The second round of the sailing season brought us a testing westerly with gusts approaching 30 knots initially the day topping out at around 20 degrees celcius. However as the day progressed a southerly change came thru and temperatures plummeted to around 12.9 degrees with wind chill 6.3 degrees by around 3:40pm.
Even still 6 cat sailors came down. Bob Porter Snr and Jnr came for duty. Tony Sanderson, Paul English, ever young Bill Ledger and myself with catamarans in tow. After some discussion watching the stiff westerly breeze whipping up white caps it was decided to head indoors. With a couple of the fellas lending a hand a nice hamburger feed was had by the patrons. Tony Zahra rang a little dusty still recovering from a 3am finish last night celebrating Amie’s engagement party. Aimie putting in a guest appearance around lunch time to pick up some left over drinks from her party.
The wind coming and going in typical westerly gusts showed promise of a challenging sail. At the briefing it was with some disappointment for some and relief for others that it was decided to pull the pin and cancel sailing for the day due to strong winds forecast.
Make sure you come along next week to participate at 11am AGM next week.
Trevor mentioned that still needing further volunteers for the TY regatta to lend a helping hand.
Paul English advised that large cat numbers would be down in the near future with Les Porter over seas for a few weeks, Paul English away next week, Johny Porter away. Bob Porter snr & Jnr sailing the TY before the TY regatta, Kurt looking to step into small cats and Ross Boyd not sailing this season.
Hence it was suggested that combine small and large cat starts if less that 3 large cats. Still run a large cat and small cat point score as it was hoped that numbers would grow as the season progressed with Tim Makepeace, Bob Porter jnr & Johhny, Les Porter, and possibly the Southern Highlands large cat.
After Trevors good advice that better to come back next week. The other TY’s de-rigged. However Trevor and crew noted a lull in conditions and decided to go out. When on the water I think they had the pleasure of some 30 plus knot gusts and even a  rain squall capped off with 6.3 degrees wind chill temperature before making it back to shore to thaw out and dry off.
Meanwhile I assisted Tony Sanderson rig up his newly refurbished Windrush nicely painted, various new rigging components. Nicely installed bulk heads. Once mast was installed and main sail hoisted the wind started swinging around to the south and picking up to around the 20 knot mark and cooling off significantly. It was at the point we decided to derig again and pack the boat away. Going inside for a coffee to warm up. It was around 3:30pm Trevor was seen heading back in so Tony and I followed Richard Hipsley out to give Trevor a hand manoeuvring his TY in the stiff breeze safely back onto the trailer.

Kind regards Hugh Lewis (ably assisted by Ross Boyd and Lois)

Port Kembla sailing club sailing report. A sunny fine day cool 15°C with windchill apparent temperature around 10°. Sunny south Southeast Swinging south-easterly breeze starting out around the 12 knots dropping down around four knots with up to 20 knots gusts. A good turn out of cat sailors of 9 showing up for the first race of the season Ross Fyfe, Paul Leadaius, Hugh Lewis, Kurt Griffiths, Paul English, Bob Porter senior, Bob Porter Junior, Tony Sanderson and Bill Ledger.

There was plenty of discussion and catch up some of the things talked about were Kurt was interested in coming over to the Windrushes for some class racing and looking at options for purchase. Kurt was concerned that 97 kg was a bit heavy however Hugh Lewis Paul Leadaius, Tony Sanderson advised they are all around the 100 kg mark. The only light weight competitors would be Tony Zhara, Ross Fyfe and Ralph Steyer.

