Large Cat News

17 December, 2010 : For 12/12 10 - Heat 3 Championship, & heat 13 Pointscore. The wind was 10 -12 knots from N/E. 4 X Taipan cats started across a well set line with some port bias. Perfect conditions prevailed, as we set off to race 4 x windward and returns, then to top mark and finish after X.

Laurie established a small lead, and maintained it for 80% of the race. Les and Bobby Porter, and Ralf, sailed higher to the windward mark on the last work. The FAT LADY started singing for Laurie. Les had stolen the lead, now closely followed by Bobby, Laurie in third, and Ralf galloping along in 4th.

The tight reach to x, saw Les hold off a determined Bobby, but at the x mark Bobby attacked again, by tacking first. All stops were out for the leading pair. Bobby , the young one , crossed the line first, Les was a close second. The fat lady sung Laurie into third and Ralf pulled up slightly lame in 4th place. Good close racing as we train on, for the nationals in Hervey Bay in 3 weeks time.

25 November, 2010 : Pointscore Heat 10 for 20/11/10

3 X Taipan cats raced in a N/E wind of 8 -12 knots

We raced 5 x windward and return legs, then to X, then finish.

Les Porter recovered from a small mistake at the start, to weave his way masterly upwind, and be first to the top mark. Laurie was next, closely followed by Ralf. The down wind legs provided some real opportunities, to make up ground, but Les continued to lead. At about mid race point Ralf picked the fastest way down wind and overtook Laurie with a show of speed. Les continued to gradually stretch his lead, finishing about 2 mins in front of Ralf, then Laurie finished a further 3 mins behind Ralf.

Another great day of beautiful weather on Lake Illawarra.

14 October, 2010 : The wind was N/E at 5-10 knots

Attendance was good in our division for first heat of championship. We sailed one race that we shortened due to the time duration.

The start was noisy with some crowding causing frustration at the boat end of the line. Ralf and Laurie got off to good clean starts, Bobby tacked on to port early, probably to clear his air. Poor Les was held up by a 2 man boat, and then cleared his air, after words of encouragement .

Laurie and Ralf fought a very close contest, for the next 90 minutes with Les lurking in the background looking for pressure. Tim Makepeace and Scott Gibbs looked spectacular with their blue kite, on “ Carbon FX “, but could not clear the front Taipans by enough to compensate for their yardstick. Bobby dropped his pants/sail, twice, after breaking his mainsail hook, and was forced to DNF.

Laurie continued to cover Ralf on the last work, not realising that Ralf had forgotten to sign on. Les tacked early on the last work and found good pressure and a lift to gain valuable ground, gaining a place and now in second . On the run to X mark, Les sailed like a true champion, and passed Laurie, and took the prize money.

Will Kuit sailed cat rigged and was pleased with his proximity to the fleet , getting faster each week. Robbie and Jonathon polished their teamwork, but would have revelled in stronger winds.

ANOTHER GREAT DAY IN PARADISE.

18 September, 2010 : Wind N/E 5-8 knots, and sunny clean water.

We had 4 Taipan cats and 2 Taipan sloops. Great to see Jessica back on board with Will Kuit, and welcome again to Robbie and Jonathon Porter on the” bullet”

Again we sailed 2 short races and generally the cats lead the sloops around the course.

Ralf Steyer put his new Brewin main to the test with good speed on all legs. This “dark horse” could well be worth backing again this year. Jessica reports that dad made a few smart moves and she was impressed. Bobby and Jonathon enjoyed the day, and were looking for more time on the water. Les was quite unsociable in race 1, stretching out a big lead, but was cut back to size in race 2 when Laurie crossed the line first place ‘just lucky’, Bobby was never too far off the pace, as he tested all his lighter weather skills .

Lake Illawarra has never been better to sail on, so clean and weed free.

Today we had all 6 local Taipans racing , and supporting our great Port Kembla Sailing Club, as we sharpened our skills for future title series.

11 September, 2010 : The opening race for 2010 saw sunny warm smooth conditions. Wind was N/E at 5 -8 knots. 4 Taipan 4.9 cats raced. Ralf Steyer was on duty, and has promised us all some great photos.

We raced 2 short, 25 minute races to keep us close , so reliable comparisons could be made.

Bobby Porter tried his new Brewin mainsail for the first time. Lookin lookin, learnin learnin. Will Kuit used his new fat head main(, ex Les Porters) with promising results. Les Porter polished his technique on all legs of the course, while Laurie Hinchcliff had his tell tales flowing horizontally.

1 May, 2010 : The Large Cat news section for the 09-10 season has been archived here