The Frank Sampson Memorial
Saturday the 20th of December
Racing was canned today with breezes hitting a base of 25 knots and gusting up to 35 knots on the river. A pity, but the club does have the safety of the sailors in focus and it would have been a sail makers bonanza today at the very least. Remarks over heard in the bar from other sailors were slightly less complimentary suggesting that when they were young they would have gone out in this sort of stuff. Each to his own I guess. Personally after three big days on the water I'm still counting the bruises and the damage to my hands..... Today would have been good sailing, but hell on the crew.
One of the reasons touted about was the lack of a suitable safety boat ( with Check point still waiting for a new spline for the port motor ). Fair enough, the little poly they were using last week looked ridiculous bouncing around on the water in 20+ knots, but we do still have Coffee Point, the largish ex cray trawler. She'd be good for the task I'm sure.
The only crew that turned up completely was Bill Richards mob and I think that even they were relieved that it wasn't on. Wandering into the bar I caught up on the chatter and wished all and sundry well for the festive season. Relatively quiet considering the skippers and crew that could have stopped for a convivial ale. Phil and Kate were seen in passing along with one of their crew and even Peter from Anna rolled up ( at 1 pm as usual ) and had to be told that it was cancelled.
For your recognition, the flags below tell the story... racing abandoned for the day. Though it could be said that the staff didn't have the club or the Australian flags flying Oops!
One of the reasons touted about was the lack of a suitable safety boat ( with Check point still waiting for a new spline for the port motor ). Fair enough, the little poly they were using last week looked ridiculous bouncing around on the water in 20+ knots, but we do still have Coffee Point, the largish ex cray trawler. She'd be good for the task I'm sure.
The only crew that turned up completely was Bill Richards mob and I think that even they were relieved that it wasn't on. Wandering into the bar I caught up on the chatter and wished all and sundry well for the festive season. Relatively quiet considering the skippers and crew that could have stopped for a convivial ale. Phil and Kate were seen in passing along with one of their crew and even Peter from Anna rolled up ( at 1 pm as usual ) and had to be told that it was cancelled.
For your recognition, the flags below tell the story... racing abandoned for the day. Though it could be said that the staff didn't have the club or the Australian flags flying Oops!
Wednesday the 17th of December
Racing at it's best!
A strong seabreeze and a fine field of H28's hit the water today. Missing Lockie, Vic and Glen we still fielded 5 H28's and it was well manned up fleet of boats with only Karoleeya going out two up. We had the full crew on board and it was hard work for all as we had a good base of 18 knots with gusts in excess of 24 for the day.
The only way to win a race is to get in front and stave off all attackers. We hit the line well and worked the lifts to just make it to Martin, watching Anna just miss the corner and have to throw a couple of quick ones in, in front of a wall of boats coming at them. We lead up to mid way to Deep water and Anna (with a clean bottom) started to roll us from below and then inexplicably started to drop away as we worked the traveler to stay high. We made it to Deepwater just behind Anna and were claiming overlap with Anna turning up to break the overlap. But in doing so they lost sight of the mark and had to tack to avoid hitting it. By this time we were on the mark and turning to point at Print with Swiftsure Saga on our heels and Anna still avoiding everyone else at the mark.
The next challenge really came from Swiftsure who threw everything at us to try and break our lead, she is a quick boat, but it's noted that Bill had his old headsail on today and it was working well for him but luck and a twist of fate as a big boat wandered into Swiftsure Saga's air keeping us in front in the vital run to the line after Thelma on the last lap. Anna was rapidly catching up, after the unfortunate mishap, underscoring her speed in the water. Four H28's crossed the line within a minute and The First Jindarra was the fourth with Karoleeya suffering from under manning issues making it 5th
At results Brian Cross' Mariner made a welcome return to form with a first and fastest, Anna took second and The First Jindarra took third. Swiftsure Saga was suffering from a heavy handicap and though second over the line had to settle for 4th.
A small side note.. Dave Locke in his role as bosun was asked to clamp a recalcitrant members car on Friday and damn me if it wasn't Peter Williams car ( he was in Rotto for the weekend ) and it cost him about 5 crayfish to get released. Peter, who has been driving The First Jindarra while Andy Bell recovers from his ankle op was understandably miffed, but the sign is at the front gate Pete.... Dave Locke's new nick name is Jed Clampitt . Thanks to several H28 sailors who made it their task to inform me of the picture and the transgression.
Not too many pictures today.. I was busy.
A strong seabreeze and a fine field of H28's hit the water today. Missing Lockie, Vic and Glen we still fielded 5 H28's and it was well manned up fleet of boats with only Karoleeya going out two up. We had the full crew on board and it was hard work for all as we had a good base of 18 knots with gusts in excess of 24 for the day.
The only way to win a race is to get in front and stave off all attackers. We hit the line well and worked the lifts to just make it to Martin, watching Anna just miss the corner and have to throw a couple of quick ones in, in front of a wall of boats coming at them. We lead up to mid way to Deep water and Anna (with a clean bottom) started to roll us from below and then inexplicably started to drop away as we worked the traveler to stay high. We made it to Deepwater just behind Anna and were claiming overlap with Anna turning up to break the overlap. But in doing so they lost sight of the mark and had to tack to avoid hitting it. By this time we were on the mark and turning to point at Print with Swiftsure Saga on our heels and Anna still avoiding everyone else at the mark.
The next challenge really came from Swiftsure who threw everything at us to try and break our lead, she is a quick boat, but it's noted that Bill had his old headsail on today and it was working well for him but luck and a twist of fate as a big boat wandered into Swiftsure Saga's air keeping us in front in the vital run to the line after Thelma on the last lap. Anna was rapidly catching up, after the unfortunate mishap, underscoring her speed in the water. Four H28's crossed the line within a minute and The First Jindarra was the fourth with Karoleeya suffering from under manning issues making it 5th
At results Brian Cross' Mariner made a welcome return to form with a first and fastest, Anna took second and The First Jindarra took third. Swiftsure Saga was suffering from a heavy handicap and though second over the line had to settle for 4th.
A small side note.. Dave Locke in his role as bosun was asked to clamp a recalcitrant members car on Friday and damn me if it wasn't Peter Williams car ( he was in Rotto for the weekend ) and it cost him about 5 crayfish to get released. Peter, who has been driving The First Jindarra while Andy Bell recovers from his ankle op was understandably miffed, but the sign is at the front gate Pete.... Dave Locke's new nick name is Jed Clampitt . Thanks to several H28 sailors who made it their task to inform me of the picture and the transgression.
Not too many pictures today.. I was busy.
Saturday the 13th of December. 3rd Championship Day
The Doctor was in! And with a vengeance...... for the first time in a while no one thought to throw up a spinnaker today as it was quite easily the best breeze we've had for a while with a base of 22knots and peaks recorded hitting 28 and 30 knots. Apparently Friday was even busier with 32 knots recorded and a base of over 25 knots. Still 6 boats saddled up and surprisingly Nerrima was not to be found. Maybe he had had advance warning of the day and said no thanks.
Vic Court got away and armed with his two best crew and a stray (Bob Cross), they got to the front and stayed there. Bill on Swiftsure Saga put his old glad rags on and stuck to Vic's tail like glue, relishing the conditions and making a very good job of it. Our battle was with Dave Locke as he had former H28 owner and now crew ( for a moment ) Colin Youngs on board and we were very pleased to see him as well. I think he enjoyed the day as he was in animated conversation with the girls on the boat afterwards. Back to the story.... he got in front of us early in the piece and then missed us on the next cross. And so it went all the way up to Brickies.. get around the first then the second and watch to see if any one else throws up a kite. Nope! Safe for a moment. Dodging boats on the way down we saw several boats get flattened by gusts that came through and the Vipers that were having their State Championships were having a field day- if they managed to remain up right. Same could be said for the Dragons and Etchells racing out of Freshie. Put a kite up...sure and be ready to douse it when the rock and the roll begins. Turn the corner at Print and back up to Brickies with the main ragging above our heads as we punched our way through a massive swell that took the speed off the boat.. you had to go into the bay to get flat water and then dodge the bullets that rolled off the top of the hills behind Point Walter.
Vic's still ahead with Bill chasing him and damn it, Lockie sneaks past us on the run down to Addison. Well sailed. By this time we can only see Graeme with Karoleeya behind us and no sign of Glen and Wynella. We found out he retired after the first rounding with only three up to get him around the marks... Not worth it. So try to get our place back from Lockie and hard work got us in front of him again on the up wind works to Deepwater, then a pole to Dolphin East and a gybe and a pole again to Addison. Good work up front kept us in front of Lockie and it was a chase to the finish with Carina first, Swiftsure Saga second, Anna third, Corella fourth and Karoleeya fifth. On handicap it was a different matter and Swiftsure Saga took first with Carina second and Karoleeya third. However the way things lie the over all handicap battle is still between Corella and Anna with a point of separation. In the championships Andrew Bell and The First Jindarra drop back with VIc Court leaping into contention and shared first place with Corella and Anna lies third 3 points behind. More to come in January...
Well done all that sailed on the day. It was a big one.
Vic Court got away and armed with his two best crew and a stray (Bob Cross), they got to the front and stayed there. Bill on Swiftsure Saga put his old glad rags on and stuck to Vic's tail like glue, relishing the conditions and making a very good job of it. Our battle was with Dave Locke as he had former H28 owner and now crew ( for a moment ) Colin Youngs on board and we were very pleased to see him as well. I think he enjoyed the day as he was in animated conversation with the girls on the boat afterwards. Back to the story.... he got in front of us early in the piece and then missed us on the next cross. And so it went all the way up to Brickies.. get around the first then the second and watch to see if any one else throws up a kite. Nope! Safe for a moment. Dodging boats on the way down we saw several boats get flattened by gusts that came through and the Vipers that were having their State Championships were having a field day- if they managed to remain up right. Same could be said for the Dragons and Etchells racing out of Freshie. Put a kite up...sure and be ready to douse it when the rock and the roll begins. Turn the corner at Print and back up to Brickies with the main ragging above our heads as we punched our way through a massive swell that took the speed off the boat.. you had to go into the bay to get flat water and then dodge the bullets that rolled off the top of the hills behind Point Walter.
Vic's still ahead with Bill chasing him and damn it, Lockie sneaks past us on the run down to Addison. Well sailed. By this time we can only see Graeme with Karoleeya behind us and no sign of Glen and Wynella. We found out he retired after the first rounding with only three up to get him around the marks... Not worth it. So try to get our place back from Lockie and hard work got us in front of him again on the up wind works to Deepwater, then a pole to Dolphin East and a gybe and a pole again to Addison. Good work up front kept us in front of Lockie and it was a chase to the finish with Carina first, Swiftsure Saga second, Anna third, Corella fourth and Karoleeya fifth. On handicap it was a different matter and Swiftsure Saga took first with Carina second and Karoleeya third. However the way things lie the over all handicap battle is still between Corella and Anna with a point of separation. In the championships Andrew Bell and The First Jindarra drop back with VIc Court leaping into contention and shared first place with Corella and Anna lies third 3 points behind. More to come in January...
Well done all that sailed on the day. It was a big one.
Wednesday the 10th of December
How did Vic describe it? "Should have been arrested for stealing the win"
How did Brian describe it? "Gutted"
What did Rita say? "Always keep your eye on the boat running along the freeway"
What did Bill say? " We was waiting for you blokes to go"
Couldn't wipe the smile off John Wrights face as he came into the pen at the end of the race. He'd stolen first from Mariner and Swiftsure Saga who were battling all day for fastest boat over the line. It was a matter of keeping Bill behind us as we had nailed the start and on a west sou west we roared up the river to Martin/Weaver and jumped the fleet to be first around Martin and kept that going all day, making good choices as to when and where to go. Waylen bay wasn't working and despite all attempts, most of us had to put in another dig to make Applecross Spit. Then it was go for the ley line and spin around the mark ready for the downwind run to Print with a gybe mid run.
The second rounding had us off to Robins with Swiftsure Saga in close company and Anna working hard to get that extra height that he's famous for. Still in the lead at the top we were reaching to Dolphin East and then to Como as the wind moved into the south a little more. But more was to come as we rounded the outer start line and made our way to Sampson and then to the dreaded triangle of Foam, Print and Thelma via Como. Still in the lead with Swiftsure on our heels and Anna not far away, we passed Thelma and started to run along the freeway looking for lifts. With an M27 in front of us, we were choking in his air and both Swiftsure and Mariner could not use the lifts that were there to take. Anna however had clear air and started to climb toward the line. We tacked as did Swiftsure Saga and then it was "when do we tack for the line." Anna was still lifting and was able to put in a small tack and then started pointing toward the line.
In front of us.
We had over laid the line and gone too late to close out John on Anna. Well sailed Anna's team, you used your heads very well to stay with us and saw the opportunity. Good sailing. I was a little busy with the ropes and no photo's were taken.
On another note, Georgina has been sold and is now in the hands of the Hermoso family. Tony and Deidre with Oscar, Jordy and Nina. They are applying for family membership at the club and we wish them well. The photo below is from one supplied by Glen/Tony in the email that introduced them to the H28 class. In it you can see Maureen and Colin (behind Tony) and Tony himself. They were out on a familiarization run.
How did Brian describe it? "Gutted"
What did Rita say? "Always keep your eye on the boat running along the freeway"
What did Bill say? " We was waiting for you blokes to go"
Couldn't wipe the smile off John Wrights face as he came into the pen at the end of the race. He'd stolen first from Mariner and Swiftsure Saga who were battling all day for fastest boat over the line. It was a matter of keeping Bill behind us as we had nailed the start and on a west sou west we roared up the river to Martin/Weaver and jumped the fleet to be first around Martin and kept that going all day, making good choices as to when and where to go. Waylen bay wasn't working and despite all attempts, most of us had to put in another dig to make Applecross Spit. Then it was go for the ley line and spin around the mark ready for the downwind run to Print with a gybe mid run.
The second rounding had us off to Robins with Swiftsure Saga in close company and Anna working hard to get that extra height that he's famous for. Still in the lead at the top we were reaching to Dolphin East and then to Como as the wind moved into the south a little more. But more was to come as we rounded the outer start line and made our way to Sampson and then to the dreaded triangle of Foam, Print and Thelma via Como. Still in the lead with Swiftsure on our heels and Anna not far away, we passed Thelma and started to run along the freeway looking for lifts. With an M27 in front of us, we were choking in his air and both Swiftsure and Mariner could not use the lifts that were there to take. Anna however had clear air and started to climb toward the line. We tacked as did Swiftsure Saga and then it was "when do we tack for the line." Anna was still lifting and was able to put in a small tack and then started pointing toward the line.
In front of us.
We had over laid the line and gone too late to close out John on Anna. Well sailed Anna's team, you used your heads very well to stay with us and saw the opportunity. Good sailing. I was a little busy with the ropes and no photo's were taken.
On another note, Georgina has been sold and is now in the hands of the Hermoso family. Tony and Deidre with Oscar, Jordy and Nina. They are applying for family membership at the club and we wish them well. The photo below is from one supplied by Glen/Tony in the email that introduced them to the H28 class. In it you can see Maureen and Colin (behind Tony) and Tony himself. They were out on a familiarization run.
Saturday the 6th of December. The Don Bourne Memorial trophy
Many thanks to Ian Bourne who came down to present the trophy this year in the absence of Nancy, who celebrates her 92 birthday on Sunday the 7th of December. He did a great job and the photo is in the slide show.
To the racing....
A westerly was blowing and despite all the chatter in the pens, it wasn't going to change much. It did eventually proceed into the south west according to BOM but no one was using Waylen bay and that says something. Neither did the wind get above 20 knots. Number ones all round.
With a course one on offer we had a box end cram at the start line and Anna ended up OCS, going back to restart and then proceeded to chase the fleet over the next two laps of Melville Water. Swiftsure Saga was set up to do well and Carina elected to do a jib and main with only Bruce and Glen helping Vic around the course. Karoleeya helmed by Graeme Lewis was performing well with Jay Lawry staying on the foredeck and the battle between them and Les Brooker's Nerrima continued all day. Once we had found our way past Phil Lammonby and Soraya it was the down winds where we got away from the fleet with only Dave Locke's Corella keeping up with us. The final set of works up to Deepwater allowed us to get away and the run down the wind to Dolphin East and the gybe to take us to Addison saw the crew on John Wright's Anna improve the lead markedly over the rest of the fleet. I've learnt a little later on that Corella also broke and returned to cross the line. And still kept us honest.
The results say it all and well done to Graeme Lewis/Steve Hill and crew taking the Don Bourne Memorial trophy. Whilst Anna was first over the line, followed by Dave Locke two minutes later, both crews knew that the heavy handicaps carried by their boats would take the chances of a placing out the door. Bill Richards took a third over the line and a second on handicap with Les Brooker taking the third place on handicap.
To the racing....
A westerly was blowing and despite all the chatter in the pens, it wasn't going to change much. It did eventually proceed into the south west according to BOM but no one was using Waylen bay and that says something. Neither did the wind get above 20 knots. Number ones all round.
With a course one on offer we had a box end cram at the start line and Anna ended up OCS, going back to restart and then proceeded to chase the fleet over the next two laps of Melville Water. Swiftsure Saga was set up to do well and Carina elected to do a jib and main with only Bruce and Glen helping Vic around the course. Karoleeya helmed by Graeme Lewis was performing well with Jay Lawry staying on the foredeck and the battle between them and Les Brooker's Nerrima continued all day. Once we had found our way past Phil Lammonby and Soraya it was the down winds where we got away from the fleet with only Dave Locke's Corella keeping up with us. The final set of works up to Deepwater allowed us to get away and the run down the wind to Dolphin East and the gybe to take us to Addison saw the crew on John Wright's Anna improve the lead markedly over the rest of the fleet. I've learnt a little later on that Corella also broke and returned to cross the line. And still kept us honest.
The results say it all and well done to Graeme Lewis/Steve Hill and crew taking the Don Bourne Memorial trophy. Whilst Anna was first over the line, followed by Dave Locke two minutes later, both crews knew that the heavy handicaps carried by their boats would take the chances of a placing out the door. Bill Richards took a third over the line and a second on handicap with Les Brooker taking the third place on handicap.
Wednesday the 3rd of December
When the wind blows.
The breeze was forecast for a south westerly and about 15 knots. It came in booming at 18 to 20 knots and it was a number two day or even a three if you were two up and you had one. Only one pole run for the day and it was the first down wind from Deepwater to Print. Sailing with The First Jindarra and Peter Williams at the helm, we were looking to just get around, as there was just the two of us. Then Judy from Kate's crew ( Soraya ) was seen wandering around looking lost so we snaffled her and took off before she could change her mind.
We had elected to start at the middle of the line in clear air and let the others fight it out at the box end and consequently got a cracker of a start. Second to Lockie as we hit Martin-Weaver, we rounded well and saw the fleet spread out behind us. Good sailing got us up to Deepwater in smart time and then disaster struck with the leech of the old number two catching on the snotter and holding on, tearing the cord out as well. A couple more fouled tacks had us working hard and rounding Deepwater we were still third but didn't put the pole up, choosing to try to repair the leech with tape. A fortunate decision to wrap the snotter with tape to help guide the damaged leech around it, enabled us to survive the next few tacks until the cord decided to pick up a side ring on the mast. Sod's law had prevailed again. Bill on Swiftsure Saga was in front by this time thanks to a brilliant run down the middle and he came in on starboard and nailed the corner, with Lockie second. John on Anna got past us in the down wind to Print and we had sorted out our needs sufficiently to keep up with the pack.
By this time we were lying 4th and trying to keep Karoleeya and Carina off our tails. Around the outer start line and off on the small triangle of Foam - Print- Como and Thelma. Good choice of course had us pick up a few seconds on the resilient pair behind us and the insertion of two div two boats between us and them on the leg between Print and Como kept them away from us. Over the line fourth, we were content with the run, but that there was a learning thing going on. The tear in the sail at the leech wasn't going to affect the sails performance up or down wind. We could have kept sailing on ( with a pole ) on the first down wind and kept our place intact.
