The recently held NSW 420 State titles hosted by Woollahra Sailing Club had a mix of weather conditions to contend with.

The Saturday racing was delayed by light and continuously varying direction until the wind settled into the predicted Westerly direction. Racing began amongst the typical Sydney harbour traffic which always makes for interesting situations on the water.

We were all expecting the forecasted front to develop and got 2 races in with the breeze steadily increasing.

It kept increasing to over 35knots and started to decimate some of the fleets. Obviously the racing was abandoned before we could start the 3^rd race. Most of the 420’s returned to shore unscathed. One mast did not survive during a rig setting change, otherwise it was credit to the young sailors to manage the conditions and get back to shore in good shape.

Carnage was unfolding on the harbour with several boats of various sizes losing their rigs, a few boats ending up the rocks and rescues taking place. As a coach for the regatta, it quickly took on a rescue role.

The Sunday was a great sailing day in the fading 20knot westerly. 6 races back to back made for great racing in the shifty conditions.

Teams were represented from Victoria and Queensland who made the effort to participate which sees great development with the class and strong competition. This equates to higher levels within the class and supports the Youth sailors going to the World Youth Championships and class world championships in June and July.

The regatta was successful especially for Ryan Littlechild and Jack Fergusson who had 8 wins. They had to fight hard in most of the races with plenty of boats nipping at their heels. Well done to the 420 sailors, interstate 420’s, volunteers and WSC for making it possible and a very enjoyable regatta.