It was mentioned that Andy Blakley was also talking about sailing his cat again this season. There was also some discussion about starting Wednesday afternoon mid week sailing during summer and some of the lads were talking about giving it a go with lasers. When push came to shove the only takers to get out on the water were Bill Ledger and Paul English the rest choosing to come back another day. Hugh Lewis recovering from a infected arm (not sailing) giving Bill a hand to rig. Bill commenting that he appreciated my help but it wasn't quite the same as the lovely Louis. I also spent some time in the canteen and had a go at the finish sheet. Kurt decided not to sail thinking that the wind will drop off to much making it too light. Rob Porter snr and Jnr, Paul Leaudais and Tony Sanderson not rigging up, Tony spending time with Rebecca looking at Grant applications. Ross didn't bring his boat just his dog because the earlier breeze was a bit strong. But being a sailing tragic almost talked himself into going back returning the dog and getting the catamaran. Ray Stanley and John Bob set the Port course.

Start out between the clubhouse and Gooseberry Island. Windward buoy out in middle of the lake wing mark out near the reef. Assisting Bill to launch the cold lake water took my breath away when paddling in. The start sequence commenced on time the TY's getting away pretty close to 14:00:00pm.However it was with some interest seeing Bill returning to shore after a few minutes after the realisation he had forgotten his harness so he couldn't trapeze. I held his boat whilst he quickly put on his harness and set out again. Paul English waiting so Bill and Paul both took off together on the large cat start at around 2:15pm. The first triangle and windward return were fairly close sailing. It was only on the last triangle and to the X mark that Paul opened up a lead. From the shore it looked like they had a good tussle. Paul English taking out the large cats race crossing the finish line at 16:00:13pm and Bill Ledger taking out the small cats race not too far behind crossing the finish line at 16:03:19pm. Giving a hand to derig their craft they advised the conditions were quite good and an enjoyable 1st sail of the season.

I had to go and pick up the young fella from cataract scout camp so didn't hang around to get more detailed sailing report on the tactics, lead changes gains and losses. Hopefully next week I will be back out on the water and we get another nice day to entice our sailing fleet out on the water.

Regards Hugh Lewis

See below a slideshow of catamarans arriving and setting up...

Richard Hipsley had a few words at the last briefing of the season. Presenting flowers to Barbara for her work with the canteen. After briefing we finalised preparation and headed out. Trevor Dunn and crew setting the course to suit the NW breeze almost spot on planned start time the wind swung around to the NE. Hence the duty crew were busy readjusting the course to the new wind direction. Start line towards the middle of the lake, windward mark over near the entrance to IYC and the reef and the wing mark over towards Gooseberry Island. The delayed start gave the opportunity to sail around and check out the marks and get warmed up. After adjustments the start sequence commenced around 2:26pm so the small cats got away around 2:41pm.

I’m pretty sure Tony Zahra led the small cats across the line, crossing pretty much right on the hooter. Hot Pepper still having some work to do to improve start timing, trailing the pack. Most out on the wire with good speed on starboard tack heading towards the northern shore near the club house. Ross on Yabby pointing quite high followed by Hot Pepper. Once reasonably deep tacking to Port and heading to the windward mark. This week Jody on Blue Tongue also out on the trapeze wire. Can’t remember the exact order around the windward mark but I think it was Billyo, White Wave and Dark Horse leading the way closely followed by the pack. Groove Thing having dropped back a little as Tony Sanderson felt a little too free and easy due to a jock strap come undone on his trapeze harness. As a result he had to stop to re-attach. Once around the windward mark a great reach was had down to the wing mark. The breeze picking up a little and the catamarans really taking off. Another excellent reach was then had back to the start (bottom) mark. Thanks to Trevor and crew the course really suiting the catamarans with nice angles allowing great reaches. At this point the pack started to spread a little,  Billyo dropping off the pace a little as the strengthening breeze causing him some concern (looking after his shoulder).

