WalterTurnbull facing tough competition to defend Elliott 7 crown

4:09 AM Tue 7 Apr 2009 GMT

'WalterTurnbull defending Elliott 7 champion' Bruce Hollis

The growing Elliott 7 fleet is headed to Queensland over Easter for the Australian Titles. The 16 boat fleet will feature sailors from the ACT, NSW, QLD as well as a team from NZ and will be sailed on Waterloo Bay hosted by the Wynnum Manly Yacht Club.

The decision to host the nationals in Brisbane was aimed at supporting the growing QLD fleet as well as allowing boats from the southern states to escape the chills of winter and compete in the Bay to Bay, Wintersun and Airlie beach regattas.

The favourite is still four-time Australian champion Matt Owen in WalterTurnbull however good recent form from Sydney Hobart winner Mike Green in Evergreen makes him one to watch. Owen said 'Greenie has been improving all season and has probably forgotten more than we know, he is one to watch out for' Lake Macquarie sailmaker Justin Mitchell will be out to improve on his second place last year and show that older boats and crews still have what it takes.

Other boats in the mix include last years Grand Prix series winner Woof, the fast but sometimes erratic Humungus and local boats Barney Army coming off a strong fourth in division 2 in the recent QLD IRC championships and Danger Zone both having spent plenty of time on Waterloo bay.

Enthusiastic class newcomers Aaron Terry and Kate Brimble on P-Plater have lodged an entry representing Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club in Wellington NZ and as such is hoping for strong breezes. 'The class has been fantastic with some great racing but more impressive is the camaraderie and help I have got from everyone' said Terry. 'Thanks to the help of the local guys in storing and towing the boats to the other QLD regattas means we can fly in and fly out letting us get more sailing in'

Racing starts with three W/L races on Friday, a W/L race then a long passage race on Saturday and finishes with three more W/L races on Sunday. More information and results can be found at www.wmyc.org.au

The Elliott 7 is Australia's largest one design sports boat fleet, with close one design racing as well as being competitive on SMS handicap in mixed fleets. For more information, class contacts or boats for sale visit the Association website at www.elliott7.yachting.org.au/