Tasar-rific
Two Air Force sailors part of superb Defence teams at world championships

By Andrew Stackpool

CMDR Martin Linsley, steering, and FLTLT Nicholas Grey enjoy a strengthening breeze during a race in the World Tasar Championships, held at Darwin recently.

Photo by Mike Cleveland, Marine Photography

TWO Defence teams have finished in the top 10 at the recent 2005 Tasar [sailing boat] world championships.

One hundred and thirty boats from Australia, Japan, Canada, the US, and Europe, including seven from the ADF Sailing Association (ADFSA), competed in the championships from July 1-8.

The competition was held in the tropical waters off Darwin, the ideal location for top-level racing.

Former Tasar World Champion Commodore Rick Longbottom, and Flight Lieutenant John Force, finished fourth, and Commander Martin Linsley and Flight Lieutenant Nick Grey finished seventh.

This was an outstanding result for the four sailors who had only limited time to practise before the first race.

The championship was highly competitive. Some competitors enjoyed two-year preparation campaigns and began on-site preparation a fortnight before the start.

With 12 short-medium-length races during five days, the program was demanding.

Three races were sailed on most days and competitors experienced tropical conditions on-water for up to eight hours a day. Patience was definitely a virtue in the often-trying circumstances, particularly when the wind died.

The size of the fleet ensured good racing for experienced and inexperienced competitors alike. In their quest to achieve good results, competitors faced the challenges of not only the large number of boats, but strong tides and variable wind conditions.

The winning strategy was simple, in theory. Those who achieved good starts were able to keep their wind clear early in races, break from the fleet and achieve good finishing positions. But, with the size and standard of the fleet, achieving this proved no easy task.

Participation in the 2005 Tasar World Championship required considerable organisational effort and support from establishments.

The dedication and enthusiasm of the ADFSA’s Team Manager, Petty Officer Peter Wilcox, contributed greatly to the success of the two teams. HMAS Coonawarra and HMAS Stirling provided invaluable garrison support.

The ADFSA sailors enjoyed the biennial opportunity to participate at an international level, to improve their skills and experience against top sailors from around the world, and promote warm relationships between the two teams and civilian competitors at the championship.

ADFSA members now turn their attention to the ADF Tasar Championships to be held on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra from November 24-27 and the 2006 Australian Tasar Championships, which are to be held on Lake Macquarie from December 27-January 4.

Personnel interested in attending the ADF Tasar Championships should contact Lieutenant Michael Wadley by e-mail to michael.wadley@defence.gov.au. Personnel interested in the 2006 Australian Tasar Championships should contact Lieutenant Commander Michael Rock by e-mail to michael.rock@defence.gov.au.

.