Championship to be decided this weekend

Sam Cricton looks ahead at the conclusion of the Rosemount National Championships for the Farr 40s in OZ

12-14 March will be the final regatta for the Australian Farr 40 season for 2003/04 with the Rosemount National Championships being hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Cub, Pittwater. This regatta will produce a National Champion and the winner of the Australian Point score circuit will also be decided.

Currently the circuit point score has Marcus Blackmore on eight points, leading Richard Perini by one point and a three way tie for third with Rob Skinner, Steve Ellis and Lang Walker all on 13 points.

Ten boats will contest the Rosemount National Championships with the winner receiving not only the National Champion title but also his weight in one of the finest Australian wines from Rosemount.

Current National Champion Marcus Blackmore will be keen to defend his title and try for a second National Champion title in a row. Blackmore has won the point score circuit for the last five years with Steve Ellis taking second in 2003.

Neville Crichton will be steering Shockwave after winning the Farr 40 class in the Rolex Trophy series in December 2003. Richard Perini will be hoping to make it two regattas in a row, after winning the Farr 40 class in the Joico regatta last weekend with a scorecard of 1,4,2,1.

The 2004/05 season will be an exciting one for the Australian Farr 40 fleet with the class hosting the 2005 World Championships in March in Sydney. A number of overseas boats have expressed interest in travelling down under to compete in the regatta, which will be hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.