Race Report – Manly16s Club Championships Heats 1 & 2
Balmain skipper Zoe Dransfield experienced the unpredictability of 16ft skiff racing as the 2026/27 club championship commenced on Saturday. Dransfield and her crew, Hugh and Jamie Stodart, started strong, leading from the first race’s outset and finishing ahead of Imagine Signage and Employment Hero.
However, their luck changed in the second race when they faced difficulties in the 10-15 knot nor’easter, resulting in a distant 10th place finish. “We had a glamour first race and felt super-fast around the course,” Dransfield noted, reflecting on their initial success.
In contrast, the second race brought miscommunication and a capsize while attempting a close cross with Buckingham Marine, leading Dransfield to acknowledge the need for more practice with their new boat. Despite the ups and downs, she remained optimistic about the season ahead, praising the boat’s new look and performance.
While Balmain struggled in the second heat, 16-year-old fill-in skipper Goro Tomishima achieved a stunning victory for Buckingham Marine, showcasing his skills alongside experienced sailors Gus Williams and Matt Stenta. Tomishima, who also secured a fourth in heat one, is eager for more opportunities in the competitive 16s fleet.
The race saw 23 skiffs compete, with newcomers Chapman High Performance Sailing and Hi adding excitement to the event. In the 13ft skiff class, Harken’s new team of Meg Bates and Joe Corbel won heat one, followed by Modern Concept Constructions MCC, who claimed victory in heat two.
Words Adam Lucius
Images SailMedia
#16ftSkiff #Sailing #Manly16s
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