Northland sailor Graham Watson has won the Masters category of the 2017 RC Laser Championship of Nations. Photo / Supplied
Northland sailor Graham Watson has won the Masters category of the 2017 RC Laser Championship of Nations. Photo / Supplied
Northland sailor Graham Watson has won the Masters category of the 2017 RC Laser Championship of Nations at the week-long international regatta held on the Gold Coast.
Competing against sailors from every state in Australia, as well as skippers from Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, UK, South Africa, and Netherlands, Watsondemonstrated tremendous sailing skills in blustery conditions that clearly suited him.
In September Watson travelled to Sydney NSW to compete and practice sailing against some of the world's top RC Laser sailors in preparation for the event.
The Radio Control Laser Championship of Nations is held every two years. This year it was hosted by Paradise Radio Yacht club at Emerald Lakes in the Gold Coast.
Watson finished sixth overall out of a fleet of 54 skilled sailors and first in the Masters Category of 50 to 59 years of age.
"Consistency is key in a regatta of 17 races," Watson said.
"We saw some very consistent racing by many of the Australian and overseas competitors which was all the more impressive given the conditions. I wanted to be in the top 15 and I achieved that. Winning the Masters category is a real bonus.
"It's a real thrill sailing the RC Laser and, for me, I get all the adrenalin of racing dinghies and yachts. RC Lasers is a growing sport in New Zealand and I'd like to see fleets in all parts of the country."
Scott Fleming of Victoria won the Championship of Nations, followed by Scott Mitchell from South Australia and Malcolm Kampe from Queensland.
Radio Control Lasers are one-design radio controlled yacht, modelled on the Olympic class Laser Dinghy. The RC Laser is sailed in many locations in New Zealand, from Whangarei to Invercargill.
Watson said Whangarei was looking to host some big upcoming competitions.
"We currently have growing fleets in the South Island and in the North. We are holding the inaugural New Zealand RC Laser National Championships next year and are bidding to host the Championship of Nations at the time of the America's Cup in 2021."
