A cloudy day with forecast 8 knot light winds was the plan for the multihull sailors. Around 7 WETA trimarans and 9 catamarans attending. Actual wind strength and direction was somewhat lighter and variable as can be seen from the Holfuy records. Due to the heavy rain of late the rigging area was looking decidedly soggy and the grass a little long as there had not been the opportunity to mow before the Saturday. |
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.
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.
Regards Hugh Lewis
Small Cats delegate.