From the wing mark back to the bottom mark White Wave leading the way around, closely followed by George from Southern Highlands(had a promising start), Dark Horse and Hot Pepper. However when George went to get out on the wire he slipped got dragged out back and capsized. Hot Pepper managed to avoid collision on port side and Dark Horse went the other side. With the freshening breeze George went to right his craft and capsized again losing touch with the leaders. An excellent work out towards the shallows, White Wave and then Dark Horse tacking off midway, Hot Pepper going deeper into the shallows to try and make the top mark in one tack. Hot Pepper close with some pinching but unfortunately missing out by around 50 metres. Having right of way over Dark Horse Hot Pepper had heart in mouth with Dark Horse having to give way adjusting, skimming past rudder blades. A little slow on tacking meant that Hot Pepper followed White Wave and Dark Horse around the top mark. I think it was on this leg whilst pushing hard to make up lost ground Groove Thing ended up nose diving and even though he was able to release mainsheet couldn’t stay upright and capsized adding to his deficit. An excellent windward return again saw great boat speed heading back towards the bottom mark.
By the second triangle the leading 3 boats had opened a small buffer with Silver Fox not too far behind working on bridging the gap. Hot Pepper dropping off the pace a little when reaching from the wing mark back to the bottom mark then got back in the groove making up ground again. The final run to X was a blast at times having to drop power in the stronger gusts just a touch to keep from nose diving. I think both Blue Tongue and George again were capsize casualties with the breeze freshening with over 20 knot gusts.  Round the X and home Dark Horse leading the way across the line followed by White Wave, Hot Pepper, Silver Fox, Groove Thing, Yabby and George. Billyo and Blue Tongue recording DNF although still out on the water for the duration.  See below for results:

Afterward once assisting each other ashore dismantling our craft we spoke about each of our experiences. Having borrowed a trapeze harness from Kurt, Jody was pretty chuffed as she was out on the wire under race conditions and felt a great sense of achievement.
Afterward a few partners and friends came down to join the sailors for a bite to eat and a chat at the club house. Looking over the idyllic vista of Lake Illawarra watching the sunset as the sun dropped below the mountains.

All that remains is presentation night Saturday the 13th May 2017 “Under the Sea” theme. Looking forward to seeing every one.

Sunset after a great day's sailing

Regards, Hugh Lewis
Small Cats Delegate

Paul Leaudais came down advising sad news that iconic character Tommy from Swan Lake had passed away. Only the day prior he had been doing what he liked best sailing with his mates. Paul advised he believed the funeral will be Tuesday 4/4/2017 at Rookwood cemetery in West Sydney.

After a burger drink and briefing we finished preparations and set sail out onto the lake. With a nice ESE breeze we headed out to the middle of the Lake. 

Rod Nairn and Amelia Richardson doing duty this week. They set a port course start out towards the middle of the lake behind Gooseberry Island, Windward mark over towards shallows and wing mark out front of the PKSC near Gooseberry island.

A few words from Ralf Steyer on Dark Horse:
Billyo and The Dark Horse got a good start at the gun at the boat end, Billyo out on wire and pointing well with good speed, I had height but could not match Bill's speed, further down the line with good speed was our visitor from the Highlands, George, but he wasn't getting good height. A number of boats gave away valuable ground by starting well after the gun went off. Looking back Tony sailing Groove Thing was getting good height but was also suffering a bit with speed.

As Ralf tacked he crossed ahead of Tony, Bill also tacked while the rest of the fleet kept going on starboard tack, not sure how far.

At the top mark it was Bill followed by Ralf - on the first reach Ralf overtook Billyo, after the wing mark I was lucky Les Porter was in a good mood and allowed me to sail my course instead of taking me up to where he obviously wanted to go and get on foils, he slowed a bit and then tucked in behind me and was gone in no time. The next work saw Billyo stretch his legs again both actually by getting out on wire and also pointing well with good speed, this allowed him to get to the top mark ahead of Ralf, who also managed to get out on wire for a short spell, we both stayed on port tack for about 3/4 of the way to the lay line, we both had to put in another 2 tacks to round the mark. George and Tony tacked early and appeared to make a little ground on us.
The breeze for the next work was a bit shifty and required a number of extra tacks to get around the top mark, no major changes in positions.
The last work saw Billyo and The Dark Horse well in the lead, we covered each other, George and Tony were close together at the base mark, Tony followed Bill and I, George tacked early and picked up 500 odd meters to come around the top mark not far behind the leaders, the run down to X saw Billyo sail almost square to the mark while Ralf and George were on a broad reach covering each other all the way down towards the Berkeley headland, George tacked slightly earlier and was then running almost square down towards X, Ralf came up under him and took him up a bit until we were past the lay line for X, Ralf only just in front at the mark, I was able to point higher and faster on the work to the finish line, but Billyo was first across (hopefully wasn't in front by enough to beat the Windies on yardstick) followed by The Dark Horse and then George. I think Bill enjoyed the wind strength, I would have preferred a bit more to be able to sail on wire. 
"The Dark Horse “

