This is what happens when a Treasurer commands a President (only joking), Chris Gardner and Steve Jones in action at the 08/09 FASTWAY Queensland State Titles at Southport Yacht Club.

11/10/08 - The true story of the Queensland Championship.

When you come from Queensland, it is hard to be humble. Some of us manage it better than others. The Queenslander NS14 team thought that it was time to retain the Championship board - just to keep the annual series interesting.

However, as you are aware - there are politics in sport.

Recently, South Brisbane Sailing Club launched two new rescue boats, and our local member Anna Bligh (Premier Bligh to people away from God's country) proceeded to christen to boats. Anna pulled local NS14 sailor, Nev Murray aside (photographic evidence available) with a message from our federal member, Kevin Rudd. "Nev" she says, "Kevin is worried about the morale of the country. We know that you NS14's have been - what's the nautical term for purposely sailing slowly?" "Dragging an anchor" replies Nev.
"Yes, dragging the anchor, and we have heard that the Queensland team was planning to sail to their full potential in this coming series. New South Wales have already lost the State of Origin. We explained the situation to the Broncos, and they were really torn between sending Wayne off & the good of the Nation & were really good in letting Melbourne just win. Melbourne didn't really act their part in the finals too well though. So, we are requesting that the Queensland team drag an anchor again."

So with these thoughts in mind; we arranged for strong breezes to make it easier for the less accomplished actors.

Heat 1: Most of the Queenslander's held back from the start line, but as the race progressed, a number of them had to capsize as they were catching the NSW leaders. Of these boats, it was a good battle, with Hugh & Michael Tait beating Duncan Dey & Darcy Woodward, with a pair of ex-Queensland champions (Chris Gardiner & Steve Jones) in third, Bob & Matt Engwirda in fourth giving NSW a clean sweep.

Heat 2: Don't know what happened as we were on the bank (Refer Anita's report). Another win for Hugh over Duncan.

Heat 3: The water had flattened, and the breeze was down to about 18-20 knots. Hugh and Chris fought around the course, with only boat lengths separating them as they headed into the work to the finish.

Heat 4: The light air race - 15 knots. This race Chris got the boat sailing really well to take the race from Hugh with Duncan third. We were actually on the same leg as the leaders for a while.

Heat 5: Breeze kicked in - 20+ knots again. Hugh battled with Duncan around the course and eventually won.

The report is sketchy, as we took Anna's words to heart, and stayed right away from the front of the field.

Then to top it off; it looks like the October long week-end has been canned.