Export Roo, skippered by Michael Cooper with David Chapman and Harry West as crew, dominated the regatta winning with a series score of 20 points after one discard.
The hot shot crew led the event from start to finish, showing their expertise in all sorts of weather, on the tricky River Derwent in Hobart.
Porco Rosso, the defending champion, skippered by Paul McCartney with Will Sargent and Eddie Reid, finished in second place, three points behind Cooper, on 23 points.
Ares, skippered by Eirini Marios, with Paige Caldecoat, Darren Jones and Sam Tiedemann took third place overall on 35 points, and also took out the Women’s Division.
Cooper was proud of his team with Chappo and West flying in from overseas to compete in the regatta. “They are an amazing team that made me look good.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve been behind the tiller on an SB; I’m enjoying being back in the Class, which is still pretty strong.
“There are some super talented boys, youth and girls in the Class.
“Our biggest competition was from the number two, Porco Rosso with Paul McCartney, Will Sargent and Eddie Reid; they are very talented boys.
“We worked hard to beat them because we are old and slow, especially me, but we really enjoyed it,” said Cooper.
A highlight of the regatta was the performance of the youth teams, with the young sailing teams leading the frontrunners around the top mark on several occasions, proving that the future of the SB20 fleet is in good hands in Australia.
Warwick Dean-The Hutchins School Sailing Academy, skippered by Charlie Birch, with Archie McQuillam/ Edward Steedman, Sam Hooper and Phineas Gray, took out the Youth Division.
Wicked, skippered by Stephen Henley with helm Chris Keil and Sarah Haywood, won on PHS overall.
Only two races were needed on the last day to finish the ten-race schedule.
Karabos (Nick Rogers) won Race Nine in convincing style, but the final race of the day gave the Race Committee and sailors a few headaches when the north westerly breeze fell away to almost nothing.
Race Officer Colleen Darcey shortened the course with the lead boat, MasterClass, skippered by Sam King with Roger King and Joshua Ragg, managing to finish just before a southerly kicked in.
Class President, Paul McCartney thanked the Derwent Sailing Squadron for a fantastic event which is the final regatta for the Class in the 2025/26 Australian sailing season.
Words / images Jane Austin, SB20Aus
https://topyacht.net.au/tyweb/mobile_results_10/mobile_results.html?cede=1322.324.107
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