Jul 31, 2023
Perth Classic 2023 - A Story of Weather Gods v Sailors
Dual fleets of IOMs and DF95s battled the weather gods to fit in a day of tricky racing for the 14th running of the Perth Classic. Presuming the adverse weather predictions for the day kept most visitors away but those that attended enjoyed the convivial atmosphere whilst providing great spectator entertainment.
A challenging day of variable light winds rotating through 270 degrees kept PRO Warren Rock on his toes whilst the squad of determined competitors tested their wisp-picking skills. Perseverance paid off and a total of 17 races over two fleets were squeezed in between the mirror-like lulls on Jackadder Lake and a sausage sizzle with salad lunch.
Brian Knuckey won the day for the IOMs with a very convincing win, followed by visitors Edgar Vitte and Rob Mews. Justin McCauley led the DF95s with Len White and John Smith following on the podium. Tail dragger prizes were awarded to Phil Davies (IOM) and Peter Festel (DF95).
Winners CircleWarren Rock, John Smith, Justin McCauley, Len White, Brian Knuckey, Edgar Vitte, Rob Mews, Phil Davies & Peter Frestel
See some great vision of the event via this link, Perth Classic 2023, kindly filmed by Ron Grim. Somehow Ron, through careful editing and music overlay, managed to apply a sense of drama and excitement to footage which, due to very light winds, could have been in slow motion!