It was a cool moderate southerly that greeted our eager sailors. Four Large Cats arrived for Pointscore 14 and Club Championship 5. Bob Porter was back from the Nacra 5.8 Nationals at Lake Cootharaba where he and Johnny finished 4th overall in mostly 25 knot conditions. Well done guys!
Today Josh Porter crewed for Bob after Johnny broke his toe whilst water-sliding. Get well Johnny!
The rest of the fleet was rounded out with Paul English on Playtime (16Sq), Les Porter on Wilbur (foiling A Class) and me on Symphony 2 (floating A Class).
An impromptu meeting was held and the Large Cats all agreed to sail windward returns only. This format has the advantage of avoiding a ‘soldier’s course’ on the downwind legs, is safer in fresh breezes, and finally it’s almost universal on the regatta circuit. I think it’s a good move.
Les went out a little early to acclimatise and see how his boat handled the 15 knot breeze. When I caught up with him at the pre-start he was grinning like a Cheshire cat and said he’d foiled a little upwind. Foiling upwind is currently the holy grail of A Class sailing. Way to go Les!
Brad and Todd Curry were on duty and set a starboard course with start just north of Gooseberry Island and top mark towards Primbee. Thanks guys, it was a great race track. The wind eased a little before the 2PM start to a very enjoyable 15 knot sou ‘Easter.
Everyone got away cleanly with the two A Class soon stretching out a slight lead over the Nacra 5.8 with Paul’s 16Sq giving chase and again showing good upwind pace. Just after the first top mark, Les pulled up with a problem with his tiller extension attachment and needed gaffer tape to affect a temporary repair before continuing. It cost him a lot of time.
Today Josh Porter crewed for Bob after Johnny broke his toe whilst water-sliding. Get well Johnny!
The rest of the fleet was rounded out with Paul English on Playtime (16Sq), Les Porter on Wilbur (foiling A Class) and me on Symphony 2 (floating A Class).
An impromptu meeting was held and the Large Cats all agreed to sail windward returns only. This format has the advantage of avoiding a ‘soldier’s course’ on the downwind legs, is safer in fresh breezes, and finally it’s almost universal on the regatta circuit. I think it’s a good move.
Les went out a little early to acclimatise and see how his boat handled the 15 knot breeze. When I caught up with him at the pre-start he was grinning like a Cheshire cat and said he’d foiled a little upwind. Foiling upwind is currently the holy grail of A Class sailing. Way to go Les!
Brad and Todd Curry were on duty and set a starboard course with start just north of Gooseberry Island and top mark towards Primbee. Thanks guys, it was a great race track. The wind eased a little before the 2PM start to a very enjoyable 15 knot sou ‘Easter.
Everyone got away cleanly with the two A Class soon stretching out a slight lead over the Nacra 5.8 with Paul’s 16Sq giving chase and again showing good upwind pace. Just after the first top mark, Les pulled up with a problem with his tiller extension attachment and needed gaffer tape to affect a temporary repair before continuing. It cost him a lot of time.
Paul English on Playtime (courtesy of Brad and Todd Curry)
Paul English on his 16Sq was missing his stable-mate Kurt Griffiths, so Paul chased down the Small Cat fleet that started 5 minutes earlier. Les was playing catch-up after the tiller issue and was making up lost ground although hampered by numerous jellyfish strikes. A foiling capsize did not help either.
Meanwhile, Bob and Josh on the Nacra 5.8 Road Apple were showing great downwind pace and on each downwind leg were able to close the gap with Symphony 2. This set the tone for the entire race. Finally on the last leg to the X mark, Bob and Josh found another gear and stormed past Symphony to finish comfortably ahead.
Again, kudos goes to Paul English this week, who was pipped by only 7 seconds for 2nd place on yardstick in the Championship. Believe me, he’s found something extra.
Surely, Les Porter would have taken line honours but for his misfortunes. Afterwards, a jubilant Les said he was more than happy with his boat speed. Watch out everyone!
Meanwhile, Bob and Josh on the Nacra 5.8 Road Apple were showing great downwind pace and on each downwind leg were able to close the gap with Symphony 2. This set the tone for the entire race. Finally on the last leg to the X mark, Bob and Josh found another gear and stormed past Symphony to finish comfortably ahead.
Again, kudos goes to Paul English this week, who was pipped by only 7 seconds for 2nd place on yardstick in the Championship. Believe me, he’s found something extra.
Surely, Les Porter would have taken line honours but for his misfortunes. Afterwards, a jubilant Les said he was more than happy with his boat speed. Watch out everyone!
What a great day we had on the water!!
Upcoming Events
On Thursday (Australia Day), IYC are hosting the annual Lord Mayor’s Regatta. It’s a fun event with a round-the-lake course. The plan is to rig at PKSC around 9am and then sail to IYC for the start at 11:30am. Join us if you can make it. WillyWeather predicts a 10 knot southerly. Perfect!
Next Saturday 28th Jan is Point score 15. Don’t miss it! Hope to see you all there!
Upcoming Events
On Thursday (Australia Day), IYC are hosting the annual Lord Mayor’s Regatta. It’s a fun event with a round-the-lake course. The plan is to rig at PKSC around 9am and then sail to IYC for the start at 11:30am. Join us if you can make it. WillyWeather predicts a 10 knot southerly. Perfect!
Next Saturday 28th Jan is Point score 15. Don’t miss it! Hope to see you all there!
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