We are running out of days and light for sailing. Even so, at this late part of the season it’s worth the effort to front up for a yacht race at Port Kembla Sailing Club. If nothing else you get to talk about sailing crap with like minded friends.
This Saturdays Pointscore 22 race was no exception with three TY’s, Grey Fox, Rosstered Off and Frou Frou in for the start. It turned out to be a beautiful day to be on the water. We did not get rained on or sun burned and, with not much wind, we were able to practice our light weather sailing skill. I figure you cannot ask for much more than that.
I don’t know what you think but I find light winds the most challenging and at the same time most rewarding of sailing conditions. You can really make big gains and just as quickly loose them if you and your crew are not concentrating on the moment and anticipating what the wind will do next. Still there is that element of luck, being in the right place at the right time and get that extra puff of wind that can make the difference. The fickle finger of fate did just this during Saturday’s event, with the wind gods favouring Rosstered Off at the start and Frou Frou for most of the rest of the race. Unfortunately the wind gods were not as kind to Grey Fox. She ending up in a couple of very large and quiet holes, and, even though she has a very competent and persistent crew, decided to retire with grace from the race.
It goes without saying that, after the boats were unrigged and tidied up at the end of the day, the cup of tea (cold beer) at the club house tasted very good, particularly when shared with friends.
Pointscore 22 Placings:
First on handicap Frou Frou , with Adam, Alan and Trevor aboard. Second was Rosstered Off with Jim, Dave, Shaun and Richard aboard. Grey Fox with Digger and Leo aboard deserve a prise for persisting.
Championship Race 8
Next weeks race is the final Championship race for the season, so please make the effort and front up to this event.
Final Comment:
I know the trivia night arranged for the coming Friday night to raise funds for Dante and Alex’s 420 worlds’ campaign will be commented on in the news letter, and although I hope the event is very successful and lots of money is raised for the boys, is not these details I would like mention. I would like to mention something often overlooked and something I consider is hugely important to acknowledge.
It’s about the effort put in by the organisers with rallying support for the event, particularly Richard Hipsley, that to me is so impressive and inspiring. It reinforces the notion that, wherever possible, club members will support each other. And this is what makes being a member of Port Kembla Sailing Club that little bit more special.
The End Trev