Thrilling Finale at MC38 2023 Australian National Championships: Ginger Claims Victory
by Tilly McKnight 20 Nov 2023 00:27 NZDT
17-19 November 2023
MC38 2023 Australian National Championships © Tilly McKnight
The MC38 2023 Australian National Championships concluded with a spectacular display of skill, determination, and intense competition held out of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
Day two of the championship proved to be a defining moment for Leslie Green's 'Ginger', who consistently kept in the top of the fleet throughout challenging conditions of breeze and swell.
Day 2 Video: fb.watch/opxVElhZu9
Taking home two bullets within the three races, Ginger entered the third and final day of racing on Sunday with a comfortable lead ahead of the rest of the fleet.
Two close competitors keeping each other on their toes were Matt Hanning's 'Dye & Durham Unity' and Indy Beck's 'Infotrack'. With only two points keeping the pair apart, Sunday was really a fight for second and third place.
Day three approached, and with a steady 18-20 knots Nor-Easter breeze, sailors were ready to race by 10:55am.
Day 3 Video: fb.watch/opxU_skHRO
Ginger held a promising position at the top of the ladder, although needed to keep Dye & Durham Unity and InfoTrack in their sights to take home the title.
Battling it out in the first and second race of Sunday, the battle for the remaining podium spots unfolded and it wasn't until the third and final race provided the result. A neck-and-neck duel with only one point separating the two contenders, in the end 'InfoTrack' clinched second place, while 'Dye & Durham Unity' secured third.
Overall, Leslie Green and the formidable team aboard 'Ginger' emerged as the 2023 MC38 National Champions, securing their victories win with a dominant 10-point margin ahead of the fleet.
Adding a touch of excitement to the regatta's conclusion, Katie Spithill's 'Women Racing' (Leap AU) finished on a high note, claiming second and third place in the final two races.
The Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia received praise for hosting a stellar event, and heartfelt thanks were extended to all the volunteers and umpires whose efforts made the championship series possible.
The MC38 2023 Australian National Championships is a great showcase of Australia's sailing network and sportsmanship, and summarised an incredible season of sailing for the fleet.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Name (Sail No) | Skipper | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Ginger (AUS 38011) | Leslie Green | CYCA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 2 | Infotrack (38883) | Indy Beck | MHYC | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 21 |
| 3 | Dye & Durham Unity (AUS 38001) | Matt Hanning | MHYC | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 22 |
| 4 | Law Connect (38885) | Christian Beck | MHYC | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 32 |
| 5 | Leap AU (38002) | katie spithill | RPAYC | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 34 |