Champ retains sailing trophy

TUBUSEREIA village ensured it restored some pride in 2007 by retaining the Bevin Moale Memorial trophy last Saturday.
The final feature B grade race of the year saw 23 canoes contest the trophy, which eventually saw a tie for the top honours between Tubusereia’s Auna Fonza and host Sebisebi. They shared K1,700 between themselves.
Barakau’s Winnie Noga finsed third in Charlotte (K600).
One of the pre-race favourites, Gabagaba’s Digubada (K500) chased hard throughout before settling for fourth, followed by Barakau’s Mapekwara (K400), Kiri Gereana (K300), Lalohadai (K200) and Tubusereia’s Sparka Boy (K150) and Dabudabu (K100). Idaubada took home K100 and a bottle of whiskey for being the last canoe home.
Auna Fonza turned well ahead at the first buoy, followed by Sebisebi, start-start winner Lalohadai, Mapekwara and Charlotte.
With less than ideal 10-knot wind conditions, Auna Fonza seemingly had an unbreakable lead but Sebisebi kept the prolific feature race winner honest throughout.
In fact, Sebisebi had Auna Fonza’s measure at the eighth buoy but skipper Mula’s experience again shone through and had Auna Fonza wrestle back the lead at the turn of the ninth flag, which ensured a tight finish at the 12th turn.
Auna Fonza tacked ahead at the 12th, but Sebisebi wasn’t about to hand over its trophy without a fight and chased the former right to the finish line. Inconclusive reports at the finish line forced the race organisers to declare a tie to what was a tight finish.