What we were hoping for was a nice gentle 5 to 10 knots for today’s Pointscore 15 and handicap race; something to ease us less ferociously than last Saturday’s weather into February and to the second half of the year. But alas that was not to be.
What greeted the fleet including the 6 TY’s was more like 20 knots from the north, and building. It wasn’t shaping up to our expectation of sipping our cups of tea down the square runs.
The pre start conditions took their toll on Rosstered Off, retiring with a damaged rudder fitting before crossing the start line.
Thanks to the Porters, Rob, Bob, Josh and Rose aboard the starters boat for setting a good course that suited the conditions.
I may be slightly exaggerating about the wind strength, but it was still strong enough to warrant shortening sails and thinking seriously about the value of setting spinnakers on the reaches. It also may have seemed like a baptism of fire for Grey Fox and Diggers new crew member Leo. Welcome Leo, I hope you come back again.
From our perspective aboard Frou Frou, the rest of the fleet looked in fine condition. Dave, Rob and Arthur aboard Offshore Account were revelling in the heavier conditions upwind and Wayne Joel and Dale aboard Serenity looking ever more comfortable working as a team.
We never got close enough to see how John and Ray aboard The Blonde were tracking but am assured they kept things under control and probably did not even get splashed by a wave.
The handicap start set us up for a very exciting finish with Serenity, Offshore Account and Frou Frou pacing each other down the final reach to the X mark. Not far behind followed Grey Fox who experienced some mainsail issues that slowed them up over the final couple of legs. Needless to say all boats doing the long course finished within five minutes of each other, very exciting indeed.
Line Honours and Short Course
First across the line, and, first on handicap for the short course (last as well) was The Blonde.
Long Course
After adjusting for pointscore handicaps, Serenity with Wayne Joel and Dale aboard were first, Offshore Account with Dave, Rob and Arthur aboard were second, Frou Frou with Peter, Alan and me aboard were Third and Grey Fox with Digger and Leo aboard were forth.
As always, sailing was the winner on the day and we were all happy we made the effort to spend the day on the water. That can never be a waste of time in my books.
Next week is Pointscore No 16. At the same time the Lord Mayors Cup is being run at the IYC.
The end Trev