With valuable points to be scored towards the state championships, crews were keen to make the most of light south to south east winds sailing across the bay and beyond the breakwater.

2007 state championship winner and last year’s runner up, David Higgins saw the day as “a lead up to the nationals to be held this year in Tasmania.”

David’s Sharpie, ‘Watch out for the Scooby Doo’, lived up to its name, taking out the first heat.

David’s brother, Matt Higgins, won the second heat of the day over the shortened course.

The Higgins boys have a strong family connection to Victor Harbor Yacht club, where cousin Clare Williams currently sails on a twin hull.

VHYC Commodore, Roger Rogerson, applauded the strong Sharpie showing on the bay.

“They’re one of the strongest monohull classes and have been very good supporters for the last 12 years,” Rogerson said.

The boats were once timber hulled and heavy weight, strong on tradition, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Technology however, has brought changes to classic designs and with green, blue, yellow and rainbow coloured kites or spinnakers and lightweight sails creating great spectator value.

Youngest sailor and sightseer on the day had to be 23 month old Zane Porteous, enjoying a close up view of Sharpies sailing on the family twin hull, Formula 16, ‘Zen 16’.

Race results

State heats- Sharpies

1st heat: David Higgins, 2nd heat: Matt Higgins, Cats: Marcus Towell, Arrows: Craig Pearson, Arafura Cadets: Rebecca Kewley, Sabres: Ian Rowan and 420’s: Ben Doley.