Hosts take lead in Nacra champs

After 10 days of intense racing on Koombana Bay, the 35th Nacra Australian Titles finished on Sunday, with Bunbury competitors medalling in all divisions.

Difficult weather conditions ensured the best came out on top, with four divisions of racing highlighting the best Australian Nacra racing had to offer.

Check out David Bailey's pictures from the Champs.

In the F18 class Airlie Beach team Dale Mitchell and Marty Webb won from Bunbury’s Gary and Leigh Gornall and world number two Michael Huinea and Calvin Holdt from Townsville.

Father and daughter team Warren and Madison Guinea took out the 350 class with Bundaberg’s Trent Potter and Kiela Taylor claiming second and Bunbury’s Corey McEvoy and Christy Guinea getting third.

Bunbury’s own Mark Colecliffe won the 16 square feet class from Jarrod Potter of Bundaberg and Andrew Pope of Bunbury.

In the 58 class Mathew Caldwell was first from Shane Russell of New South Wales and Michael Devereux of Perth.

Nacra Association WA president Gary Gornall said it was the first time in 20 years the hosts of the championships had placed in all four divisions.

“The event was enjoyed by all, with Bunbury medalling in all four divisions which is a first for a long time, ” he said.

“Racers had to deal with heavy winds which was unusual for this time of year.

“Racing was tight the whole week with one slight mistake costing you places which was hard to get back. Overall the winners had to be consistent all week.”