Landy & Bundy Victorious at AUS Championships
Fox Friday Australian A-Cat championships, Lake Cootharaba Qld.
Andrew Landenberger wins in the Classic and Darren Bundock in the Open category at Lake Cootharaba and both asserted their dominance from the start. Although it was slightly touch and go for Landy to stay ahead in the first few days, however in his usual style, he hit form towards the end of the week with a total of 6 bullets. Youngster Kristian Bilston held onto second from midweek onwards over the early pace of Jamie Jochheim who chased hard. Former Champ Scotty Anderson, despite his 2 bullets, was shown a clean pair of heels by the leaders this time.
In the Open fleet, Bundy never looked back, with a masterclass of 9 bullets over a pushing Adam Beattie, and Stevie Brewin's challenge faded at the end with him not completing the last two races.
In some great racing on the flat waters of the lake, the 12 race series saw fleets of 37 and 17 boats respectively and huge fun was had by all, including the ITA Guest sailor, The ITA Nat Champ, Lamberto Cesari on a borrowed boat. Well done to all!
The new AACCA Publicity Officer, Ian 'Storm' Johnson, gives a wrap-up of the week.
Reports and results on the racing have been posted on the Association’s facebook pages.
The racing has finished and the rain stayed away until the pack up was finished then came down for Presentation Night. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the competitors as the celebration drinks and congratulations flowed for the winners and grinners at the Appolonian Hotel (a heritage listed building).
17 Foilers and 37 Classics endured a week of testing conditions as uncharacteristic wind patterns played havoc the first few days, with many places won or lost on the shifts. The latter racing was held in more “usual” weather, however some of the foilers suffered from ploughing the weed beds with their long rudders as the depth of the lake subsided in the last couple of days.
Very testing conditions for the PRO Ian Humphries and helpers. To their credit they got a full series of 12 races in without too many issues.
On shore the ladies and children were kept occupied by the many activities Renee Collett and Tara Homan organised through the week. Many thanks for the organising and the sponsors goodies. Some of the children posted interviews with Bundy, Carolijn and Landy.
Our principle sponsor Fox Friday Brewery provided ample product for all to enjoy after racing with the sausage sizzles. Thank you to Ben for supporting us and to all the supporters who cooked each day.
Congratulations to the winners in all categories.
Overall Foiling - Darren Bundock, Adam Beattie, Stevie Brewin
Overall Classic - Andrew Landenberger, Kristian Bilston, Jamie Jochheim
Classic Retro Category – Jon Goodall
Junior Age Category – Foiling Jarrod Spencer, Classic Kristian Bilston
General Age Category – Foiling Matt Homan, Classic Bruce Woodward
Master Age Category – Foiling Brad Collett, Classic Jon Goodall
Grand Master Age Category – Foiling David Brewer, Classic Mark Griffith
Great Grand Master Age Category – Foiling Simon Nelson, Classic Scott Anderson
Congratulations to our 2 women sailors Foiling Carolijn Brewer, Classic Zoe Kershaw
Great to have 5 junior sailors competing and very pleasing to see the speed of Kristian Bilston who gave Landy a hard time throughout and taking 2 heat wins with consistent seconds and thirds.
Thank you and welcome to our International travellers Lamberto Cesari (ITA) and Aussie Paul Larsson for GBR. Also our travellers from WA Paul Raymond and Ryan Duffield and FNQ Jamie Jochheim.
We now move onto the State championships in NSW (Kurnell) 1&2 March, VIC (Elwood) 8-10 March and QLD (Hervey Bay) 18-20 April. Our 60 years of A class sailing celebration Nationals will be held in Victoria at St. Leonards 7-14 February 2026. Looking forward to good numbers at each of these events.
Photos - Ian Johnston, Russell Witt Photography.