Even with last minute adjustments by the duty crew, the start sequence getting away pretty much spot on 2pm. During the small cats division 3 count down at the 4 minute mark Hot Pepper deciding she was starting a bit too far down the line so went around and headed up wind for a better position, unfortunately this meant missing the start and crossing the line after the 1 minute count down for the next division. Billyo, Dark Horse, George, Groove Thing, Blue Tongue getting away well. The cats heading towards the reef on starboard tack. Billyo, Dark Horse, and Groove Thing able to point high. Most choosing to tack a little early possibly to avoid the TY’s reaching towards the wing mark. This meant that an additional tack was required further up the lake to reach the mark.  Billyo, Dark Horse, Groove Thing, George (from Southern Highlands), Blue tongue and Yabby followed by Hot Pepper.
A broad reach was able to be had pretty much straight to the wing mark. Then back up to the start again. Most remained on port tack after rounding the start buoy heading over towards the shallows. Some sailing pretty deep and others tacking off a little sooner meaning that they had to put in an extra tack. Hot Pepper pinching was able to make up a little ground on some and with the variable wind and was able to make the mark on 1 tack. George from southern highlands trying a slightly different approach in the light conditions running directly back to the start buoy on the windward return. Dark Horse catching up to Billyo on the last triangle. Billyo remaining focused was able maintain his lead. On the last triangle going back up to the start line Billyo followed by Dark Horse with Groove Thing then George. George bearing away across the back of Groove Thing towards the middle of the lake getting good boat speed. With favourable breeze and wind shift giving good speed he managed to bunny hop Groove Thing to the start mark before the final run to the Windward, X and finish.
Billyo liking the light conditions leading the way across the line followed by Dark Horse who had a close tussle with George then Groove Thing, Hot Pepper, Blue Tongue and then Yabby. Blue Tongue in particular having a great day having an excellent race mixing it with the fleet. As can be seen below getting a 3rd in the point score.

After helping each other ashore Ralf having to demobilise and head off to a grand child’s birthday party. George enjoyed racing and advised he would be back next week. He also advised that any PKSC folks are welcome up at the Southern Highland sailing club. Saying that their season goes thru till end of April and that they sail on Sundays. Having 2 shorter races, one at 1pm and other at 3pm. We reciprocated advising that visitors are always welcome.

Whilst having a quiet chat with Ross Fyfe, he advised he had to get rid of a stick caught up on his rudder during the final leg. Also that he is always analysing how he went looking at what he could do to improve next time, like flattening his sail.

Whilst sitting out front admiring the view we noticed someone drive past and wave. The vehicle then turned and Jack Kroek emerged advising that he was showing his Dutch relatives around (hence why he missed sailing today). He also let us know that he had received a message from John Van Megan regards Tommy having passed away.

After everyone was off the lake the SE breeze started to kick in at around a healthy 10 to 15 knots. That’s sailing.
Next week is the last session for the season. Hope to see all the cats sailors for the final fling.  A few are planning to stick around for a while afterward, I hope you can join us.
Regards Hugh Lewis

The latest results have been posted.

Note that the Club Championship has been finalised.

What this means is that members who did not complete the minimum of 4 races have been excluded from the series. This affects the results of some races and the overall totals.

