in fast time with New England Sailing Club’s Chris Thompson clearly the sailor to beat.  

Lake Keepit’s Keith Garrett, John Sumner, Tim Corben and Kevin Overton tried every move in the book to out manoeuver the highly credentialed Armidale sailor but to no avail, with Thompson winning three of the four races to hold the Keepit Kup high.

The Thunderbolt Trophy decider on Sunday afternoon was sailed on a triangular Olympic style course with a moderate to strong northerly providing excellent sailing conditions.  The catamarans in the fleet revelled in these conditions and provided some spectacular viewing for spectators on the Club balcony.

The manner in which the two groups of sailors competed was outstanding. There was a bit of argy-bargy around some of the buoys but these issues were sorted out in a practical and friendly manner, the friendly but intense rivalry on the water a real highlight.

The club’s next major event is the 50th Keepit Kool Regatta on the June long weekend