January 08th, 2021
By Aaron Goodwin
Bundaberg sailors cleaned up at the first Weta National Championships (Dec 28-Jan 2) on Lake Cootharaba, picking first place in all three categories.
Bundaberg Sailing Club (BSC) members Glenn Foley (1 up Scratch), Mitchell Foley (1up Handicap) with Rod Daley and Jackson Weber (2 up Scratch) were the rum city sailors who picked up first place against sailors from across the country.
Glenn Foley, a Weta Queensland Dealer, has won the last four Weta State Championships and said that the Weta racing class is growing in popularity.
”About three- four years ago we only had three boats in the club in Bundaberg and now we have nine,” Mr Foley said.
”It’s growing, it’s a class that keeps the older sailors on the water longer.
”It’s a very forgiving boat and hard to tip over.
”Dave Vockler our oldest club member, he’s 75 and he’s still sailing and racing.
”Angela Gregory is close to her 70s and Bill Koorneef is close to or in his 70s as well so there’s some old guys still sailing.
”Last year I would’ve sold nine-10 boats through the year so it’s growing rapidly.
”Lake Cootharaba has eight-nine boats in their club also so the Brisbane area is keeping up with us.”
Competing in his 1up Scratch category, Mr Foley said he had a tight contest with Andres Gabarrin from the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club, with only two nett points separating the two in the end.
”It could’ve went either way between us,” Mr Foley said.
”It was a very good regatta, well run and the weather was mild and not overly windy.
”One day we had drizzly rain all day bit we managed to get two races done that day.”
There were seven boats from the BSC that competed at the Weta National Championships.
Photos: Sailing Shotz Photography
