Rome Featherstone’s making a spash in sailing

FREO’S done it again and sailed away with yet more silverware.

Fremantle Sailing Cub wunderkinds Alistair Young and Rome Featherstone were crowned state champions in the laser and optimist classes to add to their burgeoning trophy cabinet which includes the 2015 national titles.

The optimist championships, held over the long-weekend, were sailed at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club in variable winds which brought out the best in the affable and popular sailor.

In particular, the last race of the regatta was a masterly display by the 15-year-old from Hilton. Becoming almost becalmed at the start and finding himself in 25th place in the 44-strong fleet, the Steiner student managed to haul in everyone bar the lead boat by the last lap and then dispatched this boat at the top mark before crossing the line 10 metres in the clear. Over the 12 races, Rome scored an astonishing seven firsts, and will represent Australia in the world championships in Dziwnow, Poland this year.

Rome Featherstone in action.

Year 12 Scotch College student Alistair Young, also left his rivals in his wake. Alistair recorded four firsts in the eight-race championships, with his worst result being a fourth place in the 26 strong fleet. Mark Spearman and Ben Walkemeyer took out the minor placings to give Fremantle Sailing Club a clean sweep in the lasers.

by EDDIE ALBRECHT