The 2023 ILCA Metropolitan Championships were held at RQYS across two days of racing and five races total.

Saturday’s races were held in 10 knots with Frances Beebe and Simon Small managing to record one win each. Simon has recently joined the Brisbane fleet. As a past Youth World Champion and top full rig sailor, Simon is a strong addition to the fleet. Michael Pitt, Christine Bridge, Glenn Beebe and Steve Baum had a tight tussle throughout the afternoon rounding out the top five in the two races.

Sunday morning confronted the sailors with a 7-10 knot easterly with puffs coming out of both sides of the course. It was going to be a thinkers day, and of course up stepped Michael Pitt!

Michael won two races separated by Simon’s win in heat 4, while Frances recorded two seconds in heats 3 & 4 and Christine two thirds.

Going into the final heat, Simon had the advantage. The maths had Frances either having to win the last heat or have Simon finish no better than 4th. The first general recall of the regatta eventuated with Simon and Frances locked together, both seeking the advantage. The second attempt started with a little more separation and a drag race to the left. Simon had too much pace and led by 15 seconds at the first mark and Frances in 4th. Frances caught up with Simon on the downwind and blanketed him, with both dropping boats on the second half of the run. Frances rounded the bottom gate in front and covered Simon for the second beat with both boats dropping further places to eventually finish Frances 6th and  Simon 9th, Frances taking the regatta by 1 point. Third and fourth place were even closer, with Michael and Christine’s results broken by count back, and Michael ultimately taking third place.

Thank you to the Queensland Laser Association, Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and all of the volunteers for another awesome event!

Regatta results:

1st – Frances Beebe

2nd – Simon Small