A Challenging start
Manly 16ft skiff skipper Felix Grech has made no secret what he is chasing this season.
From the moment last season finished, Grech has had his eye firmly set on the national championships in January.
He believes he can combine with regular crew members Tom Potter and Paul Darmanin to steer Korman Marine Composites to a podium finish on Middle Harbour in early January.
KMC’s gradual improvement as the season develops has been evident, with victory in Manly’s eighth pointscore race last Saturday confirming a boat on the rise.
“It’s been a challenging season but we are getting there. We have been working to develop a new set of sails for the boat and I think this race confirms we’re getting close to we’re we want to be with the design,” Grech said.
“We have the states this weekend which will be another great test for us and the new sails. Our goal has been to develop some quick sails and place at nationals
“We’ve just been trying to do as many races as we can and then have a really good go at the nationals.”
With Conor Nicholas filling in on the sheet, KMC got off to a flying start in the pointscore race.
They were second around the top mark in the fluctuating nor easter and eased themselves into the lead on the downwind run.
Sutech (Daniel Turner) came at Grech late but he was able to hold on to guide KMC to a 56-second win.
Turner grabbed second with Manly Surf n Slide (Ben Bianco) third.
KMC completed the double, taking handicap honours from Sutech and Lee Sails (Sarah Lee).
“With close to 30 starters at Manly every week, the competition has really stepped up and that’s great for us,” Grech said.
“We have a long way to go but hopefully we can carry some of this form into the states this weekend and them on to the nationals.”
Manly will host the third and fourth heats of the NSW 16ft Championships across the weekend.
