THE first championship race of the season was sailed with an onshore wind and sizeable swell, ensuring difficulty in launch and retrieval, with none of the off-the-beach crews escaping a soaking.
The Pelican fleet of six had an interesting race. Nerimba (Amber Bateman/Tom Macpherson) and Bunyip II (Jordan Ayres/Ina Hornell) paced each other, exchanging the lead on several occasions.
Due to an initial misunderstanding of their sailing instructions both dinghies were beaten to the finish by a few seconds by ToucanToo (Kelly Campbell/Emily Macpherson) who were on the right course from the start. Congratulations to Ina on sailing so well in her first race.
Three catamarans competed, Tornado, Esoteric (G.Cracknell/P.Togno) demonstrated her lust for speed by crossing the line nearly fourteen minutes ahead of dueling singlehanders Unleashed (G.Mair) and BuzzOff (F.OKeefe), who finished, only one second apart.
Danika Jurat (Sandstoned) on only her second sail in a Laser, managed the boat skillfully in difficult conditions. Although the sole Laser contestant, she thoroughly deserved her first place.
Three 125’s competed, all sailing with confidence. Beast Unleashed (with former State Champion Pelican sailors K.Rogers/S.Smith), led fairly easily. Renegade (C.Armstrong/J.Halligan) and Stella Marina (T.Blizzard/C.Ayres) are closing the gap and providing good competition for each other.
The Sharpie fleet numbered four, several skippers having (temporarily) defected to A division. The leaders were close enough to offer exciting competition. Just Suburban Boys (S.Armstrong/ J.Beard/R.Nail) was fastest, with Spiny Norman(C.Nisbet/G.Ayres/K.Ayres) narrowly taking first place, with Psyclone (C. Francis /P.Cuthbert/D.Conlan) barking at their heels. Nine yachts raced in A division some incorrectly reading the course.
The winners were among those following the correct course and covering considerably fewer miles than the rest. Kaito (H.Townsend/A.Broom /K.Nisbet/J.McNish) maintained her position as the fastest yacht in the fleet, but was seriously challenged by Skyrider, (D.Watts /R.Rankin/L.Francis/ M.Dix/C.Godridge), who won the day. Twist and Shout (D.Lawler/B.Mcguigan/R.Dilillo) showed their usual speed, taking third place.
In division B Matilda (J and A Staniforth-Smith) was the sole contestant. The difficult launching conditions washed her on to the beach and only the additional muscle power of two young visitors Stuart and Ellie Huisman from Holland enabled her to take part in the race. The young couple stayed aboard, greatly enjoying their first Australian sail. After racing members and friends enjoyed dinner, catered by N.Scott.
There will be no Friday dinner at the yacht club on November 7 due to a prior booking by a private function.