A cool and overcast day with a moderate southerly greeted our large cat fleet. The rigging area looked a little bare compared to the usual turnout; only 2 large and 2 small cats were there with Kurt and Hugh on rescue duty. I know Les planned to attend the Cock of the Bay at Kurnell on Sunday and was put off Saturday by the strong southerly forecast.
As it turned out, it was a great day for sailing. The wind may have gusted up to 15 knots but no more. It was very pleasant, indeed.
As mentioned, Hugh and Kurt were on duty (thanks for that and for supplying photos) and set a port course with start line in front of the clubhouse and top mark towards Mt Warrigal. The large cats elected to sail sausages only. It certainly takes the procession out of the race – but makes it harder to keep count of the roundings, I find.
Both fleets were sailing match races. Tony Zahra and Tony Sanderson in the small cat fleet, Paul English and I in the large cats. We both hit the start line a little late – Paul politely allowed me the luxury of a head start. Having said that, Paul has strung together a bunch of strong performances, lately; so any assistance he was willing to give was gladly accepted.
Clearly there were wind channels and it was important to try to stay in them as much as possible. Mainly we stayed to the right hand side where it seemed strongest. It was possible to lay Gooseberry Island on port tack on the first three works, but on the last work the breeze had shifted back to the SW. There were numerous jellyfish near Gooseberry so it was risky to cut through there in case a rudder popped up. It was pure luck to miss them.
Here are some photos courtesy of Hugh and Kurt on the duty boat:
As it turned out, it was a great day for sailing. The wind may have gusted up to 15 knots but no more. It was very pleasant, indeed.
As mentioned, Hugh and Kurt were on duty (thanks for that and for supplying photos) and set a port course with start line in front of the clubhouse and top mark towards Mt Warrigal. The large cats elected to sail sausages only. It certainly takes the procession out of the race – but makes it harder to keep count of the roundings, I find.
Both fleets were sailing match races. Tony Zahra and Tony Sanderson in the small cat fleet, Paul English and I in the large cats. We both hit the start line a little late – Paul politely allowed me the luxury of a head start. Having said that, Paul has strung together a bunch of strong performances, lately; so any assistance he was willing to give was gladly accepted.
Clearly there were wind channels and it was important to try to stay in them as much as possible. Mainly we stayed to the right hand side where it seemed strongest. It was possible to lay Gooseberry Island on port tack on the first three works, but on the last work the breeze had shifted back to the SW. There were numerous jellyfish near Gooseberry so it was risky to cut through there in case a rudder popped up. It was pure luck to miss them.
Here are some photos courtesy of Hugh and Kurt on the duty boat:
At the finish, Paul trailed by only 13 minutes or so. On yardstick it was a very close result with Symphony just edging it out in conditions that suited her. Well done again, Paul.
Overall, it was a much better day on the water than last week!!
Next week is PS19 and Club Championship 7 for Small and Large Cats.
Hope to see you all there - rain, hail or shine!
Regards, Ross Boyd
Overall, it was a much better day on the water than last week!!
Next week is PS19 and Club Championship 7 for Small and Large Cats.
Hope to see you all there - rain, hail or shine!
Regards, Ross Boyd
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