Gosford cousins shine well in Sabot Invitation Race

10:59 AM Mon 28 Dec 2009 GMT

'Vardon Robson in Thunderstruck (with lightning bolt) during the Invitation Race on Brisbane Water. - Australian Sabot Championships' Lorraine McIntosh Click Here to view large photo

Gosford cousins Vardon Robson in seniors and Blake and Ashleigh Robson in juniors started their 46th Australian Sabot Championships campaign in the best possible fashion by winning Monday's invitation races.

In the 100-plus strong senior fleet, Vardon Robson, sailing in Thunderstruck, fought his way from 12th at the first top mark rounding to second and got the gun for first place because leader and teammate Kirk Mitchell had been disqualified for being over the line in a black flag start.

Other Gosford sailors to excel were third-placed Henry Makin in Need For Speed, who improved from 23rd spot at the first rounding, and fifth-placed Kurt Hansen in Top Gear, who also fought his way through the fleet from 29th spot.

Second in seniors was Victorian James McLennon.

Meanwhile in the 24-strong junior race, Vardon's Robson's cousins Blake and Ashleigh Robson in Black Pearl took line honours after four of the leading boats rounded the top mark incorrectly and later withdrew from the race.

Second place went to North Queenslanders Emma and Chris Barsi in Twisted Sister and third place to Hunter Vercoe and Jasper Mainwaring from South Queensland.

Conditions were shifting 10-12 knot southeasterlies, which led to mid-race mark changes.

The 10 heats of championships, which are sponsored by Laser suppliers Performance Sailcraft Australia and Robson Civil Projects, along with Zhik and Ronston, begin on Tuesday and conclude on Sunday.

by Peter McIntosh