Australian Flying Dutchmans finish 2nd and 3rd at World titles.

4:24 AM Thu 15 Jan 2009 GMT

'3rd overall Norman Rydge and Richard Scarr - 2008 Flying Dutchman Worlds, Napier' Mike Shields Click Here to view large photo

Australian crews have finished second and third at the Flying Dutchman World Championship recently hosted by Napier Sailing Club NZ.

Ian McCrossin and James Cook showed immediate form by winning the first race in a new Mader boat from Germany. Good speed and consistent tactics had the pair in second place at series end, two points ahead of fellow Australians Norman Rydge and Richard Scarr in third.

Ian McCrossin and James Cook (AUS 33) took 2nd place overall - 2008 Flying Dutchman Worlds, Napier - Kevin Hayton Click Here to view large photo

Seven Australian crews competed in the forty five boat field, most coming from the fleet sailing from the Sydney Flying Squadron.

Best in the mainly light winds were the Hungarian crew Szabolcs Majthenyi and Andras Domokos who scored seven wins in the nine race regatta. 'They had a small speed advantage upwind in the five knot range we had a lot of, and capitalised on the one way beats', commented Rydge, 'but McCrossin was at times the fastest and will be a good yardstick leading up to the next worlds in Medemblik this August.'

The Flying Dutchman fleet in Australia is growing with five new crews joining the fleet of 14 boats in NSW.Skiff sailors, 505 and keel boat sailors are making the tranisition to the class.

The Flying Dutchman is a two handed monohull that remains one of the fastest most enjoyable dinghies to sail. The Flying Dutchman was a former Olympic class, and should be considered an excellent choice for sailors looking to learn what Olympic sailing is all about. Now that the Flying Dutchman is no longer an Olympic class, the cost of a Flying Dutchman has reduced significantly making the Flying Dutchman one of the most affordable and durable dinghies available today.

Australia has a large and active Flying Dutchman fleet, with National and State titles held annually. The competition is fierce and friendly with social functions and outings at most championships. Join the Flying Dutchman community and enjoy your sailing.

Go to www.fd.net.auto find out more

by Richard Scarr

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