Locals well placed in model yachting

Radio Controlled Model Yachting competitors from Umina performed well at the Australian National titles held at Kogorah Bay.

Mr Phil Page from Umina placed third over three days of competitive sailing in the A-class from January 3 to 5 in his first year in the A-class.

"I've been sailing radio yachts for probably 30 years and it's the first time I've sailed in the A-class so it's a pretty good result and I thoroughly enjoyed it," said Mr Page.

The A-class is the most prestigious of the four radio model yachting classes.

The biggest and heaviest yachts sail in this class.

Mr Frank Russell of Umina placed fifth in the 10R class that sailed over three days from January 6 to 8.

The three days saw varying wind changes and was highly competitive right up to the last few hours of sailing.

There were only a few points separating second to fifth places.

Mr Russell was sailing his own designed boat, the Phoenix 5, which he has been fine tuning since competing in the NSW titles last October.

Both skippers did better this year than they did last year and are now planning for the 2012 National Titles in Tasmania next January.

They sail regularly with the Central Coast Radio Yachting Club, which meets the on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month at Terrigal Lagoon.

Email, 20 Jan 2011 Marilyn Russell, Umina