Moment of truth for catamaran crew

Press, 4 January 1978, Page 19

Moment of truth for catamaran crew

By

JOHN COFFEY

Bret de Thier’s familiarity with the difficulties of taking part in national yachting events without the benefit of consistently strong domestic competition should stand him in good stead when he makes his debut at the New Zealand catamaran championships which begins in Wellington today. The dedicated and -very skilful de Thier had only his perennial rival, Bryan Treleaven, to extend him in his days in the monotype Finn class, but his natural talents and tactics carried him through to five New Zealand title triumphs. It would be expecting too much of de Thier and his for’ard hand, Steve Moffatt, to upset the strong North Island contingent at their first attempt in a major Tornado catamaran contest. But the results will give an inkling as to whether de Thier will be able to earn Olympic Games selection for a third time as early as the 1980 regatta at Tallinn. If de Thier and Moffat can challenge the best of their opposing crews, they will have proved that they are on the verge of world class. Also in the fleet will be Peter Douglas and Chris Timms (Auckland), who were fourth in the last

world championship in the United States, and the tenth place-getters in that series, Graeme Turner and Brian Peet, also from Auckland. De Their and Moffatt shared the South Island championship honours with the seasoned Nelson

pair, Rex Sellers and Bud Nalder, after winning the last two races. Since then, some minor adjustments have been made to their craft, Blue Rhapsody, and indications are that an improved performance will be possible at Wellington. The national championship is the first, and the lesser, of two stepping stones towards the preOlympic regatta in Russian waters later this year. Next Easter, at Auckland, all of the Olympic classes will be assembled for a special contest

to choose the New Zealand squad to travel overseas. There is no doubt that de Thier is capable of crossing tacks with the finest of international helmsmen. A former holder of the Pacific Finn title, he has four times finished in the top 10 —- in fleets .of up to 150 starters — at world events, and it would be a remarkable achievement to gain similar distinction in multi-hull racing. Canterbury will also have two experienced skippers in the A class division at Wellington. Both Chris Hensley and Gavin Walter have included South Island championships among their accomplishments, with Hensley having claimed third position in the 1973-74 New Zealand series. . However, it is a moot point that Mel Haddon, the national winner in four of the last five seasons, and Andy Brown, who was the runner-up 12 months ago, have the distinct advantage of sailing in their home waters. Barry Toomey and Julian Boyd, the two Paper Tiger yachtsmen who have travelled to Wellington, have an even tougher assignment in a class that can boast a high standard in many centres throughout the country.