COMPETITORS in the 2019 National Skiff Championship have headed back out to sea for the first heat of 2019.
Hosted by the Darling Point Sailing Squadron in Manly, the championship kicked off on Saturday December 29, with elite competitors from around Australia taking to the waters of Waterloo Bay.
After a lay day on January 1, heats resumed on January 2.
Local teams dominated the race during the opening days of competition, with skipper Daniel Bromelow of Manly holding a strong lead in the 13 foot series going into heat four.
Will Divola, also of Manly, and Darling Point competitor Patrick Lambourne sat on second and third places.
Dave O’Connor, skipper of Manly Surf N Slide, battled to maintain the lead in the 16 foot series as heat four began.
Southeast Queensland was also represented by Manly’s Felix Grech and Belmont’s Henry Makin, who occupied second and third positions.
Commodore Ray Lambourne said he expected locals would make the most of their home field advantage.
“Queenslanders will benefit with their knowledge of Moreton Bay and its unique conditions,” he said.
“Our 16 foot sailors are determined to put Queensland on the podium and it’s certainly going to be exciting racing for competitors.”
Competitors said conditions on days one and two were good for racing, with heats completed in winds between eight and fifteen knots.
On January 4 and 5, spectators can board the Lady Brisbane from the William Gunn Jetty to watch the race from the water and follow the course.
Competition will conclude with a presentation night on Saturday 5 January.
