Sports Boat Sunday at RQYS

1:53 AM Thu 14 May 2009 GMT

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) in conjunction with the Australian Sports Boat Association (ASBA) is holding their second Sports Boat Sunday event on Sunday the 24th May 2009.

It's been almost two years since the ASBA was formed and the Sports Boat Measurement System (SMS) was first introduced nationally. Around the country there is now over 75 SMS boats racing under the ASBA banner and over 20 of these are based in Queensland. The SMS system is the first ever measured handicap system for trailerable boats and is generating huge interest and most importantly close results.

The first Sports Boat Sunday was held in December 2008 with 19 boats competing over three races with all to count. The format is being repeated for the upcoming event with the numbers expected to increase this time to almost 25 boats with the event open to both SMS and non-SMS sports boats (which are then measured for SMS before the next event).

Competition is expected to be fierce with last years winner, the 8 metre boat Vivace (Noel Leigh-Smith), looking to make it two in a row and one of the smallest boats Barney Army (Andrew Barney) looking to take the form from his 3rd place in the Elliott 7 National Titles, over the same course, into the event. Also competing will be the local Melges 24, Business Time (Mark Moriarty) which recently finished 2nd at the Melges 24 National Titles. The 5 time National Sports Boat Champion, Chris Williams from Sydney, will also be aboard the Melges 24 Matilda to add some interstate rivalry to the event.

Strong supporter of Sports Boat racing in Australia, Bundaberg Rum, is the major sponsor for the day along with clothing company Slam. There is also a random cash prize draw of $500.

Sports Boat Sunday is also considered a good form guide to the Sports Boats racing at Airlie Beach Race Week in August where a record fleet is expected in 2009.

Sports Boat Sunday
Sunday 24th May
Sunday 6th December

More Information: www.rqys.com.au/index.php/department/marine-sports/#sports-boat-sunday

by Suellen Hurling

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Sports Boat Sunday at RQYS

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