IT was a case of mate versus mate and sister against brother at the recent Combined High School’s sailing regatta in Belmont.
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Local sailors Nick Eastment, Chilli Engel, Will McKenzie, Bonnie Butler and Pat Butler from St John the Evangelist High School, Kyle Fortier from Shoalhaven High and Bailey Skewes of Nowra Christian School took part in the regatta.
Six exciting races were held over the four day event, with all sailors immensely enjoying their time on Lake Macquarie.
Most of the Shoalhaven teams sailed Hobie 16s, apart from Bailey who sailed a Nacra F18.
It was entertaining racing with all the races being extremely close throughout the whole regatta.
Due to both teams being on equal points, at the conclusion of the regatta, Bonnie and Kyle ended up winning the Hobie 16 class on countback from Will and Pat.
Like any normal regatta there were dramas and on the third day of the event, racing was postponed due to lack of wind and a shark in the race course.
The shark was spotted by Nick and Chilli when it swam up and attacked their rudders.
All in all the regatta was a great success with all students sailors had a wonderful time.
Bonnie and Kyle were both happy with their winning efforts and are both experienced sailors.
Bonnie said she had been in and around boats since she was a baby.
“I have been doing regattas since year three,” Bonnie said.
“This recent effort is possibly the biggest and best result I ever achieved.”
She said it was exciting to win their section of the regatta.
Kyle has over 10-years experience as a sailor and has enjoyed success in the past.
Bonnie and Kyle have been partners for almost a year and the key to their success is to make sure they have fun.
“It’s also important that we get along with each other,” Kyle said.
Kyle is the skipper on the water and Bonnie is happy to follow his instructions.
Bonnie, being a gracious winner, declined the chance to sledge her brother Pat and his good mate Will.