Busselton pair lead State event

Two young sailors from Busselton are leading the pack in a major yachting event.

Skipper Riley Nail and Kahill Mann are in first place in the Pelican State Championship being held at Geographe Bay Yacht Club this week.

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Rear commodore of juniors Rob Nail said the boys were leading by a small margin as the competition entered its fourth day today.

“Riley and Kahill have won one race and come second in all the others, whereas the others have had a couple of wins and other mixed results, ” Mr Naill said.

“It’s quite close – it’s going to come down to the last couple of races that’s for sure.”

Conditions have been excellent since racing started on Monday, 38 boats making the most of decent winds. Yesterday was a rest day. Boys and girls from as far afield as Geraldton and Esperance are taking part in the event, which is in its 56th year.

Behind Riley and Kahill are South of Perth Yacht Club’s Jack Luketina and Nathan Box in Pineapple Sunday and in third place are Geraldton Yacht Club’s Soren and Olivia Pidgeon.

Mr Nail said the atmosphere of the regatta was fantastic and all the children had enjoyed a disco on Wednesday night.

He said the highlight so far had been the close tussle at the front and seeing the improvement of the new skippers.

“It’s been really positive for the club and for all the families who have travelled here to be a part of it, ” he said.

Racing resumes today in favourable conditions and culminates tomorrow morning followed by a winners’ presentation in the evening.