Likewise, when the pointscore wraps up next week, those that have not sailed the minimum of 6 races will be excluded from the series. This has an even greater impact as the progressive handicaps will alter due to the exclusions. I'm writing this so that you understand beforehand why the results will change after the exclusions. Unfortunately, the Sailwave software doesn't automatically handle these exclusions weekly - only at the end of the series.

Regards, Ross Boyd

PS. Here are the CC8 finish times including our visitor George Lemann - who sailed well.

Even still those not sailing were welcomed joining in rigging craft, catching up and socialising.

Ian Richardson invited a bunch of WETA sailors to the club in preparation for the world masters coming up in Auckland next month. The 7 WETA’s with the 9 catamarans showed promise of a great racing spectacle out on the Lake.

A local couple from over Primbee way utilised our beach with their hover craft before departing on the near glassy smooth waters of Lake Illawarra just before lunch.

Once rigged a couple of the visiting WETA’s chose to go out early, however not getting too far in the light breeze.

The following regular catamaran sailors also rigged up:- Les Porter, Ross Boyd, Paul English, Ralf Steyer, Jody Mathews, Hugh Lewis, Bill Ledger, Jack Kroek and last but not least young Ross Fyfe

At briefing it was announced to allow the WETA’s to get 2 races in a WETA division was added at the beginning of the starts (they would have a short windward return race 1) and then the WETA’s would have another race after the rest of the divisions had started.

The beach was pretty washed out and rutted so you had to pick your way down the bank. Upon the water getting out into the middle of the Lake was a very gentle affair. Once past the head land a light SE approx. 8 knot breeze kicked in making a nice little ride. It was whilst waiting for the start sequence that the wind dropped and direction changed a number of times. Richard Hipsley and crew doing duty ended up being a challenge. The start was deferred and re-positioned from next to Gooseberry Island to back over to the shallows near the Holfuy mudstick.

Sailing craft spread out around the lake. A number of sailors checking out the large catamaran (I am guessing around 50 foot?) anchored in the lake at the moment. Reportedly it’s mast had been removed so that it could motor under Windang bridge from the open seas.  As you can see looking at the Holfuy history is that the wind was very light and moving around. The sailing craft milled around for around an hour or so waiting to see if the wind would kick in. A few deciding to call it quits early, the rest staying on patiently.

To mix it up Billy Ledger called out to me and we had an impromptu race between ourselves over to the holfuy mudstick and back to the starting area whilst we were waiting. After around an hour or so it was decided to call off the race and the start boat blew the race cancellation hooter. Everyone started the slow long slog back. Gradually the response boats and TY’s progressively towed boats to shore. When it was my turn we set up a daisy chain with 3 craft tied 1 after another towed back to the shallow water near the beach.

After assisting each other back onshore and de-rigging the majority having a shower and light refreshment discussing the day that was. A tinge of disappointment at not getting a race in today, but that’s sailing!

Ian Richardson and a couple of the WETA crew staying overnight to try their luck on Sunday. The morning ended up being quite light but they did finally get a sail Sunday afternoon, Richard Hipsley coming down to lend a hand setting a course.

Aaron Weare’s catamaran sailing career was short lived when he picked up his gumtree Windrush 14 freeby from Gerroa. Deciding to donate the newly nick named “yellow submarine” for spare parts, deciding the effort to repair ready to sail too great to warrant doing so. Likely that Tony Sanderson will store I suspect pending permission from the boss. Anyone interested in any components feel free to ask.

Hopefully next week we get more favourable winds and even a rain free day!
Regards Hugh Lewis
Small Cats delegate.

I spent some time with my son Jared at Coolendel. Met a bushie called Troy who breaks in horses and shoes them etc. He mentioned he was a PKSC skyrider junior and progressed through various stages of sailing craft including catamarans. He remembered Richard Hipsley and Tony Zahra. It is certainly a small world.
 Report this week in part care of post wrap discussion with Tony Sanderson. A 25 degree day with a light ESE, E to NE breeze as per BOM at Albion Park below. Holfuy data for Saturday had gone by the time I had opportunity to take a snapshot.

