The Fiji Oceania Masters Championships has just concluded at Dunarau Island Fiji.
Following the coaching sessions run by Brett Beyer AUS (current World Master Champion) the sailors got down to serious sailing in mostly ideal conditions.
After four days and eight races in the Standard fleet, Brett Beyer was the first Master and clear winner in the Standard fleet. Apprentice Master Dave Ridley of New Zealand kept Beyer on his toes, staying close by in each race and finishing second overall, only six points behind. Rounding out the podium, was Dutch Master Martin Koning who is actually tied for points with Master Peter Hurley of USA.
The leading Laser Standard Grand Master was Canadian Rob Muru, who climbed back up to fifth place overall. The leading Great Grand Master was Richard Ineson of New Zealand, in 18th overall.
In the Laser Radials, Grand Master Roger Winton of New Zealand was first, with only seven total points over eight races. Corinthian Viliame Ratulu of Fiji had an outstanding performance the last two days finishing top-three in the final four races. Third overall was Apprentice Master Robert Vine of Thailand who also was very consistent. Australian Legend John d’Helin, came in fourth overall of the Radial fleet.
You can see the event results HERE.
There has been strong local interest in the event which is planned to be the first of several big Laser championships staged in Fiji. Local TV has some footage and the Fiji Sun carried an item HERE. The event web site is https://www.oceanialaserchamps.com
The spirit of the event is captured on the the Live Sail Die video HERE.