The handicapper acknowledged that Swiftsure Saga's performance was extra-ordinary and the second first and fastest in two weeks required a decision to be made. However it has to be said that Bill is a much improved sailor and the new sails, once understood, have given him a decided edge. Well sailed Bill, Karoleeya was second, though in Jay's hands, rather than Graeme's, and Anna who was second over the line picked up the third place. 6 H28's went out in a fleet of 13 boats.
The breeze was forecast for a south westerly and about 15 knots. It came in booming at 18 to 20 knots and it was a number two day or even a three if you were two up and you had one. Only one pole run for the day and it was the first down wind from Deepwater to Print. Sailing with The First Jindarra and Peter Williams at the helm, we were looking to just get around, as there was just the two of us. Then Judy from Kate's crew ( Soraya ) was seen wandering around looking lost so we snaffled her and took off before she could change her mind.
We had elected to start at the middle of the line in clear air and let the others fight it out at the box end and consequently got a cracker of a start. Second to Lockie as we hit Martin-Weaver, we rounded well and saw the fleet spread out behind us. Good sailing got us up to Deepwater in smart time and then disaster struck with the leech of the old number two catching on the snotter and holding on, tearing the cord out as well. A couple more fouled tacks had us working hard and rounding Deepwater we were still third but didn't put the pole up, choosing to try to repair the leech with tape. A fortunate decision to wrap the snotter with tape to help guide the damaged leech around it, enabled us to survive the next few tacks until the cord decided to pick up a side ring on the mast. Sod's law had prevailed again. Bill on Swiftsure Saga was in front by this time thanks to a brilliant run down the middle and he came in on starboard and nailed the corner, with Lockie second. John on Anna got past us in the down wind to Print and we had sorted out our needs sufficiently to keep up with the pack.
By this time we were lying 4th and trying to keep Karoleeya and Carina off our tails. Around the outer start line and off on the small triangle of Foam - Print- Como and Thelma. Good choice of course had us pick up a few seconds on the resilient pair behind us and the insertion of two div two boats between us and them on the leg between Print and Como kept them away from us. Over the line fourth, we were content with the run, but that there was a learning thing going on. The tear in the sail at the leech wasn't going to affect the sails performance up or down wind. We could have kept sailing on ( with a pole ) on the first down wind and kept our place intact.
The handicapper acknowledged that Swiftsure Saga's performance was extra-ordinary and the second first and fastest in two weeks required a decision to be made. However it has to be said that Bill is a much improved sailor and the new sails, once understood, have given him a decided edge. Well sailed Bill, Karoleeya was second, though in Jay's hands, rather than Graeme's, and Anna who was second over the line picked up the third place. 6 H28's went out in a fleet of 13 boats.
Saturday the 29th of November
Well damn it! Just before we go into the details of the day.... 5 H28's at Cockburn Sound. Four have nominated from the club so far and that leaves room for Jay or Graeme and Steve to put their hands up. And there is Mark Walters with Koomela. So 5 so far and may be one or two more. Great sailing for all.
A perfect day on the water, by the way. Nothing more than 17 knots and the biggest problem was the variability of the breeze as we traversed the length of Melville Waters. Oh yes, we did have a spinnaker stuff up on the second hoist, but nothing as grand as Phil on Soraya, who now has a three piece spinnaker or enough rags to provide the crew with new shirts for the next few years. " Nothing" said Phil.. " they can sew it up again." But we were grateful as he was slipping past us repeatedly and the rendering of the spinnaker put a stop to his advances.
With five boats officially sailing and Jim Spittle and the Nerrima crew taking out Napea of Carrick for a spin, we set off on the long course one with Lockie on Corella taking the lead early and never being headed once he was away. Bill Richards had a cast of thousands including a couple of people from the lets go sailing courses on board and did a fine job of keeping up, though he was only running a jib and consequently the long spinnaker runs were a little daunting for him. Karoleeya with Graeme at the helm joined us again with new people on board and it was a battle between the three up front that made the day interesting, well if you weren't on Corella that is.
The pin was carefully placed at the start and it was with great interest we watched Brian Saleeba on Abeelas cross the entire SS27 fleet on port, gaining a huge advantage, but kept on going into the North instead of tacking onto starboard at the top of the fleet and speaking to his crew afterwards, if he'd become the top windward boat, he could have held the SS27 fleet to ransom all day. We didn't go that way and neither did any one else. Pity. It would have been good to watch.
The race finished with Corella out front, Anna second and Soraya third, but Phil ( Soraya ) picked up the win with Lockie second and fastest and Anna ( John Wright ) third. Sorry about the lack of images today. Flat batteries and the spare pair had not been recharged on Wednesday.
A perfect day on the water, by the way. Nothing more than 17 knots and the biggest problem was the variability of the breeze as we traversed the length of Melville Waters. Oh yes, we did have a spinnaker stuff up on the second hoist, but nothing as grand as Phil on Soraya, who now has a three piece spinnaker or enough rags to provide the crew with new shirts for the next few years. " Nothing" said Phil.. " they can sew it up again." But we were grateful as he was slipping past us repeatedly and the rendering of the spinnaker put a stop to his advances.
With five boats officially sailing and Jim Spittle and the Nerrima crew taking out Napea of Carrick for a spin, we set off on the long course one with Lockie on Corella taking the lead early and never being headed once he was away. Bill Richards had a cast of thousands including a couple of people from the lets go sailing courses on board and did a fine job of keeping up, though he was only running a jib and consequently the long spinnaker runs were a little daunting for him. Karoleeya with Graeme at the helm joined us again with new people on board and it was a battle between the three up front that made the day interesting, well if you weren't on Corella that is.
The pin was carefully placed at the start and it was with great interest we watched Brian Saleeba on Abeelas cross the entire SS27 fleet on port, gaining a huge advantage, but kept on going into the North instead of tacking onto starboard at the top of the fleet and speaking to his crew afterwards, if he'd become the top windward boat, he could have held the SS27 fleet to ransom all day. We didn't go that way and neither did any one else. Pity. It would have been good to watch.
The race finished with Corella out front, Anna second and Soraya third, but Phil ( Soraya ) picked up the win with Lockie second and fastest and Anna ( John Wright ) third. Sorry about the lack of images today. Flat batteries and the spare pair had not been recharged on Wednesday.
Wednesday the 26th of November
What were we thinking?
It was a dark and stormy day and I'm not joking. Great start to a novel, but a little too well worn for my liking. So we saddled up with the number one and took off 3 up expecting anything. We got a light winds course 4 and there were 9 boats on the water of which there were 5 H28's.
A Martin Weaver start and shifting breezes blew our careful plans and we knew we were going to tack and tack again before we hit Martin. Jay on the helm of Karoleeya did a daring cross on port to get to the other side and almost got away with it, only ducking one other. But on a soft south easterly the plastic boats got away and it was only Swiftsure Saga with the sail maker on board to get to the front and stay there. Swirling breezes gave us no respite with the pole out and down, gybed and put away before we reached Sampson, still following the mob. Through all of this, the repeated bang and crack of lightning set off the black skies over the city and we could see the storm that had swept through the north of the city shifting around to come back on us. Light rain followed us on the run up to Robins and it varied from pole-able to a reach and back again on the way there.
Another reach to Dolphin East and more rain with a work to Como and the outer start line again. By this time the breeze had changed direction again and being on the right side of it allowed us to get back into the fleet again, mixing it with Carina, The 1st Jindarra, Karoleeya and the plastics who were starting to struggle a little as the breeze picked up. The small triangle to finish the race had us second with a fair amount of breeze on the sails and as were the rest of the fleet, we were almost over powered with the number one up. Then the breeze shifted again and the once black sky went grey and the whitecaps mounted from the Eastern shores. 25 knots had us looking at making it to Como from Print and the traveler decided to jump off the track, jamming at one end. A well placed shoe from the skipper sorted out the problem, so we worked on getting to the line in one piece. So long as the traveler stayed on the track we were ok.
The breeze was even harder now and from reports heard later on, the plastic's were hammered with knock downs all over the place. So over the line and get the sails down, watching the rest of the fleet come home in one piece more or less. Then putting the boat in the pen was the next thing. We had the boat motor in reverse all the way into the pen and only swift work from Bill of Swiftsure Saga getting a timely rope to us stopped us from rocketing into the pen. We then had to do the same for the rest of the fleet as they came in and it was a little frightening to watch Gerry D in his Golden Eagle come careering backward into his pen; slightly out of control and only smart work saved his bow from swinging around into the next boat on the pens. Put the boat to bed and then huddle below discussing the days sailing listening to the 35 knots whistle around our ears. A good day out nonetheless. Well sailed all who ventured out and welcome to Roghan who came over from Royal Freshie to join us. Well done Swiftsure Saga for a first and fastest as well.
It was a dark and stormy day and I'm not joking. Great start to a novel, but a little too well worn for my liking. So we saddled up with the number one and took off 3 up expecting anything. We got a light winds course 4 and there were 9 boats on the water of which there were 5 H28's.
A Martin Weaver start and shifting breezes blew our careful plans and we knew we were going to tack and tack again before we hit Martin. Jay on the helm of Karoleeya did a daring cross on port to get to the other side and almost got away with it, only ducking one other. But on a soft south easterly the plastic boats got away and it was only Swiftsure Saga with the sail maker on board to get to the front and stay there. Swirling breezes gave us no respite with the pole out and down, gybed and put away before we reached Sampson, still following the mob. Through all of this, the repeated bang and crack of lightning set off the black skies over the city and we could see the storm that had swept through the north of the city shifting around to come back on us. Light rain followed us on the run up to Robins and it varied from pole-able to a reach and back again on the way there.
Another reach to Dolphin East and more rain with a work to Como and the outer start line again. By this time the breeze had changed direction again and being on the right side of it allowed us to get back into the fleet again, mixing it with Carina, The 1st Jindarra, Karoleeya and the plastics who were starting to struggle a little as the breeze picked up. The small triangle to finish the race had us second with a fair amount of breeze on the sails and as were the rest of the fleet, we were almost over powered with the number one up. Then the breeze shifted again and the once black sky went grey and the whitecaps mounted from the Eastern shores. 25 knots had us looking at making it to Como from Print and the traveler decided to jump off the track, jamming at one end. A well placed shoe from the skipper sorted out the problem, so we worked on getting to the line in one piece. So long as the traveler stayed on the track we were ok.
The breeze was even harder now and from reports heard later on, the plastic's were hammered with knock downs all over the place. So over the line and get the sails down, watching the rest of the fleet come home in one piece more or less. Then putting the boat in the pen was the next thing. We had the boat motor in reverse all the way into the pen and only swift work from Bill of Swiftsure Saga getting a timely rope to us stopped us from rocketing into the pen. We then had to do the same for the rest of the fleet as they came in and it was a little frightening to watch Gerry D in his Golden Eagle come careering backward into his pen; slightly out of control and only smart work saved his bow from swinging around into the next boat on the pens. Put the boat to bed and then huddle below discussing the days sailing listening to the 35 knots whistle around our ears. A good day out nonetheless. Well sailed all who ventured out and welcome to Roghan who came over from Royal Freshie to join us. Well done Swiftsure Saga for a first and fastest as well.
Saturday the 22nd of November
Loaded for bear!
Bill Richards set off with the finest bunch of desperado's ever seen on the water. Not only Big John, but Andrew, Ken and Glen Stanley. A team like that are dangerous on their own, let alone together. With smaller numbers on the water than usual and only 6 boats getting in total owing to the lack of crew or interest from the main jetty, we were grateful for the 3 boats that set out from jetty four with Bella and Jay on the helm making herself known on the water for the first time in a while. Well done Jay. Otherwise Steve had Karoleeya and a cast of thousands as did Les Brooker and Nerima. On the main jetty, only Anna and Corella set off beside Swiftsure Saga with others spending a nice day in the garden or at Rotto.
A good start had Lockie out front and he wasn't headed all day, not that we didn't try and it was clear that the course 4 that they threw at us was going to turn into a soldiers course in the latter stages with the wind in the West most of the time. However, a welcome change from a course one and some snappy spinnaker work was required with gybes at Dolphin East to keep the fordeckies on their toes. No one carried a spinnaker on the first cross from Deepwater to Hallmark and in reflection we should have as the wind swung into the southwest, but then again it turned into the west again as we neared the north shore and would have caused grief for the trimmers on a really tight reach. At this stage Nerrima was still with us and knowing Les, we were keeping a sharp eye out for him. Jay was also keeping up, though we didn't see a spinnaker up, unsurprisedly as he was only two up.
Getting into phase with the wind shifts paid off as with shifts of 30 degrees would take you from laying the mark to going to China in a few seconds, Likewise the reverse could happen and we saw Lockie head into Waylen Bay and come out looking at Applecross Spit. We tried it and started easing the rig as we were lifting above Applecross Spit into the mud zone. The southwester had returned on this side of the river. The next time we went out to the center of the river coming in on starboard and watched as Bill dropped well below Bond and had to tack over to reach the mark. Again the spinnaker runs made it fun and with a nice breeze it was a good day on the water.
Corella first and fastest, Anna second and Swiftsure Saga third.
Found out where Phil and Kate were.... in Melbourne for the office xmas party.
A note. The river looked empty. Not half the amount of boats on the water as 10 years ago and the sharp cries and rattle of winches and ropes is gone from Saturdays now. I remember a Governor's Cup (Freshie I think) when they put over 150 boats on the water and we had 100, lord knows how many Royal Perth boats were on the water maybe 180 or so and then the other clubs joined in with their dinghy fleets.
Bill Richards set off with the finest bunch of desperado's ever seen on the water. Not only Big John, but Andrew, Ken and Glen Stanley. A team like that are dangerous on their own, let alone together. With smaller numbers on the water than usual and only 6 boats getting in total owing to the lack of crew or interest from the main jetty, we were grateful for the 3 boats that set out from jetty four with Bella and Jay on the helm making herself known on the water for the first time in a while. Well done Jay. Otherwise Steve had Karoleeya and a cast of thousands as did Les Brooker and Nerima. On the main jetty, only Anna and Corella set off beside Swiftsure Saga with others spending a nice day in the garden or at Rotto.
A good start had Lockie out front and he wasn't headed all day, not that we didn't try and it was clear that the course 4 that they threw at us was going to turn into a soldiers course in the latter stages with the wind in the West most of the time. However, a welcome change from a course one and some snappy spinnaker work was required with gybes at Dolphin East to keep the fordeckies on their toes. No one carried a spinnaker on the first cross from Deepwater to Hallmark and in reflection we should have as the wind swung into the southwest, but then again it turned into the west again as we neared the north shore and would have caused grief for the trimmers on a really tight reach. At this stage Nerrima was still with us and knowing Les, we were keeping a sharp eye out for him. Jay was also keeping up, though we didn't see a spinnaker up, unsurprisedly as he was only two up.
Getting into phase with the wind shifts paid off as with shifts of 30 degrees would take you from laying the mark to going to China in a few seconds, Likewise the reverse could happen and we saw Lockie head into Waylen Bay and come out looking at Applecross Spit. We tried it and started easing the rig as we were lifting above Applecross Spit into the mud zone. The southwester had returned on this side of the river. The next time we went out to the center of the river coming in on starboard and watched as Bill dropped well below Bond and had to tack over to reach the mark. Again the spinnaker runs made it fun and with a nice breeze it was a good day on the water.
Corella first and fastest, Anna second and Swiftsure Saga third.
Found out where Phil and Kate were.... in Melbourne for the office xmas party.
A note. The river looked empty. Not half the amount of boats on the water as 10 years ago and the sharp cries and rattle of winches and ropes is gone from Saturdays now. I remember a Governor's Cup (Freshie I think) when they put over 150 boats on the water and we had 100, lord knows how many Royal Perth boats were on the water maybe 180 or so and then the other clubs joined in with their dinghy fleets.
Wednesday the 19th of November
A battle for the front.
With Andrew Bell acknowledged as the quick boat around the river on Wednesdays, especially with the new sails, it's not been a surprise to see some new sails popping up on other boats. Anna and Swiftsure Saga have new suites and I'm sure that Lockie is feeling around in the bottom of his wallet to see if he can afford a new set. We've resigned ourselves to getting the team together and learning how to sail the boat with the changed set up before we put something as brash as a new set of sails on Mariner. May be next year.
However the battle that raged on Wednesday at the front was fantastic. AB was ahead and sailing comfortably with guest main sheet man Dave Locke keeping the boat flowing for Andrew and Brad working the jib sheets on a very nice day. (15 to 19 knots out of the west and south west). Despite the number of plastics out on the water, the H28's forged ahead and left the rest behind with only the incipient butterfly trying to get in our road occasionally. Our start wasn't fantastic, but we were well situated to watch the battle ahead.
For most of the race AB was well out in front, with Bill on Swiftsure Saga resolutely chasing him. The old master John Wright was on their tails as ever and getting height on the water where no one else could, but still a fair way behind. We had our own problems with the butterfly, Jay who had Karoleeya out and Phil who was taking Soraya out with the girls as crew. (Despite his and their best efforts, Soraya stuck to the back of the pack as the boat has been known to do in the past.) Glen had a good crew and following his great sail on Saturday was brim full of confidence.
As the race progressed and we got to the small triangle of Foam, Print, Como, Thelma and home it was clear that Bill was mounting a serious challenge on AB and the two boats were match racing for the finish. Silly thing to do when John Wright is behind you, because he will take the advantage and close up. By the time that we were on the final leg between Como and Thelma it was clear that the challenge was on. AB and John went along the freeway and Bill had to tack off and go for the run up to a ley line for the start line.
The photos tell it all. We ( and they ) had to go way past the finish line to get a ley line and Bill found himself in as much strife as possible as he was dropping down from his original ley line, consequently those on the freeway were lifting. When the dust settled Anna ( John Wright) had managed to sneak through Bills guard and took second over the line with Bill coming third to AB's first over the line. No tears from any one, but the rest of us had box seats to watch a great challenge on the water. For the record, Glen took the win on handicap and the rest of us were buried in the results.
With Andrew Bell acknowledged as the quick boat around the river on Wednesdays, especially with the new sails, it's not been a surprise to see some new sails popping up on other boats. Anna and Swiftsure Saga have new suites and I'm sure that Lockie is feeling around in the bottom of his wallet to see if he can afford a new set. We've resigned ourselves to getting the team together and learning how to sail the boat with the changed set up before we put something as brash as a new set of sails on Mariner. May be next year.
However the battle that raged on Wednesday at the front was fantastic. AB was ahead and sailing comfortably with guest main sheet man Dave Locke keeping the boat flowing for Andrew and Brad working the jib sheets on a very nice day. (15 to 19 knots out of the west and south west). Despite the number of plastics out on the water, the H28's forged ahead and left the rest behind with only the incipient butterfly trying to get in our road occasionally. Our start wasn't fantastic, but we were well situated to watch the battle ahead.
For most of the race AB was well out in front, with Bill on Swiftsure Saga resolutely chasing him. The old master John Wright was on their tails as ever and getting height on the water where no one else could, but still a fair way behind. We had our own problems with the butterfly, Jay who had Karoleeya out and Phil who was taking Soraya out with the girls as crew. (Despite his and their best efforts, Soraya stuck to the back of the pack as the boat has been known to do in the past.) Glen had a good crew and following his great sail on Saturday was brim full of confidence.
As the race progressed and we got to the small triangle of Foam, Print, Como, Thelma and home it was clear that Bill was mounting a serious challenge on AB and the two boats were match racing for the finish. Silly thing to do when John Wright is behind you, because he will take the advantage and close up. By the time that we were on the final leg between Como and Thelma it was clear that the challenge was on. AB and John went along the freeway and Bill had to tack off and go for the run up to a ley line for the start line.
The photos tell it all. We ( and they ) had to go way past the finish line to get a ley line and Bill found himself in as much strife as possible as he was dropping down from his original ley line, consequently those on the freeway were lifting. When the dust settled Anna ( John Wright) had managed to sneak through Bills guard and took second over the line with Bill coming third to AB's first over the line. No tears from any one, but the rest of us had box seats to watch a great challenge on the water. For the record, Glen took the win on handicap and the rest of us were buried in the results.
