SUTHERLAND'S CONTENDER TITLE - 29th April 2008.
 
By John Roberson
 
Chris Sutherland is the new state champion in the single-handed Contender class, taking the title at the weekend, on the Swan River, after a tight battle with Paul Green.
 
Third place went to a fast improving Brett Burvill, who isbetter known for his prowess in Tornado catamarans and International Moths, but by the end of the championship was getting the hang of these boats, and chalked up a couple of race wins.
 
A schedule of nine races was planned, with eight being completed over the two day series on Saturday and Sunday, hosted by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.
 
At lunchtime on Sunday, Green from South of Perth Yacht Club, and Sutherland representing the host club, were level at the top of the leaderboard with three races to go.
 
Chris Sutherland then held his nerve to outsail Paul Greenin the last three heats to grab the championship by three points.
 
With the two leaders more interested in sailing against each other than the rest of the fleet, it gave the rest of the competitors a chance to put some wins on the scoreboard.
 
Conditions for the series were mostly moderate, with the easterly breeze averaging around 10 knots for most of the races, topping out at fifteen knots, and drifting away on Sunday afternoon, so that the final racecouldn't be sailed.
 
RESULTS:
1.            ChrisSutherland     RFBYC     11pts
2.            PaulGreen             SoPYC     14pts
3.            BrettBurvill             MBSC      20pts