Action-packed finish to sailing club’s dry season campaign

The Broome Sailing Club concluded its dry season campaign in action-packed fashion recently, with a captivating final race in local waters.

A stiff breeze and a building choppy sea greeted the three competitors on Sunday, September 20 as they set off from Gantheaume beach.

Miranda Dibdin and Colin Pruden ensured all competitors were supported by the safety boat in challenging conditions.

John Dayman took to the water on his Impulse yacht, Mike Burbridge was on his Radial Laser and newcomer Jeff White was aboard the full-rig Laser.

It was a tight start, with Dayman and Burbridge exchanging the lead on a number of occasions, with the superior pointing ability of the Radial Laser giving the latter a slender advantage.

Burbridge was in the lead at the first mark with Dayman in hot pursuit, while capsizing stunted White’s progress.

Dayman took the lead around the leeward mark, but the pair was never separated by much.

However, history repeated itself for the third time with great pointing ability by Burbridge claiming the spoils by a mere 24 seconds.

The Broome Sailing Club will now enter its wet season program.

Club principal training officer and vice commodore Dayman said the end of the year was an exciting time to take to the water.

“The club now goes to one race per month over the wet season, but with better wind and waves the racing is top stuff,” he said.

“That’s what it's all about - we are really looking forward to an action-packed wet season race series.”

For more information on sailing locally visit www.broomesailingclub.org.au.