Saturday the 15th of November
Almost perfect.
With a westerly that showed up early and showing no indication of going further south, we set off on a course one to Brickies.
Earlier, we watched Div one get away; it was an invitation start with upwards of 30 boats on the start line and the line could have been a bit longer, in fact double the length at least. Several boats rolled away from the start boat on the wrong side and others were fighting to stay in the game. Curiously only two boats were reported as OCS, though it was indicated that there were other boats that could have been on the wrong side of the line as well. Make your own minds up.
Welcome back Napier of Carrick. With Les Brookers boat out of action, something about a boom and a lost gooseneck, Nerrima's team decided to take James Spittle's Napier of Carrick out for a spin. Apart from a bit of coral on the bottom she did well and James was roaring with glee as she took on the fleet. Glen on Wynella had guest Brian Cross on the main and with the addition of the regular foredeck man they were ready to try the fleet on and did so very successfully, keeping in touch all the way until an unfortunate spinnaker drop had them prawning and consequently fell out of touch.
The race was on between John Wright, Phil Lammonby, Dave Locke and Vic Court with Bill RIchards working hard to stay in touch with the forerunners; no mean feat given that all five were trading places almost as swiftly as a game of musical chairs.
On Anna, we found ourselves at the back of the pack and watched as Vic sailed right in under Heathcote and managed to get away with it, picking up some good breeze and lift. Ducking back into Applecross jetty Vic then sailed on the edge of the bank out to Applecross spit and we watched as he veered quickly to avoid the mud, but grazed the bank and slowed momentarily. We were a little outside him, but it was close.
Spinnaker hoists win races and ours were good every time, holding your line was something else as RP and RF boats loomed at us from the right and left causing us to weave a little on the track. A good rounding took us clear of Soraya on the next run to Brickies with a trip over to the middle of the track and John chuckling in delight as the breeze lifted us up to the mark. We covered all but one of the fleet on that board and it was a chase down to Addison that had us closing in on Corella. It was not to be though and our race was chase Lockie and keep an eye on Vic behind us. Well done Corella, first over the line and to Anna, first on handicap.
Delightful to see Napier of Carrick out again. It should happen more often.
With a westerly that showed up early and showing no indication of going further south, we set off on a course one to Brickies.
Earlier, we watched Div one get away; it was an invitation start with upwards of 30 boats on the start line and the line could have been a bit longer, in fact double the length at least. Several boats rolled away from the start boat on the wrong side and others were fighting to stay in the game. Curiously only two boats were reported as OCS, though it was indicated that there were other boats that could have been on the wrong side of the line as well. Make your own minds up.
Welcome back Napier of Carrick. With Les Brookers boat out of action, something about a boom and a lost gooseneck, Nerrima's team decided to take James Spittle's Napier of Carrick out for a spin. Apart from a bit of coral on the bottom she did well and James was roaring with glee as she took on the fleet. Glen on Wynella had guest Brian Cross on the main and with the addition of the regular foredeck man they were ready to try the fleet on and did so very successfully, keeping in touch all the way until an unfortunate spinnaker drop had them prawning and consequently fell out of touch.
The race was on between John Wright, Phil Lammonby, Dave Locke and Vic Court with Bill RIchards working hard to stay in touch with the forerunners; no mean feat given that all five were trading places almost as swiftly as a game of musical chairs.
On Anna, we found ourselves at the back of the pack and watched as Vic sailed right in under Heathcote and managed to get away with it, picking up some good breeze and lift. Ducking back into Applecross jetty Vic then sailed on the edge of the bank out to Applecross spit and we watched as he veered quickly to avoid the mud, but grazed the bank and slowed momentarily. We were a little outside him, but it was close.
Spinnaker hoists win races and ours were good every time, holding your line was something else as RP and RF boats loomed at us from the right and left causing us to weave a little on the track. A good rounding took us clear of Soraya on the next run to Brickies with a trip over to the middle of the track and John chuckling in delight as the breeze lifted us up to the mark. We covered all but one of the fleet on that board and it was a chase down to Addison that had us closing in on Corella. It was not to be though and our race was chase Lockie and keep an eye on Vic behind us. Well done Corella, first over the line and to Anna, first on handicap.
Delightful to see Napier of Carrick out again. It should happen more often.
Wednesday the 12th of November
Now that I've thought about it, it was a great day out.
The white tops were already showing at lunchtime and every now and then a patch of dark water scudded down the river.. The rigging was whistling in the south westerly and the skipper wasn't going to make a call on the headsail until we knew how many we had on the boat and what the breeze was up to.
A goodly number of boats rocked up on the start line in A and B fleet and we watched them get away off to Martin - Weaver with most making it without having to tack. Then it was our turn. Seven H28's got away with the lone SS22, Peter Lewis making an appearance. It was a course one and the Martin Weaver dash sorted out the precedence of the boats, with Andrew Bell getting to the front and staying there for the duration. Like us he was 4 up and grateful for the numbers as the wind was building. Even Vic Court had managed to grab a willing body off the jetty and was three up as did Lockie and Rita on Corella, but we were all running number two's and had the mains as flat as ironing boards. (well those who could).
The dash up to Deepwater meant getting over to the bay where the water was flatter and then using the lift from the land to take us up past Applecross Spit to the mark. Unfortunately Royal Perth had the same designs and they came in on starboard pointing very low ( almost at Heathcote) and bailed Corella up against the shallows. He could literally only put the boat in irons and raise his hands above his head screaming no room, no room. About a hundred meters behind, we watched as one by one the RP Fleet flipped almost on his starboard side and took off down the bay. We had our own problems as we found seconds later, trying to find the gap and a RP boat presented us with a transom we had to avoid. Which we did, barely, as dropping the traveler and then the main only gave us that precious moment where we scraped their life buoy on the way past.
Then away we went with spray everywhere and other boats to follow. Rounding Applecross we hardened up and found ourselves having to let another RP boat through as they were on their way to a mark further up the river. Then the down wind to Print with a following breeze that was stacking the waves up around the transom. Still in fourth and not too many options. We'd passed Lockie on the way up but we had AB, Vic and Swiftsure Saga to chase. By the time a careful pole drop had us around the mark, we noticed that Swiftsure was withdrawing and later enquiries had us informed that Bill's main had blown the outhaul. Damn.. and a new sail too! Back up to Robins and the chase down to Como via East Dolphin battling with Vic. No joy there, he'll not give you the sniff of an oily rag. Looked around and saw Lockie withdrawing as well. "Too bloody windy" was his comment later on. Good to see that Glen had stuck it out on Wynella as he picked up a 3rd on handicap for his effort.
Round the corner at the start box and off to Sampson and the small triangle of Foam/Print/Thelma/home. Chase Vic and keep John Wright on Anna off our tail. A case of follow the leader, though we were pressing Vic at the end, but the wily fox stayed in front.
We have a small sweep on the median wind pressure and the highest gust during post racing drinks and most of the suggestions were a base ( median ) of about 15 to 18 with gusts between 24 to 29. Only one person ventured to 30 knots. Look for yourself.
Well sailed all those who sailed on Wednesday as the image below will tell you. Median of 20+ knots during the sailing period and a gust to 30 knots or better during the afternoon.
The white tops were already showing at lunchtime and every now and then a patch of dark water scudded down the river.. The rigging was whistling in the south westerly and the skipper wasn't going to make a call on the headsail until we knew how many we had on the boat and what the breeze was up to.
A goodly number of boats rocked up on the start line in A and B fleet and we watched them get away off to Martin - Weaver with most making it without having to tack. Then it was our turn. Seven H28's got away with the lone SS22, Peter Lewis making an appearance. It was a course one and the Martin Weaver dash sorted out the precedence of the boats, with Andrew Bell getting to the front and staying there for the duration. Like us he was 4 up and grateful for the numbers as the wind was building. Even Vic Court had managed to grab a willing body off the jetty and was three up as did Lockie and Rita on Corella, but we were all running number two's and had the mains as flat as ironing boards. (well those who could).
The dash up to Deepwater meant getting over to the bay where the water was flatter and then using the lift from the land to take us up past Applecross Spit to the mark. Unfortunately Royal Perth had the same designs and they came in on starboard pointing very low ( almost at Heathcote) and bailed Corella up against the shallows. He could literally only put the boat in irons and raise his hands above his head screaming no room, no room. About a hundred meters behind, we watched as one by one the RP Fleet flipped almost on his starboard side and took off down the bay. We had our own problems as we found seconds later, trying to find the gap and a RP boat presented us with a transom we had to avoid. Which we did, barely, as dropping the traveler and then the main only gave us that precious moment where we scraped their life buoy on the way past.
Then away we went with spray everywhere and other boats to follow. Rounding Applecross we hardened up and found ourselves having to let another RP boat through as they were on their way to a mark further up the river. Then the down wind to Print with a following breeze that was stacking the waves up around the transom. Still in fourth and not too many options. We'd passed Lockie on the way up but we had AB, Vic and Swiftsure Saga to chase. By the time a careful pole drop had us around the mark, we noticed that Swiftsure was withdrawing and later enquiries had us informed that Bill's main had blown the outhaul. Damn.. and a new sail too! Back up to Robins and the chase down to Como via East Dolphin battling with Vic. No joy there, he'll not give you the sniff of an oily rag. Looked around and saw Lockie withdrawing as well. "Too bloody windy" was his comment later on. Good to see that Glen had stuck it out on Wynella as he picked up a 3rd on handicap for his effort.
Round the corner at the start box and off to Sampson and the small triangle of Foam/Print/Thelma/home. Chase Vic and keep John Wright on Anna off our tail. A case of follow the leader, though we were pressing Vic at the end, but the wily fox stayed in front.
We have a small sweep on the median wind pressure and the highest gust during post racing drinks and most of the suggestions were a base ( median ) of about 15 to 18 with gusts between 24 to 29. Only one person ventured to 30 knots. Look for yourself.
Well sailed all those who sailed on Wednesday as the image below will tell you. Median of 20+ knots during the sailing period and a gust to 30 knots or better during the afternoon.
Championship day and the Windward - Leeward 8th of November
The day started with the idea that we would be sailing in a light westerly
as the wind had swung around from the south east, through the North ( around
11.30 am ) and almost immediately into the West. By the time we were on the
water (at midday) we already had 10 to 14 knots and we were more than happy with
that.
As we were part of the early fleets heading off at 12.30; we watched as a
handful (or less) of the 97’s headed off on a windward leeward course as were
the S80’s, next group away, with a good 10 boats on the water. Eight H28’s lined
up next and division three was to follow us.
We got away and for the first half of the race it was relatively peaceful
with the water around us not crowded at all. The H28’s had been given a course
two with a “triangle” and then a “sausage” to complete. Half the H28’s elected
not to hoist a spinnaker on the first leg of the down wind to the wing mark as
the course was set with the thought that the breeze would track into the south
west (as it eventually did) and it was a fairly speccy ride down to the wing
mark. We (Anna) made it and gybed to be second in the fleet
behind Andrew Bell on the First Jindarra and then continued on down with the
rest of the fleet on our heels. The next beat upward, we knew the breeze was
lifting and it was a case of harden everything up and go for it. We rounded the
top mark and a slick hoist had the kite up and we were still chasing AB with
Bill Richards Swiftsure Saga on our heels with PC Phil Lammonby’s Soraya close
behind. At the bottom we turned for the finish and it was hard to pick the Royal
Perth finish boat as they were hidden in the competing fleets further up the
river. So up we went and prayed for a glimpse of the finish boat. Pinching and
pinching we worked to keep the boat moving forward to the line that was now
visible and it was a near curse that escaped from the skippers lips as David Locke’s
Corella sailing more freely a hundred yards away moved past us and closer to the
line. Then to make it worse Soraya, who had tacked out to a starboard ley,
crossed all of us on a screaming reach and took second after the First Jindarra,
relegating us to fourth behind Corella.
A disappointment sure, but the next race was coming and there was no time
to waste as we ran down the wind and changed jibs as the wind kept building with
a humping south westerly pushing 17 to 23 knots on the water. Great sailing
ensued with a much better start and we turned at the top mark second to the
First Jindarra and stayed there to the finish, sailing a regulation course one.
At least we knew where the finish boat should be this time, as that cost us
places the first time.
Well sailed Andrew, it's just the crew that keeps on popping up "Murrays and Williams all" and they're young.......
Thanks to Joan Leese for the photos from on board Nerrima during the racing. One of the shots is a great one of the start line with Corella, Soraya and Anna in battle mode. The rest are pretty good too.
Well sailed Andrew, it's just the crew that keeps on popping up "Murrays and Williams all" and they're young.......
Thanks to Joan Leese for the photos from on board Nerrima during the racing. One of the shots is a great one of the start line with Corella, Soraya and Anna in battle mode. The rest are pretty good too.
Saturday the 1st of November and Wednesday the 5th
To be honest, too much on my plate recently has meant that I can't keep up with the monologues that keep this going. However here is the gist of it and a few images to go with it.
Wednesday the 5th was a learning day for Mariner and it was with a little frisson of delight we saw the breeze start to fill and watched while Bill unrolled his new purchases. A new set of sails from UK Halsey. Ouch..... another boat with new sails... And then John Wright put up his new number one as well. Going to be a hard man to beat.
Anna got away with a blinding start and was never headed and Corella (on old sails) and Swiftsure Saga got in front of us and it was a case of follow me for the rest of the afternoon. Not pointing well and hard to get into the groove is one thing, but when The First Jindarra overtook us as well with Peter Williams driving instead of Andrew Bell, our misery was complete. Limp home and congratulate everyone and then discover that Bill wasn't happy with the sails... Bloody hell! To add injury to insult, we then discovered that our rig was unexplainably loose and would have made it a lot harder to point. Oh well, at least the boat looks good.. Lockie has finished the deck and with the newly refurbished rubbing strakes and toe rails, she sparkles. Now to get the sailing up to scratch.
Saturday the 1st was a club consistency day and I can't remember what the weather was like, but the photo's suggest that it was soft and from the first photo of Andrew Dawson's boat stuck on the mud, I can recall that the starters had set up right next to Heathcote Dolphin and we watched in amusement as Jay, driving Eun Na Mara while Ralph's shoulder was under repair, managed to stick the boat on the mud as well.
Not a good day for Anna unfortunately as Lockie got away and despite John's best efforts we could only pick up second over the line and Corella got a well deserved first and fastest.
Wednesday the 5th was a learning day for Mariner and it was with a little frisson of delight we saw the breeze start to fill and watched while Bill unrolled his new purchases. A new set of sails from UK Halsey. Ouch..... another boat with new sails... And then John Wright put up his new number one as well. Going to be a hard man to beat.
Anna got away with a blinding start and was never headed and Corella (on old sails) and Swiftsure Saga got in front of us and it was a case of follow me for the rest of the afternoon. Not pointing well and hard to get into the groove is one thing, but when The First Jindarra overtook us as well with Peter Williams driving instead of Andrew Bell, our misery was complete. Limp home and congratulate everyone and then discover that Bill wasn't happy with the sails... Bloody hell! To add injury to insult, we then discovered that our rig was unexplainably loose and would have made it a lot harder to point. Oh well, at least the boat looks good.. Lockie has finished the deck and with the newly refurbished rubbing strakes and toe rails, she sparkles. Now to get the sailing up to scratch.
Saturday the 1st was a club consistency day and I can't remember what the weather was like, but the photo's suggest that it was soft and from the first photo of Andrew Dawson's boat stuck on the mud, I can recall that the starters had set up right next to Heathcote Dolphin and we watched in amusement as Jay, driving Eun Na Mara while Ralph's shoulder was under repair, managed to stick the boat on the mud as well.
Not a good day for Anna unfortunately as Lockie got away and despite John's best efforts we could only pick up second over the line and Corella got a well deserved first and fastest.
Wednesday the 29th of October
The day was good, with a building seabreeze that promised all the best that a south westerly can offer.
Going out again with Andrew and Peter, it was to be a great day and our biggest problem was getting the start right. Thoroughly buried in the pack, which essentially leads us to think that starting lower on the line and with clear air, we might have gotten away as John Wright did. And once John was away he was hard to get back at. Third last we rounded Weaver looking to improve and a port pole had us working our way through the fleet with the chance to get at least two or three boats back in the fourteen boat fleet on the run to Weaver. Go North or follow the fleet over to Waylen Bay, we went North on a chance and managed to cross into the bay with a lift on both sides making Frenchies the hard way as Lockie took us all the way in. No loss, as it actually helped us getting up to Deepwater with only another small dig required. Got some great photos of Jay driving Karoleeya on the way up as well. A good rounding had us clear of most of the fleet with only Dave Locke and John Wright in front of us in the H28 fleet, a couple of plastic's were run down on the down wind and the incipient butterfly was put behind us as well. From Print to Robins was a good beat with the south westerly turning back into the west and easing off a little. From now on, it was going to be cunning work to stay in front and there's none more cunning than AB on his day.
Lockie was almost unbeatable and resisted every probe, though we gave them a bit of a shock when in close quarters our bow wave swamped his stern and he got a wet pair of jeans for his troubles. Then the run up to Foam after Sampson (the second time) was the decider as he went straight up and we went east. The breeze had swung back into the South west and built again and both boats were working hard. On the cross before Foam we were in front and our job grew all that harder with Lockie and Rita on our backsides all the way. Hit Foam and make it a good one, then reach across to Print, a gybe and a reach down to Como then off to Thelma. Couldn't resist taking a photo of Eun Na Mara with his foresail in a twist. They were trying to unwind it, but..... So hit Thelma and carried on, Lockie tacked on the mark and we covered with a tack as well. Crossing the line needed a certain amount of nerve as PC John Fords The Avenue was bearing down on us, but we ducked under his bows and tacked to cross in front of Lockie. Well sailed the crew and congratulations to Kate and the lady crew of Soraya who took the honours on handicap, Anna ( John W ) was second and fastest and Karoleeya was third. For our effort we picked up a 7th on handicap, but we were adequately rewarded by the come back through the fleet. Congrats also to John Wright for his magnificent effort last Saturday . Took the win and well done.
By the way, the odd photo out in the gallery below was quite something. The sight of the water police (marine safety) looking after {training} a bunch of sea scouts near Applecross spit. Great to see a strong level of community involvement like this.
Going out again with Andrew and Peter, it was to be a great day and our biggest problem was getting the start right. Thoroughly buried in the pack, which essentially leads us to think that starting lower on the line and with clear air, we might have gotten away as John Wright did. And once John was away he was hard to get back at. Third last we rounded Weaver looking to improve and a port pole had us working our way through the fleet with the chance to get at least two or three boats back in the fourteen boat fleet on the run to Weaver. Go North or follow the fleet over to Waylen Bay, we went North on a chance and managed to cross into the bay with a lift on both sides making Frenchies the hard way as Lockie took us all the way in. No loss, as it actually helped us getting up to Deepwater with only another small dig required. Got some great photos of Jay driving Karoleeya on the way up as well. A good rounding had us clear of most of the fleet with only Dave Locke and John Wright in front of us in the H28 fleet, a couple of plastic's were run down on the down wind and the incipient butterfly was put behind us as well. From Print to Robins was a good beat with the south westerly turning back into the west and easing off a little. From now on, it was going to be cunning work to stay in front and there's none more cunning than AB on his day.
