One of my crew pointed out to me that my interpretation of sailing weather conditions has not been that accurate of late. I had to agree, and this Saturday’s race was no exception. “Weatherzone” was telling me that we would probably be luck to get 10 knots during today’s race. But, by the time the race started it felt like the wind was gusting over 20. Perhaps one of you could suggest a more accurate weather and wind predictor.
Conditions did not diminish the enthusiasm of the 4 TY starters, Rosstered Off, Grey Fox, The Blonde and Frou Frou who were of the same mind, to give the final Championship race of the season our best shot. Grey Fox made sure she was up to the challenge by bring back the gun crew of Danny and Leo with Digger on the helm. Frou Frou skippered by me, as it turns out, rallied the additional expertise of 2 of our juniors Rebekah and Daniel to keep regular crew Peter, Ian and myself on track. After all we needed to bolster our forces if we were to have a chance of success against the cunning likes of John and Ray aboard The Blonde and Jim, Shaun, Dave and Richard aboard Rosstered Off.
After a clean start and with the breeze building slightly we all set about making hast up wind to the top mark. Rosstered Off made the best of conditions rounding clear ahead, with Frou Frou Grey Fox and The Blond close behind.
The building breeze insured we all experienced some good rides on the reaching and down wind legs. Rosstered Off was observed performed a very interesting jibing manoeuvre down the second windward leg, one which demonstrated a commitment to keeping in the lead and at the same time to sportsmanship, slowing down so the rest of the fleet could catch up. I do believe however that, although very generous, she didn’t have to sacrifice that much catch up time laying on her side with her spinnaker in the water. Isn’t it interesting how perspectives can differ? When disaster strikes another boat (like spinnaker in the water and boat on side) how funny it seems but when it happens to your own boat how unfair it seems.
The windy conditions ensured a very close finish with Rosstered Off maintaining her lead and crossing first. Frou Frou and The Blond finished next within a minute of each other with Grey Fox very close behind.
Final Results
After adjusting for 2 drops and taking out boats that did not sail at least 2 races the final championship results are as follows:
2012 / 2013 Season Championship Results
Boat Name Points Overall Placing
Rosstered Off 6.75 1
Frou Frou 16.25 2
Serenity 23 3
Momentum 28 4
Grey Fox 31 5
With the final Pointscore race yet to be sailed next Saturday, the preliminary Pointscore results are as follows:
2012 / 2013 Season Preliminary Pointscore Results
Boat Name Points Overall Placing
Rosstered Off 66.25 1
Frou Frou 68.75 2
Serenity 75.50 3
Offshore Account 79.50 4
It has been a lean year for TY sailing, with many factors conspiring to keep some of us keen to sail on dry land. Next season there will be a push to take more juniors and possibly their parents out on our TY’s. So man up (or Woman up as the case may be) and join me next Saturday for the final race of the season and, to do what ever is in your power to get back on the water next season. The club needs you.
The End Trev