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10:05 AM Sun 4 Jan 2009 GMT
 | | 'Malcolm Page and Fiona Elliott in 'Fizzy' at the 2008/09 NS14 National Championships, Adelaide. Photo:www.ns14.org/'
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Light winds plagued the final days of the NS14 National Championships at Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club. Whilst it was perfect weather for the shore crews to enjoy the beach and Adelaide surrounds, many competitors found the conditions frustrating.
Despite the damage to many boats on the previous day, all teams were back on the water for Races 5 and 6. The conditions were a complete contrast to race 4, with a light fluky breeze. Many boats left the shore with mast rake more suited to the forecast 15 knots, but had to make do in the 5-8 knots that actually eventuated. Positions switched all day in both races. The final results of race 5 were held up due to a protest by Wildfire against In a Frenzy over a mark rounding incident which resulted in the disqualification of In a Frenzy.
The final positions for race 5 were 1st: Tigger Too (Hugh Tait), 2nd: Alternative Pathway (David Gordon) 3rd: Wildfire (Chris Gardner). Race 6 was won by Hooters (Gary Bellamy), followed by In a Frenzy (Duncan Dey) and Tigger Too (Hugh Tait).
New Year's Day was a lay day with no racing. Races 7 and 8 were held on the 2nd of January, again in light to moderate winds. Increased enthusiasm amongst the fleet lead to a general recall in race 7. Several boats then got slightly confused during the repeated start sequence and arrived a minute early for the restart. Ultimately 5 boats were scored OCS (on course side). Local boat Sweet Little Rock 'n' Roller managed to drop the mast following the gibe and was towed ashore to re-rig. The heat was won by Wildfire (Chris Gardner) followed by Dark Horse (Tim Dunstan) and Tigger Too (Hugh Tait). Conditions for race 8 were similar, but perhaps a bit gustier, resulting in several capsizes on the runs and reaches. Diabolical pitch poled, holing the jib with the spreaders near the forestay. In first place was Tigger Too, second was Wildfire and third was Pumpkin Eater (Darren Eggins).
The final day of racing capped off an overall light series with Race 9 starting in 6 knots. Breeze gradually picked up as the sea breeze filled through, but remained light. The final heat was subjected to 2 general recalls and eventually started under a black flag with no disqualifications. Fizzy (Malcolm Page) lead for the entire race and Tigger Too chased hard. In the end Fizzy was too quick, winning the final heat from Tigger Too and Powderburn (Debbie Colebatch).
Hugh Tait in Tigger Too successfully defended his title with crew Tom Potter to take out the 40th NS14 National Championships over Fizzy (Malcolm Page and Fiona Elliot) with Wildfire (Chris Gardner and Steve Jones) in third place.
The silver fleet series, contested between Optimist (Scott and Jacob Keogh) and Surprise (Ian and Lachie Bateman) was won by Optimist.
The full results are available at www.ns14.org
by Kathryn Burdon
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Lord Howe Island Windy Point, NSW