Lockie was almost unbeatable and resisted every probe, though we gave them a bit of a shock when in close quarters our bow wave swamped his stern and he got a wet pair of jeans for his troubles. Then the run up to Foam after Sampson (the second time) was the decider as he went straight up and we went east. The breeze had swung back into the South west and built again and both boats were working hard. On the cross before Foam we were in front and our job grew all that harder with Lockie and Rita on our backsides all the way. Hit Foam and make it a good one, then reach across to Print, a gybe and a reach down to Como then off to Thelma. Couldn't resist taking a photo of Eun Na Mara with his foresail in a twist. They were trying to unwind it, but..... So hit Thelma and carried on, Lockie tacked on the mark and we covered with a tack as well. Crossing the line needed a certain amount of nerve as PC John Fords The Avenue was bearing down on us, but we ducked under his bows and tacked to cross in front of Lockie. Well sailed the crew and congratulations to Kate and the lady crew of Soraya who took the honours on handicap, Anna ( John W ) was second and fastest and Karoleeya was third. For our effort we picked up a 7th on handicap, but we were adequately rewarded by the come back through the fleet. Congrats also to John Wright for his magnificent effort last Saturday . Took the win and well done.
By the way, the odd photo out in the gallery below was quite something. The sight of the water police (marine safety) looking after {training} a bunch of sea scouts near Applecross spit. Great to see a strong level of community involvement like this.
Wednesday the 22nd of October
Not one of our most glorious days.
With my regular skipper in the Whitsundays with his bro in law (and trimmer) I looked no further than next door to cadge a ride with Andrew Bell of The First Jindarra. It was blowing its socks off out of the north east and as I came over Canning Bridge I watched the boats swing into the north west and start to build again. No matter, we've sailed in worse and speaking to Andrew he was content to go out. A general look at the river was had by the skippers and a wind measuring device brought out and turned on. It was reading 20 knots as a base and much better in the gusts.
The consensus from the skippers was to leave it alone and sail their boats on a better day. By the time we had packed up and retired to the bar, we realized that Swiftsure Saga and Karoleeya had decided to go out, albeit with reefs in and small headsails. And so had 3 of the SS22's and two other plastics. They also had reefs in and small headsails, but they were there. And much to our chagrin, the wind was dropping out and swinging further into the west for the course 2 run.
At the start it was the SS22's with Karoleeya and Swiftsure at the back with Bill laboring under the double reef he had in. But by the time that they were heading down the river past the club, Bill was starting to overhaul the SS22's in front and was lying fourth with Karoleeya second.
Surprisingly it was a SS22 that took the cake for fastest with Swiftsure Saga second over the line and second on handicap (well sailed Bill) and Jay Lawry coming in fourth over the line and first on handicap. The breeze was clocked at a base 15 with gust up to 22 knots in the middle of the afternoon.
The lessons learnt from this encounter. Never trust your senses. Find a skipper who will go out in anything and then hope to god he/she can sail through the most extreme gusts. Believe that it will all be over in about 100 minutes of nerve stretching, mind blasting, gut wrenching, back straining work and you and the team you went out with, will have something to talk about for the rest of your lives............... Damn, I missed a chance.
With my regular skipper in the Whitsundays with his bro in law (and trimmer) I looked no further than next door to cadge a ride with Andrew Bell of The First Jindarra. It was blowing its socks off out of the north east and as I came over Canning Bridge I watched the boats swing into the north west and start to build again. No matter, we've sailed in worse and speaking to Andrew he was content to go out. A general look at the river was had by the skippers and a wind measuring device brought out and turned on. It was reading 20 knots as a base and much better in the gusts.
The consensus from the skippers was to leave it alone and sail their boats on a better day. By the time we had packed up and retired to the bar, we realized that Swiftsure Saga and Karoleeya had decided to go out, albeit with reefs in and small headsails. And so had 3 of the SS22's and two other plastics. They also had reefs in and small headsails, but they were there. And much to our chagrin, the wind was dropping out and swinging further into the west for the course 2 run.
At the start it was the SS22's with Karoleeya and Swiftsure at the back with Bill laboring under the double reef he had in. But by the time that they were heading down the river past the club, Bill was starting to overhaul the SS22's in front and was lying fourth with Karoleeya second.
Surprisingly it was a SS22 that took the cake for fastest with Swiftsure Saga second over the line and second on handicap (well sailed Bill) and Jay Lawry coming in fourth over the line and first on handicap. The breeze was clocked at a base 15 with gust up to 22 knots in the middle of the afternoon.
The lessons learnt from this encounter. Never trust your senses. Find a skipper who will go out in anything and then hope to god he/she can sail through the most extreme gusts. Believe that it will all be over in about 100 minutes of nerve stretching, mind blasting, gut wrenching, back straining work and you and the team you went out with, will have something to talk about for the rest of your lives............... Damn, I missed a chance.
Saturday the 18th of October
1st Championship Day
Nine boats on the water and an Easterly blowing with the threat of showers and a thunderstorm during the afternoon.
The silver fox, Vic Court was heard to remark out loud, that "this was a weird weather day" and by the end of the day, we were in agreement.
Vic had the boys on board and was looking dangerous, Andrew Bell had assembled a likely lot, including a couple of the Willams /Murray clan as well as Chairman Glen. Corella had Warwick back for a guest role as foredeck and Karoleeya had "guest" skipper Jay on the helm. Anna had her champion crew and the camera man on board with Les Brooker putting a great team on board as well. Mariner, lacking a foredeckie went JaM, but was sailing well and Swiftsure Saga had four on board with the promise of a kite as well. Oh and Soraya was there with Kate making her mind up to do foredeck and ensure a good show for the Lammonby family.
To the start; in a soft easterly we went around the upwind buoy buried in the middle of the pack, dropping out to get clear air while Lockie and Andrew romped away, with Vic and Bill in hot pursuit. By the time we had hit the separator mark we were ready to throw up a kite for the course three run down to Bartlett and it was a chance to look at the rest of the fleet and where we stood. Not well and there was a need to improve. Andrew, by this time was in the lead and the breeze was flicking into the south a little, at about 15 knots, making the kite harder to hold, but the pace was quick and we never missed a beat on the way to Bartlett.
Rounding in sixth, we were then working our way back down to Thelma via Dolphin East, watching the slower boats slowly drop away. The kite run from Thelma was then up to Deepwater..... a very tight beam spinnaker run and the breeze had lifted again with puffs of 20 knots being recorded. An exciting run indeed, with our hearts in our mouths as we tore through the water on the way to Deepwater. Several times the sheet had to be released to spill the air in the kite to keep us upright and we fought to get past Swiftsure Saga on our windward side, but could not cross her wind shadow. The rounding went well with a gybe to take us to Bartlett and it was then back to Addison and the drops were so good, we could have waited that extra 3 seconds. Oh well, another lesson learnt.
The trip to Addison had us up against Mariner who was still hanging in there sailing really well with Soraya on the other side and fighting off the depredations of the Div 2 boats as they bullied their way across the fleet, stopping only when Soraya refused to budge. They went below him.
The skies had started to really blacken up with the sight of showers falling across the northern suburbs and the occasional flash of lightning bringing anxious glances into the skies. Keep on sailing boys and girls...... The wind was now almost a sou.-sou. easterly with the gusts booming through at 25 knots. All of this and the number one was still up on the jib! Make the mark and cross to Thelma, hoist a kite and look for Dolphin East with the wind on our stern.
A short run really and a chance to get closer to Lockie who inexplicably was falling back with Vic threatening him ( as he will ). We were battling with Nerrima for 4th spot and the breeze decide to drop as the skies grew darker yet. We knew we were in for it, when was the question. Finding Addison again was no problem and the run to Thelma promised a lift off the beach that we were all looking for, but just then the rain started to fall. Huge, individual drops, that spattered and stained the sail with water marks that rapidly blended together as the rain continued to build in strength. The bang of thunder only intensified the moment as we scrambled into waterproof jackets and then it really poured as we fought Nerrima for the line. Well done Les, fourth over the line and well sailed Andrew to take the first championship points. There will be more races to come. but none more memorable than this Saturday I think.
The silver fox, Vic Court was heard to remark out loud, that "this was a weird weather day" and by the end of the day, we were in agreement.
Vic had the boys on board and was looking dangerous, Andrew Bell had assembled a likely lot, including a couple of the Willams /Murray clan as well as Chairman Glen. Corella had Warwick back for a guest role as foredeck and Karoleeya had "guest" skipper Jay on the helm. Anna had her champion crew and the camera man on board with Les Brooker putting a great team on board as well. Mariner, lacking a foredeckie went JaM, but was sailing well and Swiftsure Saga had four on board with the promise of a kite as well. Oh and Soraya was there with Kate making her mind up to do foredeck and ensure a good show for the Lammonby family.
To the start; in a soft easterly we went around the upwind buoy buried in the middle of the pack, dropping out to get clear air while Lockie and Andrew romped away, with Vic and Bill in hot pursuit. By the time we had hit the separator mark we were ready to throw up a kite for the course three run down to Bartlett and it was a chance to look at the rest of the fleet and where we stood. Not well and there was a need to improve. Andrew, by this time was in the lead and the breeze was flicking into the south a little, at about 15 knots, making the kite harder to hold, but the pace was quick and we never missed a beat on the way to Bartlett.
Rounding in sixth, we were then working our way back down to Thelma via Dolphin East, watching the slower boats slowly drop away. The kite run from Thelma was then up to Deepwater..... a very tight beam spinnaker run and the breeze had lifted again with puffs of 20 knots being recorded. An exciting run indeed, with our hearts in our mouths as we tore through the water on the way to Deepwater. Several times the sheet had to be released to spill the air in the kite to keep us upright and we fought to get past Swiftsure Saga on our windward side, but could not cross her wind shadow. The rounding went well with a gybe to take us to Bartlett and it was then back to Addison and the drops were so good, we could have waited that extra 3 seconds. Oh well, another lesson learnt.
The trip to Addison had us up against Mariner who was still hanging in there sailing really well with Soraya on the other side and fighting off the depredations of the Div 2 boats as they bullied their way across the fleet, stopping only when Soraya refused to budge. They went below him.
The skies had started to really blacken up with the sight of showers falling across the northern suburbs and the occasional flash of lightning bringing anxious glances into the skies. Keep on sailing boys and girls...... The wind was now almost a sou.-sou. easterly with the gusts booming through at 25 knots. All of this and the number one was still up on the jib! Make the mark and cross to Thelma, hoist a kite and look for Dolphin East with the wind on our stern.
A short run really and a chance to get closer to Lockie who inexplicably was falling back with Vic threatening him ( as he will ). We were battling with Nerrima for 4th spot and the breeze decide to drop as the skies grew darker yet. We knew we were in for it, when was the question. Finding Addison again was no problem and the run to Thelma promised a lift off the beach that we were all looking for, but just then the rain started to fall. Huge, individual drops, that spattered and stained the sail with water marks that rapidly blended together as the rain continued to build in strength. The bang of thunder only intensified the moment as we scrambled into waterproof jackets and then it really poured as we fought Nerrima for the line. Well done Les, fourth over the line and well sailed Andrew to take the first championship points. There will be more races to come. but none more memorable than this Saturday I think.
Wednesday the 15th of October 2014
A slightly smoky and a very hot day for October getting into the mid 30's by 3 pm.
The day was almost perfect with a course one on offer and the breeze primarily in the west and flicking into the south as the day progressed with a remarkably steady 12 to 14 knots. As a result, going into Waylen Bay was not a great idea and the middle of the creek worked well. There were eight H28's out on the water and it looked like a great day for all. Prestart was a little trying for a couple of the H28's as about a minute before the start, a classic port-starboard occurred with one boat retiring and the other regrouping after a bit of a fright for all concerned.
As a result our start wasn't perfect and we started at the bottom of the line with at least clear air in our favour. By the time we hit Martin we were lying about 4th and the run from Weaver to Sampson was a reach that varied between a pole and a beam reach as we came out of the Canning. Keeping to the "it's out of the West " principle, we stayed out on the right until we could see the bay clearly and then came across the river, tacking before we got into the shadow in the bay. There were others around us and some went further, the rest went approximately where we did. Two or three tacks later we were looking at Deepwater with a chance to consolidate a third, chasing The First Jindarra with the butterfly in waiting first.
I won't go too far into the rest of the race except for a little incident after Thelma on the last leg home. We tacked for the line in what I though was very shallow water and I remarked to the skipper that I'd seen the swirl of sand behind us as we finished the tack and headed for the line.
Speaking to the boat behind us, Bill RIchards of Swiftsure Saga, he had gone on that extra 5 metres and had felt the keel touch the bottom as he laid over for the line. As we over-stood the finish line having to get through a div one and div two boat on the way up, we beat Bill by a second and he reckons that the touch on the bottom cost him a place. Doesn't matter Bill....next time.
The day was almost perfect with a course one on offer and the breeze primarily in the west and flicking into the south as the day progressed with a remarkably steady 12 to 14 knots. As a result, going into Waylen Bay was not a great idea and the middle of the creek worked well. There were eight H28's out on the water and it looked like a great day for all. Prestart was a little trying for a couple of the H28's as about a minute before the start, a classic port-starboard occurred with one boat retiring and the other regrouping after a bit of a fright for all concerned.
As a result our start wasn't perfect and we started at the bottom of the line with at least clear air in our favour. By the time we hit Martin we were lying about 4th and the run from Weaver to Sampson was a reach that varied between a pole and a beam reach as we came out of the Canning. Keeping to the "it's out of the West " principle, we stayed out on the right until we could see the bay clearly and then came across the river, tacking before we got into the shadow in the bay. There were others around us and some went further, the rest went approximately where we did. Two or three tacks later we were looking at Deepwater with a chance to consolidate a third, chasing The First Jindarra with the butterfly in waiting first.
I won't go too far into the rest of the race except for a little incident after Thelma on the last leg home. We tacked for the line in what I though was very shallow water and I remarked to the skipper that I'd seen the swirl of sand behind us as we finished the tack and headed for the line.
Speaking to the boat behind us, Bill RIchards of Swiftsure Saga, he had gone on that extra 5 metres and had felt the keel touch the bottom as he laid over for the line. As we over-stood the finish line having to get through a div one and div two boat on the way up, we beat Bill by a second and he reckons that the touch on the bottom cost him a place. Doesn't matter Bill....next time.
Saturday the 11th of October 2014
Right!
For starters, I'm not going to be able to do Saturdays all the time and I've got enough on my plate over the next few weeks to choke an elephant. But I have to crow a little over last Saturday as Anna had a cracker of a day, battling with the other five H28's on the water. The line was as biased as hell and the boats ended up heading off to the Canning rather than lifting toward Heathcote. We were on a course one with a westerly that was bending into the south west and the breeze was at or about 12 to 15 knots.
Well sailed Les on Nerrima and Graham and Steve on Karoleeya. Gosh talk about an even field. Swiftsure Saga was most annoying for the first half an hour till we found a good lift and crossed in front her, then Lockie crossed behind us and we knew we had some work to do. But they beat us to Brickies A and B and that includes Les as well. The three boats just lifted and lifted while we struggled to get up to the mark.
But Phil on the foredeck had the first kite up and we surged ahead with the resultant lift in speed, but there were still 3 other boats around us. They spread out with Swiftsure dropping back without a kite and Les matching us, but on the outside as was Lockie. Down to Dolphin West and then back to Brickies avoiding the Royal Perth Start line over near Robins, taking in mind the lesson we learnt the first time (Stay in the middle there were no big lifts in the bay). To the mark first and then settle into the long run down to Addison, no gybes, but a bit of soaking required and a need to swerve to let a RP boat through. All well. First at the bottom and then the slog up to Deepwater with Lockie near by and Swift Sure behind a bit further. (they flew a kite on the middle leg down to Addison)
Stay in front was the go and with no Vic to look out for, it was keep Lockie in sight and cover him if necessary. Down to Dolphin East and gybe, then Addison and Thelma and home first. However, well sailed Karoleeya with Gra and Steve very happy with the first on handicap and Les and his merry crew 2nd. We took a third and fastest and consoled ourselves with the knowledge that it was indeed a good day out.
As a measure of the boats, on raw time.... there was just over 8 minutes between first and last. Well sailed
Enjoy.
For starters, I'm not going to be able to do Saturdays all the time and I've got enough on my plate over the next few weeks to choke an elephant. But I have to crow a little over last Saturday as Anna had a cracker of a day, battling with the other five H28's on the water. The line was as biased as hell and the boats ended up heading off to the Canning rather than lifting toward Heathcote. We were on a course one with a westerly that was bending into the south west and the breeze was at or about 12 to 15 knots.
Well sailed Les on Nerrima and Graham and Steve on Karoleeya. Gosh talk about an even field. Swiftsure Saga was most annoying for the first half an hour till we found a good lift and crossed in front her, then Lockie crossed behind us and we knew we had some work to do. But they beat us to Brickies A and B and that includes Les as well. The three boats just lifted and lifted while we struggled to get up to the mark.
But Phil on the foredeck had the first kite up and we surged ahead with the resultant lift in speed, but there were still 3 other boats around us. They spread out with Swiftsure dropping back without a kite and Les matching us, but on the outside as was Lockie. Down to Dolphin West and then back to Brickies avoiding the Royal Perth Start line over near Robins, taking in mind the lesson we learnt the first time (Stay in the middle there were no big lifts in the bay). To the mark first and then settle into the long run down to Addison, no gybes, but a bit of soaking required and a need to swerve to let a RP boat through. All well. First at the bottom and then the slog up to Deepwater with Lockie near by and Swift Sure behind a bit further. (they flew a kite on the middle leg down to Addison)
Stay in front was the go and with no Vic to look out for, it was keep Lockie in sight and cover him if necessary. Down to Dolphin East and gybe, then Addison and Thelma and home first. However, well sailed Karoleeya with Gra and Steve very happy with the first on handicap and Les and his merry crew 2nd. We took a third and fastest and consoled ourselves with the knowledge that it was indeed a good day out.
As a measure of the boats, on raw time.... there was just over 8 minutes between first and last. Well sailed
Enjoy.
Wednesday 8th of October 2014
With 10 to 15 knots out the West, it was a good day to be sailing.
Earlier on in the afternoon, Christina H came down with a bunch of Curtin Uni students, spreading them over the fleets. Apparently some were from the US on visits to Australia and 4 young ladies were spread amongst the H28 fleet. Natalie from New Orleans Louisiana went out with Andrew Bell and Katie from Glenrock New Jersey came out with us on Mariner. I think that the other two went out with Wynella, but I'm not absolutely sure on that. Lovely to have them on the boats and I hope that they take something of the day with them back to the United States.
A little advice for those who tighten their rigs up unmercifully. Bill Richards noticed that his mast was rockin' and rollin' in the step on Saturday. While the jury is out as to actually what caused the damage, I have included some pretty graphic photo's of the foot of the mast. The pin holding the mast into the tabernacle has literally torn loose and there is a deal of compression damage in the foot. Just remember to check your masts carefully if you are going to put them under high tension. (if this is what has caused the damage) The foot has been repaired and re-enforcing plates have been put on either side of the foot where the pin passes through.
The continuing saga of Tehana has Roghan still up on the slips, but the offers of help from the passers by have kept him going and Lockie's sound advice will mean a good job is done. We look forward to sailing with him, or against him in the future.
To the racing, A course two was predicted and given to us, with a run up to Hallmark/ Armstrong and then back to Print. The start was as usual crucial and clean air on the start was the go. We elected to go for the middle and idled around the start, cracking on the sails with 15 seconds to go and achieved a good start with a number of other H28's around us. The First Jindarra swung over the line at the pin end just a little too early and had to return to cross the line again, robbing him of a great battle for the front. First around Sampson, the decision was to go out a little further with Lockie on our tail and he tacked off to avoid our foul air. Karoleeya hung on, peeling off with several of the others as they decided to take the punt on crossing the river looking for a lift on the way over. We threw in a small starboard tack only to flick back onto port and went through the Royal Perth Fleet behind Division one and then tacked on the shore line at Pelican Point, giving us a look at Hallmark, only to see Chrysalis sneak through and Lockie not too far behind him. The SS22's were out in force as well and they were sailing really well in a fleet of their own. As they sail with us frequently, it is only fair to say that their battles were just as absorbing to them as ours were to us.
