Its 10: 30pm Saturday night and I think I can hear rain on the roof. It surprised me enough to make me rise from my comfortable lounge and have a look outside. I just assumed that the sunny but cool conditions we experienced during the day would continue. It made me think, “Isn’t the weather amazing”.
I suppose the forecast did predict a top of 19 degrees with winds up to 20 knots from the south west in the morning, easing off and going further south in the afternoon. Even with this evidence and the reality of standing in it I was still reluctant to put on something warmer than a tee-shirt and shorts because my brain had decided that the day should be warmer with lighter winds. That made me think “Isn’t it interesting how our brains (or at least my brain) can dismiss evidence in preference to what you feel should be reality”. By the start of our race preparations though we had all put on the warm gear we could find.
Today we welcomed back Dave Morrison and his crew Arthur and Rob aboard Offshore Account, and a new crew member for Rosstered Off, Phil.
The stiff southerly made for a challenging first work, especially with what seemed like a dead spot up the middle of the course. I admit making quite a few tactical errors that put Frou Frou behind Rosstered Off and just ahead of Jay Kay III and Offshore Account rounding the first mark. We all went conservative on the reach with no spinnakers to be seen among the TYs until rounding the wing mark for the square run. These conditions seemed to suit Jay Kay III with John and Helene making her go very fast in all points of sail, and likewise for Offshore Account with Dave Arthur and Rob looking very relaxed and in control.
Again that calmer spot up the middle made it challenging to select the quickest side to take upwind or downwind. In the end the sport of sailing was the victor on the day with all the sailors I spoke to at the end of race debrief saying they had a very enjoyable afternoon on the water.
Results for Pointscore 6:
Long course: First on handicap was Offshore Account, with Rosstered Off second and Frou Frou third.
Short course: First on handicap was Jay Kay III.
We would like to see some more takers to join Jay Kay in the short course. So dust to cobwebs off your boats and get down for next Saturdays race.
Upcoming Events:
IYC night race 3 November: Next Saturday, 3 November, as well as it being Championship 3 and Pointscore 7 on our calendar, the Illawarra Yacht Club have invited Port Kembla TYs to join them in a night race. The start is in front of the Illawarra Yacht Club around 7 pm, and will finish in front of the IYC, with a $5 entry - bottle of port prize. An offer too good to refuse I would say.
Try Sail Day 4 November: The day after on 4 November is our scheduled Try Sail Day. So please think seriously about coming and helping out on the day. Bring your boat and take some first time sailors out for a good experience. With any luck they may decide to join our exceptional club.
Jervis Bay TY Regatta: The following weekend, 10 and 11 November the Jervis Bay TY regatta will be held. That should not be one to miss.
The end Trev.