I do not think we were properly prepared for the 20 plus knots of north easterly presented us for today’s race. It was a shock to the system sailing in such brisk conditions for what felt like the first time this season. Four other boats, Offshore Account, Grey Fox, Serenity, and Nirvana 7 set out with Frou Frou for the start line. Offshore Account made the sensible decision to retire before the start and thereby preserving body and boat for another day.
We have all successfully managed these types of conditions many times, but seeing the very experienced Dave and crew making the sensible decision to retire and preserve bodies and boats for another day made us aboard Frou Frou a little nervous. This nervousness may have contributed to us losing a man overboard shortly after the start in, what some may call, a not so elegant tacking manoeuvre. Sorry Pete. We did stop to pick him up before continuing.
It appeared we were not the only boat having problems with the conditions. Tip ups were happening all around, keeping Rob and Richard aboard the duty boat very busy. A contrast to the ‘tipping upside down on the water’ activity was that of the sharpie fleet in full flight revelling in the strong winds. Watching them slice through the water upwind and leaping over waves downwind is something to behold.
This is not an advertisement for the sharpies so back to TY business.
Nirvana 7 was the clear leader around the first mark and, as it happened, for the rest of the race. She did, however, give away some time by rendering assistance to one of our dinghy crew in trouble near the notorious jibe mark. Fortunately the duty crew were quick to respond in aid of the capsized boat and crew, thereby allowing Nirvana 7 (still way out ahead) to continue with the race (finishing times have been adjusted to compensate for Keith Rudy and Eddy’s good deed).
Most of us took the conservative approach for the duration of the race with reefed mains for some and only one spinnaker flown on the square run. Maybe the conservative approach can be blamed for Frou Frou and crew having another episode of man overboard rounding the final jibe mark.
All credit must go to Wayne and new crew, Mark and Martin, aboard Serenity and Digger and Danny with new crew, Joel, aboard Grey Fox, for finishing the race in very respectable times. I imagine they had some wet and wild rides during the race. It demonstrated to me the good seamanship skills they possess to finish the race with all crew intact and no breakages.
Results Championship 6, Pointscore 18
Results for Championship 6 were first - Keith, Rudy and Eddy aboard Nirvana 7, second - Alan, Peter and Trevor aboard Frou Frou, third – Wayne, Mark and Martin aboard Serenity, and forth – Digger, Danny and Joel aboard Grey Fox.
Results for Pointscore 18 were first Nirvana 7, second Grey Fox, third Frou Frou and fourth Serenity.
Ross 780 State Titles
I have been forwarded information about the Ross 780 State titles to be sailed on Jervis Bay 14 – 15 April 2012. For further details contact Mark Whittle - NSW Ross 780 Association convener ph: 0409 992954. I will also publish the details on our club intranet site. It would be nice to have some representation from our club so I hope you Ross 780 owners consider entering if you have not made other arrangements for this time.
Next Saturday
Next Saturday is poinscore 19 plus the around the lake night race. The night race is usually well represented by TYs and always an interesting and fun event. We will aim to start the night race around 18:30 hours so look forward to seeing you there.