So it was chase Lockie for the rest of the race. Vic meanwhile, was maintaining the pace and came within cooee several times as we fought to get around Corella on the downwind legs. Too clever by half is Lockie and with Rita on board it was a chase to remember. Get right up to him and he'd find that little bit of extra speed. Damn and blast! Andrew was doing what he could to keep in touch, but mourned afterwards that he kept on getting onto the wrong side of a lift and lost height and speed as a result. Our last chance presented at Como, with two big RP boats in the same space as Lockie, but he found his way around them and there was no way that we could then catch him. Well sailed Lockie.
At the end of the day, as we discussed the on water happenings , the Mariner wine appreciation society discussed the first red. A Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2012 and awarded it a 7 out of 10. We look forward to the next bottle.
I'll close with the comment that we had a blood moon on Wednesday Night. The last photo in this slide show was taken looking from Canning Beach Rd toward South Perth-Como across the river. See you on the water.
Earlier on in the afternoon, Christina H came down with a bunch of Curtin Uni students, spreading them over the fleets. Apparently some were from the US on visits to Australia and 4 young ladies were spread amongst the H28 fleet. Natalie from New Orleans Louisiana went out with Andrew Bell and Katie from Glenrock New Jersey came out with us on Mariner. I think that the other two went out with Wynella, but I'm not absolutely sure on that. Lovely to have them on the boats and I hope that they take something of the day with them back to the United States.
A little advice for those who tighten their rigs up unmercifully. Bill Richards noticed that his mast was rockin' and rollin' in the step on Saturday. While the jury is out as to actually what caused the damage, I have included some pretty graphic photo's of the foot of the mast. The pin holding the mast into the tabernacle has literally torn loose and there is a deal of compression damage in the foot. Just remember to check your masts carefully if you are going to put them under high tension. (if this is what has caused the damage) The foot has been repaired and re-enforcing plates have been put on either side of the foot where the pin passes through.
The continuing saga of Tehana has Roghan still up on the slips, but the offers of help from the passers by have kept him going and Lockie's sound advice will mean a good job is done. We look forward to sailing with him, or against him in the future.
To the racing, A course two was predicted and given to us, with a run up to Hallmark/ Armstrong and then back to Print. The start was as usual crucial and clean air on the start was the go. We elected to go for the middle and idled around the start, cracking on the sails with 15 seconds to go and achieved a good start with a number of other H28's around us. The First Jindarra swung over the line at the pin end just a little too early and had to return to cross the line again, robbing him of a great battle for the front. First around Sampson, the decision was to go out a little further with Lockie on our tail and he tacked off to avoid our foul air. Karoleeya hung on, peeling off with several of the others as they decided to take the punt on crossing the river looking for a lift on the way over. We threw in a small starboard tack only to flick back onto port and went through the Royal Perth Fleet behind Division one and then tacked on the shore line at Pelican Point, giving us a look at Hallmark, only to see Chrysalis sneak through and Lockie not too far behind him. The SS22's were out in force as well and they were sailing really well in a fleet of their own. As they sail with us frequently, it is only fair to say that their battles were just as absorbing to them as ours were to us.
So it was chase Lockie for the rest of the race. Vic meanwhile, was maintaining the pace and came within cooee several times as we fought to get around Corella on the downwind legs. Too clever by half is Lockie and with Rita on board it was a chase to remember. Get right up to him and he'd find that little bit of extra speed. Damn and blast! Andrew was doing what he could to keep in touch, but mourned afterwards that he kept on getting onto the wrong side of a lift and lost height and speed as a result. Our last chance presented at Como, with two big RP boats in the same space as Lockie, but he found his way around them and there was no way that we could then catch him. Well sailed Lockie.
At the end of the day, as we discussed the on water happenings , the Mariner wine appreciation society discussed the first red. A Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2012 and awarded it a 7 out of 10. We look forward to the next bottle.
I'll close with the comment that we had a blood moon on Wednesday Night. The last photo in this slide show was taken looking from Canning Beach Rd toward South Perth-Como across the river. See you on the water.
Opening Day at SoPYC 2014/5 season
Another glorious day on the water with 9 boats out on the day and the potential was there for another 3, if they had looked hard enough.
Another 5 to 8 knots would have added some more interest and there were still some gaps in the breeze as we went off down the river.
In a shortened Saturday course 4 we set off to Sampson in a light Westerly that had the skippers looking into the middle of the river to work their way up toward Deepwater then cross to Hallmark, then up to Armstrong. A set of beats with a reach in between that would allow for a few position changes dependent on whether you crossed the river earlier or later. The battle up front was between Mariner, Carina and The First Jindarra and Andrew dropped back as Vic and Brian continued to work on each other. In the next group, Wynella, Karoleeya, Nerrima, Corella and Swiftsure Saga were working on each other, while thanks to bad air at the start Anna basically stumbled and then recovered. However this left me with the chance to get some good photo's from the back of the fleet for once.
Good positioning at Hallmark, found us 4th with a chance to roll another boat before Armstrong and then it was the run down to Print in a dying breeze, where we passed one and were passed by in turn by another. Smart work by Bill Richards had him move forward on the next run up to Deepwater and the run back to Addison via Dolphin East reminded me of the storm that came through last year with MOB procedures being put into practice by the S97's and a blind run to Addison in a howling gale. Not today, just a dying breeze. A turn at Addison and a reach to Thelma with Swiftsure Saga in front of Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra.
Well sailed Vic Court for the fastest run of the day and second on handicap with Brian Cross admitting to being outpointed by the Swan River fox. A fine second over the line and a first on handicap though and Swiftsure Saga took third and third.
Rogan Anderson from Freshie was up on the slips and was busily scraping back above the waterline. Hard work, but he is dedicated to the task and could do with some help on Monday if anyone is able to lend a hand.
Enjoy the pictures.
Another 5 to 8 knots would have added some more interest and there were still some gaps in the breeze as we went off down the river.
In a shortened Saturday course 4 we set off to Sampson in a light Westerly that had the skippers looking into the middle of the river to work their way up toward Deepwater then cross to Hallmark, then up to Armstrong. A set of beats with a reach in between that would allow for a few position changes dependent on whether you crossed the river earlier or later. The battle up front was between Mariner, Carina and The First Jindarra and Andrew dropped back as Vic and Brian continued to work on each other. In the next group, Wynella, Karoleeya, Nerrima, Corella and Swiftsure Saga were working on each other, while thanks to bad air at the start Anna basically stumbled and then recovered. However this left me with the chance to get some good photo's from the back of the fleet for once.
Good positioning at Hallmark, found us 4th with a chance to roll another boat before Armstrong and then it was the run down to Print in a dying breeze, where we passed one and were passed by in turn by another. Smart work by Bill Richards had him move forward on the next run up to Deepwater and the run back to Addison via Dolphin East reminded me of the storm that came through last year with MOB procedures being put into practice by the S97's and a blind run to Addison in a howling gale. Not today, just a dying breeze. A turn at Addison and a reach to Thelma with Swiftsure Saga in front of Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra.
Well sailed Vic Court for the fastest run of the day and second on handicap with Brian Cross admitting to being outpointed by the Swan River fox. A fine second over the line and a first on handicap though and Swiftsure Saga took third and third.
Rogan Anderson from Freshie was up on the slips and was busily scraping back above the waterline. Hard work, but he is dedicated to the task and could do with some help on Monday if anyone is able to lend a hand.
Enjoy the pictures.
Wednesday the 1st of October
Gosh, the last day of the winter season has arrived.
The odds were with Andrew Bell on the First Jindarra to take the race, not surprisingly, and a ding -dong battle for the start had him working his way through the pack and improving with every meter that he sailed toward Martin-Weaver. A surprising choice of a course two with the wind in the north east, but hey it worked for all who sailed. Six h28's out of 13 boats ( summer must be just around the corner ) and with the incipient butterfly close behind us, Mariner shot around Martin and promptly overlaid the mark, luckily taking everyone with him. Fortunately the overlay allowed Brian to open his sails up and pick up speed as he rounded Weaver and he was well ahead of the pack by the outer start line. With Vic and Andrew in hot pursuit as well as John Wright, it was a case of get down to Sampson and watch the gusts coming down the river as we gybed our way down to Hallmark.
A soldiers course was the call and it then came down to where was the wind for the trip back to Como. Most of us went across to the southern side and it was more a case of how far over you went as the difference was plain when the First Jindarra made massive gains coming down the southern side of the river. By the time that we had hit Como, Andrew was breathing down our transom and new sails kept driving him forward as the rest of the pack, benefiting from the sight of Andrew's run, had gone over to the southern side and were closing up. The battle was to keep the First Jindarra off our heels, but a faster boat can do no wrong and he slipped inside us on the final leg and couldn't be closed out. A win by 2 seconds with John Wright sailing very well to get 3rd over the line.
The results of the Winter Sailing Season had 3 H28's take the win. Andrew Bell on the First Jindarra first. Bill Richards with Swiftsure Saga second and Vic Court third. Bill did mention to me. prior to the race, that if he'd not DNF'd on the first race of the season, he would have been there at the finish. I'll let you do the maths. Final results are here. http://www.sportspage.com.au/ and go to SoPYC Wednesday sailing.
On the hill prior to racing, Les Brooker stopped me and told me of the restorative work on Nerrima and how he was looking forward to the summer season. Good on him. He's always been a great competitor during summer. I also met Andrew XXXX who has recently bought Cimba ( from East Freo) and he is contemplating bringing her up to SoPYC. If you see him around, say Hi and welcome him to the H28 fleet. He's looking for a sail with the fleet to try out what we do, so take him out by all means.
A quick note. An email from Jay Lawry to Chairman Glen has highlighted the needs of the Cockburn Sound Regatta and the boats who are to go down there. We need EPIRBS, yup, the mighty H28's that have sailed all around the coasts of WA now require EPIRBS to go to Cockburn Sound. Fortunately the organizer of the CSR ( Alan Campbell of TCYC ) has found a sponsor to cover the cost of loan EPRIBS for the event and if you want one you will have to get going and register quickly. This I presume will ensure that you can lay your hands on the EPRIB you need. This is the contact page for the CSR http://www.cockburnsoundregatta.com.au/contact-us and I'd suggest you looked around the site to see if anything about the EPIRBS has popped up yet.
I'll see you at Opening Day
Just one photo today. AB looking happy with a couple of mates!
The odds were with Andrew Bell on the First Jindarra to take the race, not surprisingly, and a ding -dong battle for the start had him working his way through the pack and improving with every meter that he sailed toward Martin-Weaver. A surprising choice of a course two with the wind in the north east, but hey it worked for all who sailed. Six h28's out of 13 boats ( summer must be just around the corner ) and with the incipient butterfly close behind us, Mariner shot around Martin and promptly overlaid the mark, luckily taking everyone with him. Fortunately the overlay allowed Brian to open his sails up and pick up speed as he rounded Weaver and he was well ahead of the pack by the outer start line. With Vic and Andrew in hot pursuit as well as John Wright, it was a case of get down to Sampson and watch the gusts coming down the river as we gybed our way down to Hallmark.
A soldiers course was the call and it then came down to where was the wind for the trip back to Como. Most of us went across to the southern side and it was more a case of how far over you went as the difference was plain when the First Jindarra made massive gains coming down the southern side of the river. By the time that we had hit Como, Andrew was breathing down our transom and new sails kept driving him forward as the rest of the pack, benefiting from the sight of Andrew's run, had gone over to the southern side and were closing up. The battle was to keep the First Jindarra off our heels, but a faster boat can do no wrong and he slipped inside us on the final leg and couldn't be closed out. A win by 2 seconds with John Wright sailing very well to get 3rd over the line.
The results of the Winter Sailing Season had 3 H28's take the win. Andrew Bell on the First Jindarra first. Bill Richards with Swiftsure Saga second and Vic Court third. Bill did mention to me. prior to the race, that if he'd not DNF'd on the first race of the season, he would have been there at the finish. I'll let you do the maths. Final results are here. http://www.sportspage.com.au/ and go to SoPYC Wednesday sailing.
On the hill prior to racing, Les Brooker stopped me and told me of the restorative work on Nerrima and how he was looking forward to the summer season. Good on him. He's always been a great competitor during summer. I also met Andrew XXXX who has recently bought Cimba ( from East Freo) and he is contemplating bringing her up to SoPYC. If you see him around, say Hi and welcome him to the H28 fleet. He's looking for a sail with the fleet to try out what we do, so take him out by all means.
A quick note. An email from Jay Lawry to Chairman Glen has highlighted the needs of the Cockburn Sound Regatta and the boats who are to go down there. We need EPIRBS, yup, the mighty H28's that have sailed all around the coasts of WA now require EPIRBS to go to Cockburn Sound. Fortunately the organizer of the CSR ( Alan Campbell of TCYC ) has found a sponsor to cover the cost of loan EPRIBS for the event and if you want one you will have to get going and register quickly. This I presume will ensure that you can lay your hands on the EPRIB you need. This is the contact page for the CSR http://www.cockburnsoundregatta.com.au/contact-us and I'd suggest you looked around the site to see if anything about the EPIRBS has popped up yet.
I'll see you at Opening Day
Just one photo today. AB looking happy with a couple of mates!
Wednesday the 24th of September
Another good day out!
By 2 pm we had a steady south westerly of 10 to 14 knots on the water and a dash up to Martin-Weaver was given to us. Quite correctly a light winds course was offered and it was clear that first boat to Martin was going to lead all day if they could hold off the hordes behind them.
We had a guest on board - Verne Bailey - a power boat man, but not scared to pull on some gloves and tail for Ron on Mariner. Photo's will show that he was there. Glen was quite chuffed with the work that Lockie had done on his boat and combined with his own work, Wynella is looking good. Napier of Carrick has been sold to Jim Spittle and Chris Gray, their plans are not complete yet so we will wait to see what they wish to do.
I've had a look at the Wednesday courses in the 2014/5 Red Book and they appear not to have changed so you can keep the course sheets from last year if you wish.
Secret business was afoot as The First Jindarra was seen on the slips in the morning and our spy had his camera out and snapped a couple of shots to prove it. John Wright's Anna has a new mainsail sparkling in the afternoon light. (sorry John no pix as yet, the reason why will become apparent shortly) The cost to John is a new hip for Fay (hiphipforfay!) Guess John is going for the Championship this year. Brian is still humming and hawing about the main on Mariner, but it's working well...another season may be. Lockie was making noises about a new main as well, so it's a matter of time I guess before he gets one as well. Oh and it's common knowledge that the Lammonby's have his and hers Jibs now.
Back to the race.
Hanging around the pin it was quite clear that clean air and a good start would get you to Martin in one beat and we were all watching Gerry Drysdale do it in Div. one. So the plan was set and we watched Andy Bell do it beautifully as we were stuck in the rubbish from half the fleet thanks to a late start. Still we were sitting in a good spot and about fourth around Sampson. Then the question was, go left or stick it out.
It was a South Westerly and we should have ducked away from the butterfly in waiting as she sat in front of us shedding foul air. By the time we were in clean air, boats were well in front of us and Anna was chasing The First Jindarra as best as he could. In fact by Robins we only had Wynella and another couple of plastics behind us. Time to get going again. So set the plans in place and the run down to Dolphin East gave us a boat and a chance to get near Carina with Vic and (FiFo) Geoff on board. Then to Como and around the Outer Start line ready for the short triangle. Photos were taken at this stage with Andrew clearly in the lead. The next leg from Sampson saw us fall short of Foam and another tack had to be put in. As Brian said... If all your bad luck happened in one day, this would be ours. We then found ourselves battling with Swiftsure Saga on the run from Print to Thelma and more photos happened. Then it was follow the lead of Andrew, John and Vic and hug the shore after Thelma, tack when we were almost on the ley line and work our way to the finish line getting past Swiftsure Saga in the process. For once Chrysalis was not fastest. The honours went to Andrew Bell in The First Jindarra thanks to a clean bottom and a good start. John Wright was the second H28 over the line after the aforementioned plastic boat and Vic Court and Carina made it in fourth. Mariner had a respectable fifth, but as you know, handicaps come into play and Vic Court took the win on the day with Anna only one second off the pace in handicap. A plastic came in third and Andrew and Brian Cross came in 4th and 7th respectively. The first 5 H28's over the line were through in 5 minutes and 2 seconds. A good day for handicap re-adjustments.
By 2 pm we had a steady south westerly of 10 to 14 knots on the water and a dash up to Martin-Weaver was given to us. Quite correctly a light winds course was offered and it was clear that first boat to Martin was going to lead all day if they could hold off the hordes behind them.
We had a guest on board - Verne Bailey - a power boat man, but not scared to pull on some gloves and tail for Ron on Mariner. Photo's will show that he was there. Glen was quite chuffed with the work that Lockie had done on his boat and combined with his own work, Wynella is looking good. Napier of Carrick has been sold to Jim Spittle and Chris Gray, their plans are not complete yet so we will wait to see what they wish to do.
I've had a look at the Wednesday courses in the 2014/5 Red Book and they appear not to have changed so you can keep the course sheets from last year if you wish.
Secret business was afoot as The First Jindarra was seen on the slips in the morning and our spy had his camera out and snapped a couple of shots to prove it. John Wright's Anna has a new mainsail sparkling in the afternoon light. (sorry John no pix as yet, the reason why will become apparent shortly) The cost to John is a new hip for Fay (hiphipforfay!) Guess John is going for the Championship this year. Brian is still humming and hawing about the main on Mariner, but it's working well...another season may be. Lockie was making noises about a new main as well, so it's a matter of time I guess before he gets one as well. Oh and it's common knowledge that the Lammonby's have his and hers Jibs now.
Back to the race.
Hanging around the pin it was quite clear that clean air and a good start would get you to Martin in one beat and we were all watching Gerry Drysdale do it in Div. one. So the plan was set and we watched Andy Bell do it beautifully as we were stuck in the rubbish from half the fleet thanks to a late start. Still we were sitting in a good spot and about fourth around Sampson. Then the question was, go left or stick it out.
It was a South Westerly and we should have ducked away from the butterfly in waiting as she sat in front of us shedding foul air. By the time we were in clean air, boats were well in front of us and Anna was chasing The First Jindarra as best as he could. In fact by Robins we only had Wynella and another couple of plastics behind us. Time to get going again. So set the plans in place and the run down to Dolphin East gave us a boat and a chance to get near Carina with Vic and (FiFo) Geoff on board. Then to Como and around the Outer Start line ready for the short triangle. Photos were taken at this stage with Andrew clearly in the lead. The next leg from Sampson saw us fall short of Foam and another tack had to be put in. As Brian said... If all your bad luck happened in one day, this would be ours. We then found ourselves battling with Swiftsure Saga on the run from Print to Thelma and more photos happened. Then it was follow the lead of Andrew, John and Vic and hug the shore after Thelma, tack when we were almost on the ley line and work our way to the finish line getting past Swiftsure Saga in the process. For once Chrysalis was not fastest. The honours went to Andrew Bell in The First Jindarra thanks to a clean bottom and a good start. John Wright was the second H28 over the line after the aforementioned plastic boat and Vic Court and Carina made it in fourth. Mariner had a respectable fifth, but as you know, handicaps come into play and Vic Court took the win on the day with Anna only one second off the pace in handicap. A plastic came in third and Andrew and Brian Cross came in 4th and 7th respectively. The first 5 H28's over the line were through in 5 minutes and 2 seconds. A good day for handicap re-adjustments.
Wednesday the 17th of September
A great day to go sailing, we thought.
Once again Hughie had promised us 10 to 15 knots out of the south west and we were anticipating some good times out on the water. With the chance of 8 or 9 H28's out on the water it was always going to be tight. Disappointingly Karoleeya did not come out as Graeme must have had other things to do, but Herreshoff Alley was a busy spot by 1300 hrs with crew rolling up, almost licking their lips in anticipation.
