Some kids start small, think big and then achieve

11:22 AM Wed 6 May 2009 GMT

'Congestion at the Wing Mark in the Sabot fleet' Sail-World.com /AUS &copy Click Here to view large photo

Learning the basic fundamentals from racing the 2.62 m snub-bow Sabot class dinghies on the open ocean courses off Mooloolaba has played a major role in the careers of several high profile Queensland sailors.

Sailing out the Mooloolah River into the sound of breaking waves on the groyne was a stark reminder for the kids from the aquatic kindergarten who were determined to show they were physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.

Their individual determination to beat the odds and master the elements of sailing into and before the ocean swell allowed them to achieve a unique steering technique.

A skill which Sunshine Coast sailors Matt Gaulter, Lauren Jeffries, Trent and Kyle Robson, Sean O'Rourke and the sister crew of Fiona and Andrea Charlson expressed to win Australian Sabot championships.

Racing in the popular Coca Cola Winter Series off Mooloolaba laid the benchmark for many other young sailors including female World 420 champions Lisa Charlson and Sarah Roberts-Thomson and their successful coach Adrian Finglas who was also a Sabot Australian champion.

The early career experience gained from racing in the offshore environment over a course which many described as a 'torture track' on windier days also proved a valuable source of knowledge for the average club sailor.

Some simply did it tough hanging in the hiking straps for long periods as they slogged slowly upwind never giving up to eventually finish back in the pack.

Generally the lighter Sabot sailors were extended to the limit of their personal endurance and while they were rewarded with some thrill a second rides down the face of the ocean swells they were never close enough to score wins over the class champions.

However they have continued to enjoy the sport achieving career goals in range of classes from skiffs, and sharpies to ocean racing.

Making up the leeway was always accepted as a challenge for lightweight Scott Cavanough but that has changed in recent times since he packed his sea-bag and headed to Europe in search of a yachting adventure.

The Nudgee College 'Old Boy' now brushes shoulders with and against the best ocean racing sailors on the international circuit as the bosun on the replica of the victorious Amercia's Cup J Class yacht Ranger.

During the past two years Scott has made several voyages across the Atlantic and was onboard when Ranger sailing on what appeared to be the safe starboard tack was damaged during a port and starboard collision with Valsheda in the Antigua Race Week.

Valsheda immediately retired with her crew admitting they were at fault however both yachts took no further part in the regatta.

However Scott Cavanough was not prepared to become a spectator and accepted a crew role onboard the Adrian Lee skippered high performance Cookson 50 Lee Overlay Partners, gaining further important experience towards becoming the first Queenslander to race 4,800 nautical miles single handed across the rugged North Atlantic Ocean in a 6.5m yacht.

by Ian Grant

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Some kids start small, think big and then achieve

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