Son sails in honour of father
When Robert Oliver takes to the waters of Cockburn Sound this week to compete in the 58th Skate Australian Championship, he is continuing a family tradition forged by his late father, Chris, more than 40 years ago.
Oliver and his skipper, Sean Andrews, are competing in the championship against 18 other boats that have descended on Rockingham for the 10-day competition.
The championship holds extra significance for Oliver and his family, with a trophy named in his father's honour after he died aged 41 of a heart attack in 1994.
"My dad was well regarded by the skate association, not just here in WA, but in the Eastern States," Oliver said. "It means a lot that each year his life is celebrated and remembered with the trophy."
Oliver, 28, recalls visiting Rockingham for State sailing races held at Rockingham Yacht Club.
"I remember being down here as a child, watching my dad sail on his boat," he said. "Now I'm out there competing with people who my dad sailed with."
The seven-race competition started on Saturday, with only 17 seconds separating the first two boats.
New South Wales boat Any Which Way, skippered by David Luck with crewman Damien Viotman, won from WA's father-son duo Brett and Cameron Fannon on Tasty Fish.
Race two was abandoned on Sunday because of strong winds.
Races continue today, with the competition wrapping up on Monday. Presentations will be held at The Cruising Yacht Club on Monday at 6pm.
