The Acacia Energy Next Gen Day 2023 was held last Saturday 21 January. A 10 knot southerly breeze made for ideal racing conditions with 27 couta boats sailing, and over 200 sailors making up their crews. A truly incredible turn out this year.
The Next Gen Committee have worked hard to grow this program over the last few years. Bringing in new sailors to the Club, encouraging existing Members and of course, building relationships between Next Gen sailors and Couta Boat owners. We have seen more Next Gen sailors becoming part of regular crews this season which is an indicator of the success of the Next Gen program at SSCBC.
This year’s event saw many familiar faces with Harry Mighell and crew on Rhapsody our 2023 Handicap winners for Division 1, followed by Tom Klemens on Zephyr and Hamish Hurley on Kate. Wagtail was first over the line in Division 1, sailed by Will Phillips and crew.
Division 2 was taken out by Sam Stringer and crew on Peter Pan, followed by Isabelle Tucker on Morning Star and Tim Hannah on Tarni. The crew on Morning Star also taking out Line Honours for Division 2.
This day would not have been possible with the support we receive from SSCBC. We were generously provided with delicious food and drink offerings on the deck after sailing as well as live music to celebrate one of the highlights of the SSCBC calendar.
The Next Gen Day would not have been such a success without the support and sponsorship we receive. On behalf on the Next Gen Committee, I would like to thank Acacia Energy for their significant contribution to the event and for matching our enthusiasm for such a terrific day of sailing. I would also like to acknowledge our sponsors JTA Health, Safety & Noise, and Mentone Park Childcare & Preschool for their long-term support of the Next Gen program.
While the Next Gen Day is behind us for another year, I encourage all Next Gen sailors to get involved in the Carsales Friday Twilights and regular aggregate racing to grow the Next Gen presence at the Club. I look forward to seeing you all throughout the season.
Grace Cockman
Next Gen Committee Chair
Division 1
1st Rhapsody C1999 – Harry Mighell
2nd Zephyr C2006 – Tom Klemens
3rd Kate C305 – Hamish Hurley
Line Honours – Wagtail C86– Will Phillips
Division 2
1st Peter Pan C150 – Sam Stringer
2nd Morning Star C157 – Isabelle Tucker
3rd Tarni C93 – Tim Hannah
Line Honours – Morning Star C157 – Isabelle Tucker
Thank you to Sophie Klemens for the following photos.