Nine (9) catamarans competing this week (3 large cats and 6 small cats). Myself and Jodie away this week and Paul Monaghan having just worked night shift dropped by to say hello.
Leo Mavromatis and Bill Ledger on duty setting the course.

One particular event of major significance is the fact that Ross Fyfe celebrated his 80th birthday doing what he enjoys most, out on the water sailing. Last week over a quite cold drink Ross expressed concern that he might have to miss a sail due to birthday celebration commitments, as you can see his desire to sail won out. I only hope to be as able and fit when I am 80. Well done Ross and congratulations.

In the light conditions Ian Richardson on his Weta “Bio Hazard” obviously enjoying the lighter conditions in particular downwind with the spinnaker. Ian getting his desire to practice and tune his craft in light wind conditions before sending his boat over to NZ in a container in a couple of weeks for the Masters Games.

Out of the rest of the fleet Tony Zahra on “White Wave” putting in a solid performance leading the Small Cat fleet across the line by a good margin. Early on Tony Sanderson on “Groove Thing” was able to point high with good speed keeping close touch with “White Wave” however as the race progressed “White Wave” slipped away from his other competitors. The wind was not quite strong enough to get out on the wire so the focus was on leaning and putting weight over the front hulls. Good to see Paul Leaudais after a few weeks off was back on the water. Also Ralf back after being away for a couple of weeks.

Results for this week were as follows:

Looking forward to catching up next week.
Regards Hugh Lewis
Small Cat Delegate

Cloudy 23 degree day with a light to moderate S to SSE breeze between 3 to 13 knots made for pleasant sailing conditions, interrupted by the occasional shower.

Back with 10 catamarans competing this week (5 large cats and 5 small cats). Even with regulars like Ralf Steyer, Jack Kroek , Paul Monaghan, Paul Leaudais and Tony Zahra away.

The heavy rain last week combined with the reed blocked drain causing flooding has washed away the beach access to the lake making launching and boat removal a challenge.

After rigging and catch up it was time for a burger and briefing. Jack Kroek taking over as Trevor was down at the Basin regatta with the TY’s. With all the Ty’s away meant that we dropped division 1 start and started with division 2 mono’s.

Ian Richardson and Micheal Mazono doing duty this week. Setting a port course start line out in front of the club house, windward mark out towards the middle of the lake and wing mark down towards the shallows entrance to IYC.

After watching the mono’s start Billyo recognised a healthy port bias on the start line and headed to the port pin followed by the rest of the small cats.

Billyo liking the look of the lighter conditions blitzed the start hitting the line right on the hooter, This week Hot Pepper hot on Billyo’s heels across the line. The rest of the fleet in close pursuit. Billyo immediately started pointing much higher than the rest of us and started to establish a good lead and was never headed for the rest of the race leading from the front. The 1st port work heading up the lake proved a little challenging with the wind being a little shifty and the cloud cover and odd shower cutting down visibility so it took a while before the windward buoy came into sight. Majority of the time enough wind to trapeze. A couple of strategies played out with some choosing to tack off earlier and cut through the middle of the lake whilst others looking to work up high enough to make it across to the windward mark on one tack. Groove thing, Hot Pepper and Yabby rounding fairly close together. A nice reach was had down to the wing mark then round the wing mark down to the bottom (start) mark was a bit tight for those wanting to get maximum speed (at around 90 degrees to the wind). Hence some drove down deeper before gybing whilst others headed over towards Gooseberry Island before tacking again down to the mark. Again Groove thing, Hot Pepper and Yabby rounding fairly close together. Windward return saw Hot Pepper slightly ahead of this pack. However the more experienced pair clawed back the lead picking better wind pressure to take the lead again. The final run to the X and then the line saw Hot Pepper go deep so as to be able to head straight across to the X the other 2 tacking off earlier again picking a faster route. Other achievements of note were that Jody was out on trapeze for the 1st time during a race improving her skills getting confidence in the light to moderate conditions.

