Yachting Australia

Back:  Sport Services > Racing Disciplines > Team Racing As a result of many recent enquiries the AYF wishes to confirm its position in relation to the preferred equipment to be used for team racing.

The Pacer is the "AYF Preferred Equipment" for School and Youth Team Racing in Australia.

The class is spread through ALL states and territories of Australia and many State/Territory Yachting Associations, clubs and schools have fleets of Pacers that they use for top level team racing competition. The boat is also suitable to be used for weekend club racing and learn to sail programs.

"Whilst we cannot dictate to clubs and schools what equipment they should buy, we would very strongly encourage them to go with the Pacer. This ensures a national consistency and makes it easier for the kids when they travel interstate for National events." commented Jacqueline Ellis, Operations Manager who is responsible for managing AYF events. "This ensures a good second hand market for the fleets and it also opens up our options as to which clubs may host the Australian Secondary Schools Team Racing Championship".

The spread and strength of the Pacer being used for youth team racing is a result of the introduction back in 1989 and sponsorship for 12 years of a national school team racing competition by Epiglass (now International Paint). The Pacer was originally chosen for the championship as it was well suited to the weights of school aged sailors and was a sturdy yet high performance boat. Epiglass also initiated and sponsored an Interdominion Schools Team Racing event between Australian and New Zealand in order to develop this discipline of the sport in both countries.

The AYF have no plans to change the Pacer’s preferred status. Several independent builders throughout the country build the Pacer.

For more information on the Pacer, contact the Pacer Association of Australia through President Robin Endersbee on 03 9890 9676 or at endersbe@melbpc.org.au

The 2001 Australian Secondary Schools Team Racing Championship will be hosted by the Tasmanian Yachting Association from the 12th to 16th June and will be raced on the Derwent River.