Before we start the story, Russell Fletcher has sold Napier of Carrick to one of Les Brookers old S80 mates and we are looking toward her return to competition. One of the SS22 sailors found himself without a ride and guess what .. he came for a sail with us on board Bills Swiftsure Saga. Andrew Bell had so many "mates" on the boat that he was heard appointing a new crew member as the bar boy for the day. "Luxury". Glen Stanley took Alex Mutch on board for the day and ended up with a very nice handicap win and was with the main bunch all day as was Kate on Soraya. John Wright.. the master ...kept his crew busy and was second over the line behind Brian Cross on Mariner. All in all there was 3 minutes and 7 seconds between the first and the tenth H28 over the line. Great sailing. Lockie has finally realized that there is a website for the WA H28's and will reading shortly. Hooray for David Locke by the way..he has decided to take over one of the boson's jobs at SoPYC and will be starting in the new year.... get your boats fixed now before he starts working for the club. Rumour has it that Alma may be up for sale. Now there is a boat with a pedigree and it's ready to go pretty much. The Williams have a fine record with the boat and all is in good shape.
And away we went, with a run up to Martin - Weaver sorting the running line for the down wind dash to Sampson. A course three was posted and it was unfamiliar to some ( more later ). The butterfly in waiting shot around the mark first, but careful planning had Mariner around second while others were buried (carried up into slow air behind jetty seven). Anna, I think, was next and Carina and The First Jindarra seconds behind. The rest of the fleet poured around Weaver and we set our poles for the down wind run to Sampson. Chasing the gusts was the plan and Mariner made it to Sampson first with the fleet closing up in the strengthening south westerly.
The next was a beat to King where a good run got you there and then off into the bay for the lift up to Robins and this was where some overtaking was done in the main fleet. Going further in paid off for some of the boats as they didn't have to pinch on the run up and fuller sails compensated for the time spent getting further in. By this time the battle for first H28 was intensifying and The First Jindarra was in the lead on the first run down to Print. The course called for a run to Print, across to Foam then up to Robins again and our helm noticed that Andrew had chosen to ignore Foam in his haste to get up to Robins, so we let him go his own way.
In the lead once more, we had John Wright to contend with as he stuck like glue to our stern, sometimes closer sometimes further away. A hard man to shake indeed and the whole fleet was not that far away by any means. The sound of the horn from the start box alerted us to a possible shortened course and indeed it was, with the dash to the finish and a rapidly closing John Wright the highlight of the day as we slipped over the line and put the gear away.
As you might expect I was busy with the main, so only a couple of pix.
Once again Hughie had promised us 10 to 15 knots out of the south west and we were anticipating some good times out on the water. With the chance of 8 or 9 H28's out on the water it was always going to be tight. Disappointingly Karoleeya did not come out as Graeme must have had other things to do, but Herreshoff Alley was a busy spot by 1300 hrs with crew rolling up, almost licking their lips in anticipation.
Before we start the story, Russell Fletcher has sold Napier of Carrick to one of Les Brookers old S80 mates and we are looking toward her return to competition. One of the SS22 sailors found himself without a ride and guess what .. he came for a sail with us on board Bills Swiftsure Saga. Andrew Bell had so many "mates" on the boat that he was heard appointing a new crew member as the bar boy for the day. "Luxury". Glen Stanley took Alex Mutch on board for the day and ended up with a very nice handicap win and was with the main bunch all day as was Kate on Soraya. John Wright.. the master ...kept his crew busy and was second over the line behind Brian Cross on Mariner. All in all there was 3 minutes and 7 seconds between the first and the tenth H28 over the line. Great sailing. Lockie has finally realized that there is a website for the WA H28's and will reading shortly. Hooray for David Locke by the way..he has decided to take over one of the boson's jobs at SoPYC and will be starting in the new year.... get your boats fixed now before he starts working for the club. Rumour has it that Alma may be up for sale. Now there is a boat with a pedigree and it's ready to go pretty much. The Williams have a fine record with the boat and all is in good shape.
And away we went, with a run up to Martin - Weaver sorting the running line for the down wind dash to Sampson. A course three was posted and it was unfamiliar to some ( more later ). The butterfly in waiting shot around the mark first, but careful planning had Mariner around second while others were buried (carried up into slow air behind jetty seven). Anna, I think, was next and Carina and The First Jindarra seconds behind. The rest of the fleet poured around Weaver and we set our poles for the down wind run to Sampson. Chasing the gusts was the plan and Mariner made it to Sampson first with the fleet closing up in the strengthening south westerly.
The next was a beat to King where a good run got you there and then off into the bay for the lift up to Robins and this was where some overtaking was done in the main fleet. Going further in paid off for some of the boats as they didn't have to pinch on the run up and fuller sails compensated for the time spent getting further in. By this time the battle for first H28 was intensifying and The First Jindarra was in the lead on the first run down to Print. The course called for a run to Print, across to Foam then up to Robins again and our helm noticed that Andrew had chosen to ignore Foam in his haste to get up to Robins, so we let him go his own way.
In the lead once more, we had John Wright to contend with as he stuck like glue to our stern, sometimes closer sometimes further away. A hard man to shake indeed and the whole fleet was not that far away by any means. The sound of the horn from the start box alerted us to a possible shortened course and indeed it was, with the dash to the finish and a rapidly closing John Wright the highlight of the day as we slipped over the line and put the gear away.
As you might expect I was busy with the main, so only a couple of pix.
Wednesday the 10th of September
Once again, it comes back to judging wind strength.
A great little Westerly had us licking our lips in anticipation and watching the first two fleets get away, it was clear that a good start was the key. Then the wind went soft and some of the boats were stranded at least 10 seconds behind the line. As we were. So it was chase boats all day and with a course two up, the beat was toward Hallmark and up to Armstrong and then down to Print. The wise men stayed in the south and the lifts they got kept them in front despite the best efforts of Carina and Mariner who stayed out on the Northern side.
So when we rounded Armstrong, it was a case of follow the leaders.
The run down to Print was a game of chase the gusts with the helm working the boat to get past Kate and her merry crew and then draw abreast of the next of the boats, Andrew and his team including Russell Fletcher (welcome back Fletch) were already making inroads into the beers on the boat as the breeze fell progressively lower and lower. By the time we found Print and looked for the next mark, we had a feeling that we were not going to make the time limit and the run to Como and the outer start line was slower still, though we had a chance if the breeze picked up. John Wright, ably assisted by Alex, Craig and Peter was still using the South side and on the run up to Dolphin West picked up a great lead and rounded the top mark well in front. By this time the breeze was as light as a feather and when we rounded DW there was perhaps 15 minutes to get to the line in time. It just didn't happen and the boats started packing their sails, opening a bottle of red ( we did anyway ) and heading for home.
With the sails stowed, packing up was easy and the discussion was perhaps centered for a moment on Andrew's unfortunate passing of Nedlands Spit on the wrong side, but he was gracious enough to admit it and as no points were lost or gained, the subject was dropped for another day.
To another matter, Tengarra, owned by the Dick family and resident at Mounts Bay, was on the slips and I had a chance to speak to Jamie Dick, one of the sons of Dr. Ian Dick. The boat has been in the family for a number of years and the boys have taken her as far North as the Abrolohos Islands and have regularly taken her over to Rotto and around Cockburn Sound, There are more tales to be told here and I hope that on the chance that they spend some time reading this page that the family would care to add to Tengarra's story. He commented on the fact that Yuna, also resident at MB sails occasionally.
Enjoy the photographs
A great little Westerly had us licking our lips in anticipation and watching the first two fleets get away, it was clear that a good start was the key. Then the wind went soft and some of the boats were stranded at least 10 seconds behind the line. As we were. So it was chase boats all day and with a course two up, the beat was toward Hallmark and up to Armstrong and then down to Print. The wise men stayed in the south and the lifts they got kept them in front despite the best efforts of Carina and Mariner who stayed out on the Northern side.
So when we rounded Armstrong, it was a case of follow the leaders.
The run down to Print was a game of chase the gusts with the helm working the boat to get past Kate and her merry crew and then draw abreast of the next of the boats, Andrew and his team including Russell Fletcher (welcome back Fletch) were already making inroads into the beers on the boat as the breeze fell progressively lower and lower. By the time we found Print and looked for the next mark, we had a feeling that we were not going to make the time limit and the run to Como and the outer start line was slower still, though we had a chance if the breeze picked up. John Wright, ably assisted by Alex, Craig and Peter was still using the South side and on the run up to Dolphin West picked up a great lead and rounded the top mark well in front. By this time the breeze was as light as a feather and when we rounded DW there was perhaps 15 minutes to get to the line in time. It just didn't happen and the boats started packing their sails, opening a bottle of red ( we did anyway ) and heading for home.
With the sails stowed, packing up was easy and the discussion was perhaps centered for a moment on Andrew's unfortunate passing of Nedlands Spit on the wrong side, but he was gracious enough to admit it and as no points were lost or gained, the subject was dropped for another day.
To another matter, Tengarra, owned by the Dick family and resident at Mounts Bay, was on the slips and I had a chance to speak to Jamie Dick, one of the sons of Dr. Ian Dick. The boat has been in the family for a number of years and the boys have taken her as far North as the Abrolohos Islands and have regularly taken her over to Rotto and around Cockburn Sound, There are more tales to be told here and I hope that on the chance that they spend some time reading this page that the family would care to add to Tengarra's story. He commented on the fact that Yuna, also resident at MB sails occasionally.
Enjoy the photographs
Wednesday the 3rd of September
Summers not too far away, the fleet is getting busier.
A light winds day again, with the start team going into paroxysms of lunacy (or so we thought) when div C was about to start. We understood the AP and waited until they were ready, and then a confusing set of flags shot up and down at the box. The 13 strong fleet eventually got away with Stella Marina mixing in with the best of us and managing to get in a reasonable start despite her best intentions. We were sailing in a 5 to 8 knot east nor-easter that swung through into the north as the day went on and then swung back into the east.
The SS22's were away with our plastic arch nemesis in the lead and proving that she would be a hard chase for the day. The seven h28's spread out in their usual fashion and the rounding at Sampson had Mariner in the lead with The First Jindarra and Anna close behind. Lockie had made it out onto the water and was enjoying a father and daughter day with a little bit of attention to the race. Vic had borrowed one of Glens crew, Neil and was sailing well to begin. Kate and the girls were following well and it was a good chase with the fleet reasonably close together as we sped off to Robins on a pole run following the gusts down the river trying to improve our position as we went down to the mark. A couple of gybes later, we hit the corner and set off for Dolphin East on a reach, still chasing the butterfly in waiting. Rounding D.E. we crossed the Royal Perth fleet for once on starboard and we rode through the knocks and popped out on the other side on a great lift that set us up for a good look at Como with only Anna on our tail and Crossroads in close pursuit. By this time, the fleet had spread out as people started to look for a winning breeze and the lead was over a minute between 1st and second H28.
Around the start line again and the small triangle of Foam/Print came into play after Sampson and the focus was maintaining the lead and avoiding stuff up's. Rounding Print, we heard a bang as the backstay fell to pieces and quick work by Peter Carly had an impromptu back stay running and we then had to stay away from Crossroads and Anna as they charged towards us, running on the breeze off the freeway. A second over the line had Mariner 1st H28 over the line followed by Anna, Corella, The First Jindarra, Carina, Swiftsure Saga and Soraya. The handicap win was taken by the aforementioned Stella Marina who managed to get over the line in reasonable time and used a generous handicap to take the win. Pity they weren't in the bar afterwards, but Rear Commodore Tim rang the bell for them and distributed the port regardless.
Enjoy the pix.
A light winds day again, with the start team going into paroxysms of lunacy (or so we thought) when div C was about to start. We understood the AP and waited until they were ready, and then a confusing set of flags shot up and down at the box. The 13 strong fleet eventually got away with Stella Marina mixing in with the best of us and managing to get in a reasonable start despite her best intentions. We were sailing in a 5 to 8 knot east nor-easter that swung through into the north as the day went on and then swung back into the east.
The SS22's were away with our plastic arch nemesis in the lead and proving that she would be a hard chase for the day. The seven h28's spread out in their usual fashion and the rounding at Sampson had Mariner in the lead with The First Jindarra and Anna close behind. Lockie had made it out onto the water and was enjoying a father and daughter day with a little bit of attention to the race. Vic had borrowed one of Glens crew, Neil and was sailing well to begin. Kate and the girls were following well and it was a good chase with the fleet reasonably close together as we sped off to Robins on a pole run following the gusts down the river trying to improve our position as we went down to the mark. A couple of gybes later, we hit the corner and set off for Dolphin East on a reach, still chasing the butterfly in waiting. Rounding D.E. we crossed the Royal Perth fleet for once on starboard and we rode through the knocks and popped out on the other side on a great lift that set us up for a good look at Como with only Anna on our tail and Crossroads in close pursuit. By this time, the fleet had spread out as people started to look for a winning breeze and the lead was over a minute between 1st and second H28.
Around the start line again and the small triangle of Foam/Print came into play after Sampson and the focus was maintaining the lead and avoiding stuff up's. Rounding Print, we heard a bang as the backstay fell to pieces and quick work by Peter Carly had an impromptu back stay running and we then had to stay away from Crossroads and Anna as they charged towards us, running on the breeze off the freeway. A second over the line had Mariner 1st H28 over the line followed by Anna, Corella, The First Jindarra, Carina, Swiftsure Saga and Soraya. The handicap win was taken by the aforementioned Stella Marina who managed to get over the line in reasonable time and used a generous handicap to take the win. Pity they weren't in the bar afterwards, but Rear Commodore Tim rang the bell for them and distributed the port regardless.
Enjoy the pix.
Wednesday the 27th of August
Hummmm!
A good day on the water was had by all, with a westerly that started on the northern side and rotated into the south as the day progressed. No more than 15 knots at the very top, but enough to keep the H28's in front of the 13 strong fleet of C division.
Visitors to the fleet included Con (an S80 sailor) and Emily Bell, both sailing on The First Jindarra. yes she's Andrew's daughter.
A light winds course was called and we took off to Sampson in a cloud of sail as seven h28's hit the water and Lockie could have joined us if he'd had an extra body on board. ( Pity-- had an email from Roghan from Freshie, missed the day) Hi ho.
A strong beat up to Robins had the fleet split up with the 1st Jindarra and Carina heading out into the nor west side to pick up the ( possible ) lifts that were there. Swiftsure Saga and Soraya went into Heathcote and worked their way up while the rest chose the middle of the river.
At the top it was a battle as two or three boats from all ends of the river met and rounded. Suffice to say that the usual protagonists were there with John Wright, Brian Cross, Andrew Bell and Bill Richards in the mix. The plastic boats were there assuredly, but they dropped out of line honours contention as the race continued. Down to Dolphin East and a quick gybe with a pole being set on the mark. Almost square to begin, we gybed several times, picking up time or distance as we progressed up the river to Como.
After the fracas at Como; Andy Bell slipped away and was a hard chase around the small triangle to the finish line, with several boats counting the cost of the coming together in lost time and shattered nerves.
The finish line gave a strong tick to AB in his ability to keep the boat moving and served fair warning that Bill Richards and John Wright were on the mark and cannot be ignored. Mariner had a strong lead to begin and may need to spend a little time in sorting out the complexity of changes that have occurred on the boat. As ever, a bit more breeze would have sorted the plastic from the wooden boats and a well handicapped SS22 caught the first prize and duly shared the port. Many thanks to them, but the interest is still on the H28 fleet.
Many thanks to Con Macarlino of Shutterworks Photography who happened to be on board Andy Bells boat and took the first and last images on show.
A good day on the water was had by all, with a westerly that started on the northern side and rotated into the south as the day progressed. No more than 15 knots at the very top, but enough to keep the H28's in front of the 13 strong fleet of C division.
Visitors to the fleet included Con (an S80 sailor) and Emily Bell, both sailing on The First Jindarra. yes she's Andrew's daughter.
A light winds course was called and we took off to Sampson in a cloud of sail as seven h28's hit the water and Lockie could have joined us if he'd had an extra body on board. ( Pity-- had an email from Roghan from Freshie, missed the day) Hi ho.
A strong beat up to Robins had the fleet split up with the 1st Jindarra and Carina heading out into the nor west side to pick up the ( possible ) lifts that were there. Swiftsure Saga and Soraya went into Heathcote and worked their way up while the rest chose the middle of the river.
At the top it was a battle as two or three boats from all ends of the river met and rounded. Suffice to say that the usual protagonists were there with John Wright, Brian Cross, Andrew Bell and Bill Richards in the mix. The plastic boats were there assuredly, but they dropped out of line honours contention as the race continued. Down to Dolphin East and a quick gybe with a pole being set on the mark. Almost square to begin, we gybed several times, picking up time or distance as we progressed up the river to Como.
After the fracas at Como; Andy Bell slipped away and was a hard chase around the small triangle to the finish line, with several boats counting the cost of the coming together in lost time and shattered nerves.
The finish line gave a strong tick to AB in his ability to keep the boat moving and served fair warning that Bill Richards and John Wright were on the mark and cannot be ignored. Mariner had a strong lead to begin and may need to spend a little time in sorting out the complexity of changes that have occurred on the boat. As ever, a bit more breeze would have sorted the plastic from the wooden boats and a well handicapped SS22 caught the first prize and duly shared the port. Many thanks to them, but the interest is still on the H28 fleet.
Many thanks to Con Macarlino of Shutterworks Photography who happened to be on board Andy Bells boat and took the first and last images on show.
Wednesday the 20th of August
We went out with the promise of nothing... the river was glassed and the rain had just let up. The numbers on the water weren't very encouraging either as only 6 boats went out in C division. Fortunately Vic had Geoff come back on board so with a bit of astute crew juggling we had three boats on the water. (Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra and Carina). Once again, Kate came with us as her girls steadfastly refused to go out when it was raining.
Parked up alongside the T piece on Jetty three, we watched Bill tow Vic out (we had paddled out) and we settled in for the wait until either the wind came in or they sent us home. In came a Northerly and away we went. Course three and chase the Spacy 22's as they ran away on the breeze. Finally managed to get in front of the last of the SS22's, when having carted us up to the ley line on Robins, they managed to stay in front on the rounding, but inexplicably let us roll over them once around the corner. Swiftsure had made great time in the meantime and was not that far behind on the run to Print but as all sailors know, when the Royal Perth fleet advances toward you, you have to either find a gap or get swamped by boats with rights. The hole was found and we stayed in front with the reaches in the race turning it into a soldiers course and very little chance of overtaking from then on.
A surprise came through with results as when the usual suspects were hauled up for third and second, the 1st Jindarra took the first and fastest. Didn't expect that at all...we'd given first to one of the SS22's with a much lower handicap. A nice note to finish on.
A note to the Sunday Frostbites... it appears that Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga may scoop the pool in C division as he is ahead of Karoleeya helmed by Graeme Lewis and has only to stay in front of Cross Roads and Karoleeya in the last race to take the win. Well done Bill.
Many thanks to Andrew Bell who has hosted Brian Cross and I on the 1st Jindarra for the last 4 months while Mariner went through the rebuild. You're on your own now Andy, let the game begin.
A photo or two of Bill taking Vic out the pens and the gap we found in the RP fleet as we shot down to Print.
Parked up alongside the T piece on Jetty three, we watched Bill tow Vic out (we had paddled out) and we settled in for the wait until either the wind came in or they sent us home. In came a Northerly and away we went. Course three and chase the Spacy 22's as they ran away on the breeze. Finally managed to get in front of the last of the SS22's, when having carted us up to the ley line on Robins, they managed to stay in front on the rounding, but inexplicably let us roll over them once around the corner. Swiftsure had made great time in the meantime and was not that far behind on the run to Print but as all sailors know, when the Royal Perth fleet advances toward you, you have to either find a gap or get swamped by boats with rights. The hole was found and we stayed in front with the reaches in the race turning it into a soldiers course and very little chance of overtaking from then on.
A surprise came through with results as when the usual suspects were hauled up for third and second, the 1st Jindarra took the first and fastest. Didn't expect that at all...we'd given first to one of the SS22's with a much lower handicap. A nice note to finish on.
A note to the Sunday Frostbites... it appears that Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga may scoop the pool in C division as he is ahead of Karoleeya helmed by Graeme Lewis and has only to stay in front of Cross Roads and Karoleeya in the last race to take the win. Well done Bill.