Scratch times(not adjusted) across finish line were as follows:
15:47:49 Bill Ledger 182 "Billyo" Nacro 14 sq
15:53:37 Tony Sanderson 6392 "Groove Thing" Windrush S/
15:54:13 Ross Fyfe 6421 "Yabby" Windrush S/Sloop
15:56:36 Hugh Lewis 6327 “Hot Pepper” Windrush S/Sloop Sloop                
16:19:37 Jody Mathews 629 “Blue Tongue” Windrush S/Sloop
 
Pointscore and Championship results can be viewed here.

I won’t be around next week due to family commitments but enjoy and I will catch up the following week keen to hear the tales of the day.
Regards Hugh Lewis

This week a cooler 21 degree day with a moderate S to SE breeze around 10 to 15 knots. The wind having dropped off a little from the morning. Numbers where down somewhat with only  four (4) catamaran sailors (2 large cats and 2 small cats). With regulars like Jody, Ralf, Jack, Paul M, Paul L, Bill, Ross F, Les, Bob P and Greg either away, repairing boats or off sick. Plus Kurt and myself doing duty. (So we were short by around 11 catamarans this week).

A new person Phil coming down expressing an interest in joining the catamarans and his kids learn to sail also had a chat to a few people.
This week a new after the burger and briefing it was time to set the course. Kurt and myself setting a Port course. Start line out in front of the club house, windward mark out towards the middle of the lake and wing mark down towards the shallows entrance to IYC.

With the largest class being 3 ty’s we ended up setting a fairly short line.
Start sequence getting away on time. Tony Zahra on White Wave getting the jump on Tony Sanderson Groove Thing. They both started on starboard tack heading towards the reef before tacking to the middle of the lake. The moderate breeze allowing both to trapeze on their work legs. White Wave pointing slightly higher and furling his jib sheet when working. I didn’t see them round the windward mark but they stayed pretty close together. A nice broad reach down to the wing mark then gybe followed by another nice broad reach to the starting buoy. White Wave just ahead closely followed by Groove Thing. In a game of cat and mouse each chose slightly different paths at different stages however when rounding the marks were still quite close. On the final race to the line White Wave led the final charge however Groove Thing was only a matter of 35 seconds behind.

Scratch times(not adjusted) across finish line were as follows:
15:30:13 Tony Zahra 526 "White Wave" Maricat S/Sloop
15:30:48 Tony Sanderson 6392 "Groove Thing" Windrush S/Sloop                

Regards Hugh Lewis

A 25 degree day with a moderate SE breeze around 3 to 10 (actual up around 10 to 15 knots) with up to 18 knot gusts greeted thirteen (13) keen catamaran sailors. I think the Holfuy weather station may have had some wind shadow effect as on and off there were a few white caps and trapeze on the wire was the order of the day. See below for holfuy (left column is average wind speed in knots and next column is gusts in knots).

Sharpie sailors Brad Curry and Hayden Sellers offered to relieve me of duty this week, as they were down a crew member and couldn’t sail. I offered to fill in next week instead. Hence at lunch time I headed home and returned with my catamaran. Jody Mathews still doing duty with the experienced pair.
Whist setting up his craft, Paul English not letting a slight mis-adventure damaging his trampoline stopping him from sailing,  borrowed some tape for temporary repair. The onshore breeze reasonably stiff at times whipping up a few white caps across the lake before race time. After a trusty burger, drink and briefing the catamaran sailors went out carrying out the final touches before setting sail. Once out on the Lake various sailors headed out checking out location of the buoys before congregating out near the start between Gooseberry Island and the club house. This week a port course was set starting between Gooseberry Island and Club house, windward mark out towards the mid shallows near Holfuy mud stick and wing mark over near the entrance to Illawarra yacht club.