Many thanks to Andrew Bell who has hosted Brian Cross and I on the 1st Jindarra for the last 4 months while Mariner went through the rebuild. You're on your own now Andy, let the game begin.
A photo or two of Bill taking Vic out the pens and the gap we found in the RP fleet as we shot down to Print.
Wednesday the 13th of August
A good day was forecast with the promise of a solid Nor easter to take us around course one and with only 2 h28's going out, it was a bit disappointing really. Then we noticed why one boat wasn't out. Vic and Glen had scored a ride on Ralph Newton's Eun na Mara and therefore were not even teaming up to take a third boat out. So we had the usual two (Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra) accompanied by three SS22's.
Andrew was so revved up to get the boat out that a few things were forgotten and he tried to take off without a) unplugging the shore power b) taking the lines off c) attaching the halyard to the main and d) without any ice in the esky.
The first three were quickly remedied and we went without a beer for the day while sailing. Kate was along for the ride ( all her crew were away) and we then proceeded to run out of engine half way out of the pens and then had to sail out against a nor easter. To say the least, the watchers on Herreshoff Alley were amused with the antics. Compounding the felony, he broke the start and watched the fleet head off toward Sampson without him. So it was chase the fleet in a dying breeze. Managed to make our way back to the front again, bar Crossroads and it was a case of chase the boat all day gradually getting closer and have the wind drop and he would scoot away again. Well sailed Bill, you chased us all day, though with a bigger main and head sail you could have given us a lot of strife. A shortened race had us back in the pen by 4.30 and although we had enjoyed the day, it would have been better with a bigger breeze.
Only one photo today........ Glen ( on the foredeck ) and Vic ( in the cockpit ) of Eun na Mara.
Andrew was so revved up to get the boat out that a few things were forgotten and he tried to take off without a) unplugging the shore power b) taking the lines off c) attaching the halyard to the main and d) without any ice in the esky.
The first three were quickly remedied and we went without a beer for the day while sailing. Kate was along for the ride ( all her crew were away) and we then proceeded to run out of engine half way out of the pens and then had to sail out against a nor easter. To say the least, the watchers on Herreshoff Alley were amused with the antics. Compounding the felony, he broke the start and watched the fleet head off toward Sampson without him. So it was chase the fleet in a dying breeze. Managed to make our way back to the front again, bar Crossroads and it was a case of chase the boat all day gradually getting closer and have the wind drop and he would scoot away again. Well sailed Bill, you chased us all day, though with a bigger main and head sail you could have given us a lot of strife. A shortened race had us back in the pen by 4.30 and although we had enjoyed the day, it would have been better with a bigger breeze.
Only one photo today........ Glen ( on the foredeck ) and Vic ( in the cockpit ) of Eun na Mara.
Wednesday the 6th of August
A shemozzle.
A very good description of the start line on Wednesday, with half the boats over the line 10 seconds prior to the start and those who were offending having to dip the line in order to get back into play. Two blasts on the hooter brought our attention to what we thought was a general recall, only to get the idea that we weren't doing that and that the X flag was down and we were free to play again.
How did it get to this stage?
A light nor easter had us battling to get to the pin end and with half a dozen others, we took off on starboard to get to the line only to find that we and another 4 or 5 boats were on the wrong side of the pin end and going north with the tide. A little bit of urging was going on with people being assisted over the line by those below them. So using the speed that we had, we dipped the line and then debated the individual or general recall. A few shouted questions on the water had us heading off to Sampson disregarding what ever lay behind us. By this time the SS22's were well away and Vic had grabbed the lead with Lockie with Brian Cross on board in close chase. The First Jindarra was battling with Swiftsure Saga and Glen on Wynella was keeping up with the pack very well.
Very shortly afterwards it was a case of follow the breeze with a beam reach out to Robins and you could tell who had clean hulls and not. Those who didn't, dropped off and the rest surged ahead with most of the fiberglass boats getting overhauled ( yes we were surprised too ) until it was only Crossroads leading the fleet and reveling in the light conditions.
A couple of chance encounters with the RP fleet separated the followers and by the end of the day on a shortened race, the green 22 got the gun but Vic and Andrew shared first place and the port for the evening.
A lively session was had on Andrew Bells boat with sail maker Geoff Bishop trying his best to interest Lockie in a new mainsail, having witnessed what a new sail will do on Andrew's boat. Don't know whether the sale went through but there have been a lot of people making noises over the sails. Roghan from Freshie ( Te Hana ) dropped in to join the session and was last seen in the bar with Lockie. We may see him next week on the water.
A very good description of the start line on Wednesday, with half the boats over the line 10 seconds prior to the start and those who were offending having to dip the line in order to get back into play. Two blasts on the hooter brought our attention to what we thought was a general recall, only to get the idea that we weren't doing that and that the X flag was down and we were free to play again.
How did it get to this stage?
A light nor easter had us battling to get to the pin end and with half a dozen others, we took off on starboard to get to the line only to find that we and another 4 or 5 boats were on the wrong side of the pin end and going north with the tide. A little bit of urging was going on with people being assisted over the line by those below them. So using the speed that we had, we dipped the line and then debated the individual or general recall. A few shouted questions on the water had us heading off to Sampson disregarding what ever lay behind us. By this time the SS22's were well away and Vic had grabbed the lead with Lockie with Brian Cross on board in close chase. The First Jindarra was battling with Swiftsure Saga and Glen on Wynella was keeping up with the pack very well.
Very shortly afterwards it was a case of follow the breeze with a beam reach out to Robins and you could tell who had clean hulls and not. Those who didn't, dropped off and the rest surged ahead with most of the fiberglass boats getting overhauled ( yes we were surprised too ) until it was only Crossroads leading the fleet and reveling in the light conditions.
A couple of chance encounters with the RP fleet separated the followers and by the end of the day on a shortened race, the green 22 got the gun but Vic and Andrew shared first place and the port for the evening.
A lively session was had on Andrew Bells boat with sail maker Geoff Bishop trying his best to interest Lockie in a new mainsail, having witnessed what a new sail will do on Andrew's boat. Don't know whether the sale went through but there have been a lot of people making noises over the sails. Roghan from Freshie ( Te Hana ) dropped in to join the session and was last seen in the bar with Lockie. We may see him next week on the water.
Wednesday the 30th of July.
I guess it had to happen. Andrew Bell finally got his first and fastest on The First Jindarra.
A reasonable start at the pin end got him in front of the gang ( 4 h28's and a SS22) and from there on it was work hard to improve the lead. Three boats had their chances and the most consistent was divided between Carina and Anna as at times, they started to close up. The best "I'll go my own way" effort goes to Kate and the girls as they went hard left after Sampson and picked up a stack of boats by doing so. The photo of Kate crossing on port below Heathcote should give you an idea of how well she had done. We had a visitor on board with John Wright and Craig ( a Swiss lass whose name escaped me), but JW didn't look too shabby on the day, so I guess she can pull strings as well as anyone else. Great if she decides to join us in the fleet. The fleet, including the SS22 Crossroads, have really sailed well and the boats stayed together most of the day, It's just that pesky start that let Andrew get away and enjoy the fruits of his hard work.
The handicapper has remarked that an adjustment will be made to Andrew's handicap and it has been mooted that he may even have one higher than Mariner in a short while. :-)
A reasonable start at the pin end got him in front of the gang ( 4 h28's and a SS22) and from there on it was work hard to improve the lead. Three boats had their chances and the most consistent was divided between Carina and Anna as at times, they started to close up. The best "I'll go my own way" effort goes to Kate and the girls as they went hard left after Sampson and picked up a stack of boats by doing so. The photo of Kate crossing on port below Heathcote should give you an idea of how well she had done. We had a visitor on board with John Wright and Craig ( a Swiss lass whose name escaped me), but JW didn't look too shabby on the day, so I guess she can pull strings as well as anyone else. Great if she decides to join us in the fleet. The fleet, including the SS22 Crossroads, have really sailed well and the boats stayed together most of the day, It's just that pesky start that let Andrew get away and enjoy the fruits of his hard work.
The handicapper has remarked that an adjustment will be made to Andrew's handicap and it has been mooted that he may even have one higher than Mariner in a short while. :-)
Greta
A look at her on the slips at RFBYC.
It was with pleasure that I received a call from Roghan (Te Hana) to let me know that Greta was up on the slips at RFBYC.
I headed down there before sailing on Sunday in the frostbite and took a few images.
Greta was built it is believed, in 1958 by Johansen of Cottesloe for his use but has passed through several hands since. The records show her as being a fractional sloop rig, though the current set up of the rig with an inner forestay leads me to believe that she is no longer of that nature. The current owner, whom I met on Sunday has had her in his care for about three years and she has been in the water pen at Claremont for most of that time as the mussels and seawrack around the hull undergoing maintenance showed.
She is set up for cruising as is evidenced by the quick glimpse inside (no photo's) and the boats compass is set aft of the traveler for the use of the helmsman. The cockpit has cushions for both the passengers and the helm and there is only one set of winches on the boat with several pairs of jam cleats, for the crew to use. There does not appear to be travelling blocks on the boat's deck to run the jib sheets to, only blocks attached to wooden cleats on either side of the cabin.
Given that she is of jarrah and I've no reason to disbelieve that, it was remarkable to be shown by the owner that he had had marine borer ( or similar ) attack on the water line and there were indeed several holes that I photographed on the port side toward the stern of the boat. She appears to have an iron keel and possibly a slipper (but I didn't have a penknife to check the theory). She sails with the number C 218 and appears to be in fair condition given the minimal attention shown her. There appears to be a copper strip running down from the propeller leg down to the rudder gudgeons on the starboard side.
The deck is in fair condition, though the port side bow shows some evidence of dry rot and it may be assumed that there is more there and the cabin sides on the port side need some work. Nothing that a shipwright cannot repair or replace.
The owner, whose name I have unfortunately forgotten (sorry) is invited to address the information given so far and I will endeavour to correct any misinformation on this page if required.
The images are here for you to review.
I headed down there before sailing on Sunday in the frostbite and took a few images.
Greta was built it is believed, in 1958 by Johansen of Cottesloe for his use but has passed through several hands since. The records show her as being a fractional sloop rig, though the current set up of the rig with an inner forestay leads me to believe that she is no longer of that nature. The current owner, whom I met on Sunday has had her in his care for about three years and she has been in the water pen at Claremont for most of that time as the mussels and seawrack around the hull undergoing maintenance showed.
She is set up for cruising as is evidenced by the quick glimpse inside (no photo's) and the boats compass is set aft of the traveler for the use of the helmsman. The cockpit has cushions for both the passengers and the helm and there is only one set of winches on the boat with several pairs of jam cleats, for the crew to use. There does not appear to be travelling blocks on the boat's deck to run the jib sheets to, only blocks attached to wooden cleats on either side of the cabin.
Given that she is of jarrah and I've no reason to disbelieve that, it was remarkable to be shown by the owner that he had had marine borer ( or similar ) attack on the water line and there were indeed several holes that I photographed on the port side toward the stern of the boat. She appears to have an iron keel and possibly a slipper (but I didn't have a penknife to check the theory). She sails with the number C 218 and appears to be in fair condition given the minimal attention shown her. There appears to be a copper strip running down from the propeller leg down to the rudder gudgeons on the starboard side.
The deck is in fair condition, though the port side bow shows some evidence of dry rot and it may be assumed that there is more there and the cabin sides on the port side need some work. Nothing that a shipwright cannot repair or replace.
The owner, whose name I have unfortunately forgotten (sorry) is invited to address the information given so far and I will endeavour to correct any misinformation on this page if required.
The images are here for you to review.
In Memory of Nick Norris and his three grand children; Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin.
To Lindy, Brack, Kirsten, Anthony and Rin.
To lose a father, a son or a daughter is enough, to lose what you have lost goes beyond comprehension.
The H28 community shares in the sorrow in the loss of Nick Norris and his grandchildren.
Nick and Lindy, as SoPYC members had put so much back into the club, that for Anthony Maslin and his partner,Nick and Lindy's daughter Rin to choose to buy an H28 from John Midolo was a given. Gundarra introduced them into the pleasure of sailing as a family and they became part of the community of the H28 fleet. Not as racers, but enjoying the other side of sailing together as a family. They were often seen on a fine day tootling along on the river with Brack or Kirsten on board to help sail the boat.
Words cannot put in place what is felt by the club as a whole but please know that you are in our thoughts.
On behalf of the H28 community.
Our respect and thoughts are also with the other families and people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
To lose a father, a son or a daughter is enough, to lose what you have lost goes beyond comprehension.
The H28 community shares in the sorrow in the loss of Nick Norris and his grandchildren.
Nick and Lindy, as SoPYC members had put so much back into the club, that for Anthony Maslin and his partner,Nick and Lindy's daughter Rin to choose to buy an H28 from John Midolo was a given. Gundarra introduced them into the pleasure of sailing as a family and they became part of the community of the H28 fleet. Not as racers, but enjoying the other side of sailing together as a family. They were often seen on a fine day tootling along on the river with Brack or Kirsten on board to help sail the boat.
Words cannot put in place what is felt by the club as a whole but please know that you are in our thoughts.
On behalf of the H28 community.
Our respect and thoughts are also with the other families and people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
A visitor to SoPYC or
Te Hana sails with the fleet. 16th of July
For a while now, it has been known that Te Hana of Royal Freshwater Bay has had a new owner, Roghan Anderson. He bought her in October 2013 from Lou Halverson and has been getting used to her as he tried her out and sailed the odd race here and there to see what she could do. He is also doing some internal work and consequently the photo that I took of the internals looked a little cluttered, but we all have that problem on occasions. The original plan was to have Roghan join us on the First Jindarra and let him ask any questions as we raced, but Bill Richards of Swiftsure Saga convinced him to man up and take the boat out with the fleet. Consequently we raced with a guest yacht and for the first few buoys he was quite competitive as we battled against tide, variable breeze ( out of the south and flicking east occasionally ) and other yachts. Unfortunately he wasn't told about signing on with the On Water Group so his effort was in vain, (but valuable experience anyway).
Experience tells and the battle was on between John Wright with Glen Stanley on board, Vic Court, Bill Richards and Andrew Bell. Despite getting hit with every Royal Perth fleet that was coming down the river, John Wright managed to hang onto Andrew's tail and was close enough to claim the win on handicap. Well sailed John and crew. Bridesmaid again for Andrew and Vic made a good third over the line with Bill fourth. Roghan joined us in the bar afterwards and I hope that his trip home again in Te Hana was a safe one.
Experience tells and the battle was on between John Wright with Glen Stanley on board, Vic Court, Bill Richards and Andrew Bell. Despite getting hit with every Royal Perth fleet that was coming down the river, John Wright managed to hang onto Andrew's tail and was close enough to claim the win on handicap. Well sailed John and crew. Bridesmaid again for Andrew and Vic made a good third over the line with Bill fourth. Roghan joined us in the bar afterwards and I hope that his trip home again in Te Hana was a safe one.
Looking for an answer.
While looking through photographs that have been passed on to me, I came across these images from a boat down at Mangles ( Rockingham).
Jay in his travels came across this hull in 2012 and thought that it may have been Solo, Vic Courts old H28, but Vic was not able to confirm or deny this. The boat has a few identifying features... a bowsprit, an inline propeller, a scroll on the rudder blade and what looks to be some sort of pipe running along the keel near the rudder blade (possibly to cool the engine oil?) However, these features must be identifiable to someone and it would be a great bonus to know the name of the boat. Your help would help.
If you know anything of the boats name and story, contact us through the contact page. Many thanks.
Jay in his travels came across this hull in 2012 and thought that it may have been Solo, Vic Courts old H28, but Vic was not able to confirm or deny this. The boat has a few identifying features... a bowsprit, an inline propeller, a scroll on the rudder blade and what looks to be some sort of pipe running along the keel near the rudder blade (possibly to cool the engine oil?) However, these features must be identifiable to someone and it would be a great bonus to know the name of the boat. Your help would help.
If you know anything of the boats name and story, contact us through the contact page. Many thanks.
Wednesday the 9th of July
A quiet day on the water and a battle between the 4 H28's that went out ensued. Just enough pressure out of the east /north east was available to us as we raced against 6 other boats 3 of which were H28's and the major problem ( that we saw ) was Tony Edman driving a plastic caravan known as Chrysalis. The racing was slow and furious with Vic Court making the comment that he was at one stage or another first, second, third and fourth. I think we all had that feeling, but the plan at the end was to catch the freeway special, using the land effect, and beat everyone to the line. However Tony E got there first. The 1st H28 was John Wright's Anna, then Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra, with Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga fourth and Carina with Vic Court fifth over the line. Handicap results are a little different, but the four H28's battled hard all day and there was no pain at the end. Good Sailing!
By the way the official readings from BOM over at Inner Dolphin had us sailing in a South Easterly. Any Comments?
There is talk of a few H28 sailors going over to the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart next year in February. Make up your minds now and book now and expect to be parked outside the 4 km radius, as bookings are tight. There is also a Championship race that weekend. A decision has to be made to shift that race. Hmmmm!
Some help is requested to put together a DVD promoting the Western H28 connection for the visitors to take over. Your thoughts are solicited.
By the way the official readings from BOM over at Inner Dolphin had us sailing in a South Easterly. Any Comments?
There is talk of a few H28 sailors going over to the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart next year in February. Make up your minds now and book now and expect to be parked outside the 4 km radius, as bookings are tight. There is also a Championship race that weekend. A decision has to be made to shift that race. Hmmmm!
Some help is requested to put together a DVD promoting the Western H28 connection for the visitors to take over. Your thoughts are solicited.
Wednesday the 2nd of July 2014
Damn and double damn! Just because I wasn't able to be at the meeting on Tuesday, I've been slung into the position as scribe for another 6 months at least. Like wise our current chair has been offered his spot in perpetuity (it seems). John Pierzak is now the secretary /treasurer ( well done that man ) and doubles as handicapper with the comment that one can improve one's handicap by donating to the fleet treasury. Brian C commented that if he could get a tax deduction he'd think about it.
To the day on the water. Two boats ventured out on a day that a black dog would have cowered in his kennel. Bill Richards took a team of four onto Swiftsure Saga and Glen joined us on Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra with Lockie taking the safer option of working on Brian's boat rather than heading out into the 16 to 20 + knots on offer. Andrew in a fit of brilliance, conned the rest of us into putting up the number one thanks to a soft spot in the breeze prior to the start and Bill kept to his choice of a number two.
A match race ensued for the run up to Martin-Weaver with both boats neck to neck and it was only good sailing that got us around the first mark slightly in front; from then on it was watch Bill and cover him. By the end of the race the lead had varied from one minute to three minutes with our big sail being both a help down wind and a pest upwind in the gusts. However, Bill Richards has a handicap well below Andrew and despite an 80 second lead by The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga took the day on corrected time by 83 seconds. No SS22's were seen on the day and the progressive results now have Bill clear by 33 points. After the drops it will be a different matter, but we'll leave that for another day.
To the day on the water. Two boats ventured out on a day that a black dog would have cowered in his kennel. Bill Richards took a team of four onto Swiftsure Saga and Glen joined us on Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra with Lockie taking the safer option of working on Brian's boat rather than heading out into the 16 to 20 + knots on offer. Andrew in a fit of brilliance, conned the rest of us into putting up the number one thanks to a soft spot in the breeze prior to the start and Bill kept to his choice of a number two.
A match race ensued for the run up to Martin-Weaver with both boats neck to neck and it was only good sailing that got us around the first mark slightly in front; from then on it was watch Bill and cover him. By the end of the race the lead had varied from one minute to three minutes with our big sail being both a help down wind and a pest upwind in the gusts. However, Bill Richards has a handicap well below Andrew and despite an 80 second lead by The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga took the day on corrected time by 83 seconds. No SS22's were seen on the day and the progressive results now have Bill clear by 33 points. After the drops it will be a different matter, but we'll leave that for another day.