A short, stiff shower washed down the craft as they waited. As the countdown got to the last minute the small cats started moving toward the line. Once the start hooter went they got away without incident on starboard tack parallel to the shore line. Most getting out on trapeze for this first leg heading toward the reef. One or two tacking off early to get clear air. The majority tacking once they got to the reef. A good work was had up to the windward mark a bit shy of the lay line, hence another tack was required to make the mark. Once around the top mark an excellent broad reach was had directly down to the wing mark, flying along parallel to the shallows. Plenty of speed seeing spray flying with small cats jockeying for positions. Once around the wing mark another great broad reach was had back along the shore to the start buoy. The majority of the small cat fleet still hadn’t spread too much and was within reasonable striking distance of each other. Once around the start buoy a short work up towards Gooseberry Island then tack and work over towards the shallows. The good wind strength allowing a nice trapeze leg then tack up towards the windward mark. The windward return leg followed a similar path with broad reach towards the reef and then gybe back along the shoreline to the starting buoy. The final triangle saw Chesha have a slight mishap going for a dip, tiller extension pole being a casualty. The final run from windward to X and finish saw a great broad reach run down towards the reef before gybing and heading along the shore to the X mark. Depending on how deep you went determining if you could make it directly to the X or had to gybe again to make it around the X. When heading around the X mark to the finish line the wind started to pick up making for a lively work to the line. As can be seen below there were some tight tussles all the way to the finish line.

Scratch times(not adjusted) across finish line were as follows:
15:37:28 Tony Zahra 526 "White Wave" Maricat S/Sloop
15:37:47 Jack Kroek 6306 "Jack Pot" Windrush S/S
15:38:38 Ralf Steyer 6286 "Dark Horse" Windrush S/S
15:39:07 Tony Sanderson 6392 "Groove Thing" Windrush S/Sloop                
15:41:50 Hugh Lewis 6327 “Hot Pepper” Windrush S/Sloop
DNF:      Paul Monaghan 3112 "Chesha" Windrush S/Sloop                
DNF:      Bill Ledger 182 "Billyo" Nacro 14 sq.
DNF       Ross Fyfe 6421 "Yabby" Windrush S/Sloop
DNC       Greg McPherson Windrush              

Because the majority of the field finished fairly close together it was pretty congested heading back to shore with various craft milling around and waiting in the shallows for their turn to get onshore . The freshening onshore breeze not giving much room for error. Yabby having to take evasive action when a canoe or kayak crossed his path causing him to nudge the foreshore timber wall. Chesha similarly over shooting slightly near the rocks.

As the last of the small cats were brought up onshore and were starting to derig dark clouds and a thunder storm came thru complete with lightning and a stiff 30 knot breeze and heavy rain. On seeing the nose of Ralf’s craft lift up (thinking it was being blown over) I race over pulling the nose back down. Ralf then looked up asking what are you doing as I realised that he was crouched under the front of the trampoline removing his beach wheels. Initially the lightning was a reasonable distance away however it started to get closer and closer and the rain heavier. One particularly close lightning strike Ralf could see sparks on his rigging and myself and Les Porter feel a slight tingle through our hands contacting the rigging. This prompted a retreat to the club house to let the lightning storm pass over. The heavy rain filling the drain and it flooded flowing over the rigging area . A sheet of water flowing over the rigging area several inches deep washing over the shoreline making the rigging area look like a lake.

As we looked out from the club house the visibility dropped off noticeably and then we started to hear hail slowly at first then developing into a thunderous roar bombard the club house roof. And also all the cars and craft. Hail up to around 20c in diameter thundering down. Some of us with newer vehicles wincing helplessly at the thought of hail damage. Solid streams of water was spraying out of the new Hayden down pipes.

The only folks struck out on the Lake in these horrendous conditions were the duty crew and the TY’s no doubt feeling a little vulnerable in the strong wind, rain, lightning and hail.

There was various tales to be told including Kurt Griffiths rescuing my tiller extension before it was washed into the lake. Junior sailor Caiden offering a hand which was used as a safe place to climb rescuing a lizard before it was washed into the Lake.

Hopefully next week is a little less tempestuous. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
Regards Hugh Lewis