A soiree at Kate and Phil's
A wonderful evening was held at Kate and Phil's in Brentwood wherein all the H28 sailors that were available slid around to their new house for a small social gathering. Plenty of heaters kept the outside entertaining area warm and the tucker was in plentiful supply as Kate kept Phil busy on the BBQ toasting up new specialties for the willing guests. Some discussion about the purchase of Bella and some guidance from the new owner as to what would happen over the next few months with her. General who is, what's and how's were brought up and the current chair of the fleet made it clear that he would like to step down in order to allow someone else the privilege of representing the fleet. So did the current scribe as he wishes to take on Wednesday Sailing again and after two and a half years it was about time that another scribe had the chance to spread his wings. The current owner of Georgina, Colin Youngs made it clear that he wishes to take it a little easier in his forth coming retirement and after twenty years of campaigning, his wish is to enjoy his retirement, though Maureen may have other idea's. With a 5 pm start the first of the group started to slowly fade away and by 9.30 the stay-hard few were left curling around the fire pit full of glowing coals discussing the Dockers win. With 30 + guests it's hard to mention all of the people but it was nice to see Vic Court in flight on the night and his merry crew were in evidence with Geoff looking as though he had swallowed a tapeworm, having slimmed down mightily over the last couple of months.
Click to enlarge the images.
Click to enlarge the images.
Just a quick one.
Wednesday sailing was not on offer last week.
Hughie simply refused to even bother to come in and the result was 30 odd boats milling around in flat water and those of us without motors set our aim for the start line and allowed the out going tide to drift us down onto the start line. ( we ended up in an eddy and parked very neatly beside the start box). The AP was sounded and we all settled in for a wait.
Half an hour later, still no breeze so with a bit of judicious sculling with the rudder and enough way built up, we pole hopped back to the pen and packed everything away as the three toots from the box announced that the day had been abandoned. Much red wine was drunk on the boat as we discussed life in general. Next week, at this stage looks a little better.
Hughie simply refused to even bother to come in and the result was 30 odd boats milling around in flat water and those of us without motors set our aim for the start line and allowed the out going tide to drift us down onto the start line. ( we ended up in an eddy and parked very neatly beside the start box). The AP was sounded and we all settled in for a wait.
Half an hour later, still no breeze so with a bit of judicious sculling with the rudder and enough way built up, we pole hopped back to the pen and packed everything away as the three toots from the box announced that the day had been abandoned. Much red wine was drunk on the boat as we discussed life in general. Next week, at this stage looks a little better.
H28's for sale!
Oh well, never thought I'd be going down this track, but one well credentialed H28 is up for sale.
Georgina; a great boat and championship winner is up for sale as seasoned campaigner Colin Youngs is about to hang up his boots and turn to more casual sailing. On one hand, it's a great pity, but on the other hand it's the opportunity of a life time to grab one of these boats at a good price and go sailing in a great yacht. I would imagine that the sail suite would go with it and all the other bits and pieces that occasion the life of an H28. She was restored by Colin and Alex Mutch in 2008 and sailed competitively thereafter. She has one of the original Stuart marine petrol engines.
Bella has been sold! And will stay in the club. June 27th
Jay Lawry has purchased her with the thought of bringing her back to top condition.
Bella; in the right hands she has been very competitive and under both Kate Lammonby and later Wayne Hudson she was able to put the skipper in the box seat. Restored by Kel Brown in the 1990's she has been kept in repair. The sail suite is unknown, but they would be in reasonable condition as Wayne was no slouch when it came to sail up keep. She does not have a motor, but the fittings, I believe, are there.
It would be great if these two boats were kept in the club and I'm sure that if any putative owner were to enquire about them, the H28 community would be delighted to take them out for a sail and give them a chance to see how an H28 performs. Contact me through the website for owner details.
Georgina; a great boat and championship winner is up for sale as seasoned campaigner Colin Youngs is about to hang up his boots and turn to more casual sailing. On one hand, it's a great pity, but on the other hand it's the opportunity of a life time to grab one of these boats at a good price and go sailing in a great yacht. I would imagine that the sail suite would go with it and all the other bits and pieces that occasion the life of an H28. She was restored by Colin and Alex Mutch in 2008 and sailed competitively thereafter. She has one of the original Stuart marine petrol engines.
Bella has been sold! And will stay in the club. June 27th
Jay Lawry has purchased her with the thought of bringing her back to top condition.
Bella; in the right hands she has been very competitive and under both Kate Lammonby and later Wayne Hudson she was able to put the skipper in the box seat. Restored by Kel Brown in the 1990's she has been kept in repair. The sail suite is unknown, but they would be in reasonable condition as Wayne was no slouch when it came to sail up keep. She does not have a motor, but the fittings, I believe, are there.
It would be great if these two boats were kept in the club and I'm sure that if any putative owner were to enquire about them, the H28 community would be delighted to take them out for a sail and give them a chance to see how an H28 performs. Contact me through the website for owner details.
Rumour Range only.
It has been whispered in my ear that while a H28 owner was away overseas, that his boat was within cooee of going down in the pens.
Apparently the bilge pump packed up and only fast work by a couple of members and the emergency pump ( we all know where that is don't we? ) kept the boat from going under. Many thanks to the members and it is a timely reminder to all members who own these unique boats to ensure that the pumps are in good order, or do what Bill Richards did on Christa, install another one as back up. Bill ended up with three on the boat at one stage, but the old story is prevention, rather than a cure.
It has been whispered in my ear that while a H28 owner was away overseas, that his boat was within cooee of going down in the pens.
Apparently the bilge pump packed up and only fast work by a couple of members and the emergency pump ( we all know where that is don't we? ) kept the boat from going under. Many thanks to the members and it is a timely reminder to all members who own these unique boats to ensure that the pumps are in good order, or do what Bill Richards did on Christa, install another one as back up. Bill ended up with three on the boat at one stage, but the old story is prevention, rather than a cure.
Damn! Stuck on the mud.
Last Wednesday the 11th of June saw a little reality come home, with 6 boats out on the water on a light wind day out of the south east. The plastic boats, including our nemesis Crossroads a green SS22, were out in force and despite our best efforts on The First Jindarra we were not able to get in front of her and stay there. The fleet was engaged in a roaring battle for third, fourth and fifth place with Swiftsure Saga, Carina and Seaduction ( a plastic boat) fighting it out. John Wright on Anna was sailing very well and joined the fray occasionally, but wisely stayed out of the major battles and generally did well out of it to get a 4th over the line. Unfortunately the handicaps were the decider for the day and the plastics won. But a good day and some engaging battles were fought out on the water. However fleet chairman Glen with Wynella wandered a little too close to the mudflats over near the Western Hardstand prior to the start of the race and the photograph beside this piece shows the efforts of Alex Mutch who had joined him for the ride to try and rock the boat. A little bit of a wiggle and they were free, but the Sailing Captain did make mention of his exploits on the river in front of the assembling fleets. Enough said.
Last Wednesday the 11th of June saw a little reality come home, with 6 boats out on the water on a light wind day out of the south east. The plastic boats, including our nemesis Crossroads a green SS22, were out in force and despite our best efforts on The First Jindarra we were not able to get in front of her and stay there. The fleet was engaged in a roaring battle for third, fourth and fifth place with Swiftsure Saga, Carina and Seaduction ( a plastic boat) fighting it out. John Wright on Anna was sailing very well and joined the fray occasionally, but wisely stayed out of the major battles and generally did well out of it to get a 4th over the line. Unfortunately the handicaps were the decider for the day and the plastics won. But a good day and some engaging battles were fought out on the water. However fleet chairman Glen with Wynella wandered a little too close to the mudflats over near the Western Hardstand prior to the start of the race and the photograph beside this piece shows the efforts of Alex Mutch who had joined him for the ride to try and rock the boat. A little bit of a wiggle and they were free, but the Sailing Captain did make mention of his exploits on the river in front of the assembling fleets. Enough said.
Ralph bought a bigger boat!
Well I guess it's not an H28, but former H28 owner Ralph Newton has scooped the wooden boat pool by buying a ripper of a wooden boat.
Most of us know now of Eun Na Mara ( bird of the sea) and her story both at this club and elsewhere. A lucky few were invited to help in the welcome back to her on her return to SoPYC after 20 years and a number of H28 sailors were invited to join the throng. With Commodore Paul opening the proceedings and welcoming her back, Ralph had the opportunity to show her off and invite the guests to go for a quick wander around her. The canapé and sparkles were most appreciated by the assembly and to top it off Ralph and a selection of crew from FSC and SoPYC jumped on board and proceeded to show the Frostbite Div one sailors what a big kite looked like, as he soared off into the distance finishing way in front of the fleet. Looked darned good too. The pictures below are a simple look at her, keep in mind that I was too far away from Div one to get any good kite shots.
Most of us know now of Eun Na Mara ( bird of the sea) and her story both at this club and elsewhere. A lucky few were invited to help in the welcome back to her on her return to SoPYC after 20 years and a number of H28 sailors were invited to join the throng. With Commodore Paul opening the proceedings and welcoming her back, Ralph had the opportunity to show her off and invite the guests to go for a quick wander around her. The canapé and sparkles were most appreciated by the assembly and to top it off Ralph and a selection of crew from FSC and SoPYC jumped on board and proceeded to show the Frostbite Div one sailors what a big kite looked like, as he soared off into the distance finishing way in front of the fleet. Looked darned good too. The pictures below are a simple look at her, keep in mind that I was too far away from Div one to get any good kite shots.
Vale Sally Baulch
A farewell was held on Tuesday the 20th of May at Fremantle Cemetery for Sally Baulch, partner to Russell Fletcher and mother to Mitch and Madeleine and at various times an H28 owner (Soraya) and crewmember thereof.
Sally has left a hole, not only in our hearts but in the wide artistic community that she lived in. Super Sal, as she has been known, would never let anything rest and having found Russell, she blossomed anew. They travelled widely and formed an inseparable pair that sparkled. Mercifully her illness was relatively brief, but her spirit shone even then, as it has every day of her life. Were we all the same.
Thanks to Maureen Youngs and Phil Lammonby who spoke on behalf of the H28 community as well as the yacht club. Rest in peace Sally.
A farewell was held on Tuesday the 20th of May at Fremantle Cemetery for Sally Baulch, partner to Russell Fletcher and mother to Mitch and Madeleine and at various times an H28 owner (Soraya) and crewmember thereof.
Sally has left a hole, not only in our hearts but in the wide artistic community that she lived in. Super Sal, as she has been known, would never let anything rest and having found Russell, she blossomed anew. They travelled widely and formed an inseparable pair that sparkled. Mercifully her illness was relatively brief, but her spirit shone even then, as it has every day of her life. Were we all the same.
Thanks to Maureen Youngs and Phil Lammonby who spoke on behalf of the H28 community as well as the yacht club. Rest in peace Sally.
The Power Boat Opening Day and our traditional role therein.
On a warm and sunny afternoon, we set off onto the water to do the traditional power boat opening day task the H28's have been doing since day one. A lack of strong communication had meant that for the previous year or so, we had not been on their radar, but Chairman Glen continued to pester them until we took our role back and on water admin realized that we wanted to do it.
A nice day out and when the breeze swung from the nor west onto the south west, the day clouded up a little, but it was good for the day and the observations began. Oh hang on.... did any one notice Les Brooker and the two other male crew doing bog laps around that party boat hanging off the spit he was supposed to use as the mark? We did, we were on the next mark over and had observed the skinnies in passing, but with Judy on board, Brian and I had no choice but to keep on going. Not so Les... three times around the mark and I'm sure something was said, but he settled into position with the glint of powerful binoculars seen in the distance.
A good hour was spent and once the task was complete, we packed up, moved back to the pens in Brian's other H28 (a 40 something Riviera) and invited all and sundry to join us on the back of the boat for a convivial red wine.
These are simply a few images of the H28's settling into the job. Enjoy.
A nice day out and when the breeze swung from the nor west onto the south west, the day clouded up a little, but it was good for the day and the observations began. Oh hang on.... did any one notice Les Brooker and the two other male crew doing bog laps around that party boat hanging off the spit he was supposed to use as the mark? We did, we were on the next mark over and had observed the skinnies in passing, but with Judy on board, Brian and I had no choice but to keep on going. Not so Les... three times around the mark and I'm sure something was said, but he settled into position with the glint of powerful binoculars seen in the distance.
A good hour was spent and once the task was complete, we packed up, moved back to the pens in Brian's other H28 (a 40 something Riviera) and invited all and sundry to join us on the back of the boat for a convivial red wine.
These are simply a few images of the H28's settling into the job. Enjoy.
Closing Day . 26th of April.
The Commodores Trophy
The wonderful about closing day is that some of us dress up a little and without fail, Kate had the boys in really cool 60's stuff and Corella acted like the Mexicans we know they are. And dressed appropriately with drinks to go with it as well. Hi jinks aside, they sent us on a run up to Brickies, not once but twice and the cry of " are we there yet" rang around the fleet. Oh and it rained as well. 'Bout time too, but the misery of a wet run was only alleviated when we saw the guys on Vision complete in Roman togas freezing their buns off in the rain. Nine boats in the fleet and the usual suspects were there with Jay taking over the helm as Graeme was otherwise disposed. Up and down we went and it was chase Vic on Carina all day as he cleared out well and truly. Bill Richards was next and Glen Stanley with Wynella sailed well to get a third on the day. A good job for all involved. Mariner has now been up on the slips for a week and is looking better every day. Eventually they will start on the inside and that will be worth a look. The photos for the refurbishments are in the photo gallery along with Jindarra.
Good Friday review. or are we there yet?
When the starters send you out on a course one and the breeze is going to drop out .......... it leads one to go Ummmm! This happened a week ago and was an indicator of how the breeze has been running recently. Gentle easterlies that go through the north and end up at 10 to 14 knots out of the west with the knowledge that it will be gone by 4.30 pm.
Nevertheless we saddled up for the longest run in the course book and got going all the way up to Brickies A and B and got a surprise from the other boats. Most of them were in front. Lockie, Vic, the Williams et all. Even Nerrima was pushing the case. Oh well.. sort out the kite and get it up and head off to Dolphin West. NO gains, but a good drop and away off to Brickies again. This time we stayed out a bit and got a good lift taking us into the fore with only Lockie and the Williams boat in front of us.
The concept of a bare-away set was introduced to the foredeck and after much humming was promised on the next rounding. Hopes are looking up. Let them fight it out was the policy and those in front of us started to play silly buggers so we worked our way down the track to Addison with the plaintive cry of " Are we there yet" coming from the fore deck every 5 minutes or so. Eventually we got there, but it was already 1630 hrs and we still had to go to Deepwater and back. With no breeze at all we rounded the bottom mark and started up wind looking for anything and then Hughie was kind and breathed life into the river and the race was on again. Get up there and those who went right were left right out. ( yeah! always wanted to use that particular phrase ) The breeze filled in on the left and Anna went walking to glory with Nerrima right behind us. Then get to the finish line and Lockie regained all that ground to be right behind us as we slipped over the line with the on station flag dropping as he crossed the line after us. Well done John Wright a good sail and just in the nick of time.
Nevertheless we saddled up for the longest run in the course book and got going all the way up to Brickies A and B and got a surprise from the other boats. Most of them were in front. Lockie, Vic, the Williams et all. Even Nerrima was pushing the case. Oh well.. sort out the kite and get it up and head off to Dolphin West. NO gains, but a good drop and away off to Brickies again. This time we stayed out a bit and got a good lift taking us into the fore with only Lockie and the Williams boat in front of us.
The concept of a bare-away set was introduced to the foredeck and after much humming was promised on the next rounding. Hopes are looking up. Let them fight it out was the policy and those in front of us started to play silly buggers so we worked our way down the track to Addison with the plaintive cry of " Are we there yet" coming from the fore deck every 5 minutes or so. Eventually we got there, but it was already 1630 hrs and we still had to go to Deepwater and back. With no breeze at all we rounded the bottom mark and started up wind looking for anything and then Hughie was kind and breathed life into the river and the race was on again. Get up there and those who went right were left right out. ( yeah! always wanted to use that particular phrase ) The breeze filled in on the left and Anna went walking to glory with Nerrima right behind us. Then get to the finish line and Lockie regained all that ground to be right behind us as we slipped over the line with the on station flag dropping as he crossed the line after us. Well done John Wright a good sail and just in the nick of time.
The 1st of April ( no jokes please)
Hooray, it rained.
The last Championship round was sailed in foreboding skies with a north westerly puffing along between 12 to 15 knots. Didn't vary much, but the shifts meant the difference between the front and three back. Oh and flying a kite or blowing one to shreds as one boat did.
We had a visitor on the day, Peter Wilson from Denmark down south. He was up for the weekend and thought it would be a good idea to go sailing with the H28's as he is busily restoring Coromandel ( aka Tanya and Bronzewings ). He went out with Bill on Swiftsure Saga and had a ball, with Bill getting a third on consistency and a 2nd in the Championship. Yes, he was in front and obviously enjoyed that. Peter was in and out of a number of the H28's during the pre race and asking a lot of questions as he looks to use Coromandel for cruising.
Most of the crews were three up and as such, not too many spinnakers were flown, but Anna welcomed a new foredecky to the boat when Peter took up the challenge to go forward and wandered into adventure land for the first time. Alma was seen trying to make Addison with the kite dragging them sideways. Damn if I know how they made it but they did. Lockie went out with a full crew and was heard advising the crew to take it easy, "we have this one in the bag". They didn't have to even go out and they would have won, but as a good H28 skipper, he went out to try his luck. I'll bet he wished he hadn't. Once you see the photo's you'll see why.
Provisional results have Corella first ( again), Swiftsure Saga second and Anna third. Well done all.
Wednesdays have been good and the battle is still between Swiftsure Saga and Mariner. At writing, there is half a point in it and Brian Cross has got to keep his handicap under control. No more first and fastest's Brian. Its killing the handicap. Just stay in front of Bill. The repair work on Andrew Bells ( Jindarra the 1st ) boat goes on a pace and with the chain plates being shifted in, she may be quite a handful. She will take time to learn, but if Andrew does as he promises, she will be quick. Kate has gotten over the big bang theory and will look at the winter season to improve. Vic Court.... what can you say about the man... just when we thought he was going to lie down and give up. He gets the boat anti fouled and then starts taking firsts and seconds on the water. Lesson one. Never dismiss Vic Court as having reached the age of retirement. It ain't going to happen yet. He sails low, not slow and damned good on corners.
Enjoy the images.
The last Championship round was sailed in foreboding skies with a north westerly puffing along between 12 to 15 knots. Didn't vary much, but the shifts meant the difference between the front and three back. Oh and flying a kite or blowing one to shreds as one boat did.
We had a visitor on the day, Peter Wilson from Denmark down south. He was up for the weekend and thought it would be a good idea to go sailing with the H28's as he is busily restoring Coromandel ( aka Tanya and Bronzewings ). He went out with Bill on Swiftsure Saga and had a ball, with Bill getting a third on consistency and a 2nd in the Championship. Yes, he was in front and obviously enjoyed that. Peter was in and out of a number of the H28's during the pre race and asking a lot of questions as he looks to use Coromandel for cruising.
Most of the crews were three up and as such, not too many spinnakers were flown, but Anna welcomed a new foredecky to the boat when Peter took up the challenge to go forward and wandered into adventure land for the first time. Alma was seen trying to make Addison with the kite dragging them sideways. Damn if I know how they made it but they did. Lockie went out with a full crew and was heard advising the crew to take it easy, "we have this one in the bag". They didn't have to even go out and they would have won, but as a good H28 skipper, he went out to try his luck. I'll bet he wished he hadn't. Once you see the photo's you'll see why.
Provisional results have Corella first ( again), Swiftsure Saga second and Anna third. Well done all.
Wednesdays have been good and the battle is still between Swiftsure Saga and Mariner. At writing, there is half a point in it and Brian Cross has got to keep his handicap under control. No more first and fastest's Brian. Its killing the handicap. Just stay in front of Bill. The repair work on Andrew Bells ( Jindarra the 1st ) boat goes on a pace and with the chain plates being shifted in, she may be quite a handful. She will take time to learn, but if Andrew does as he promises, she will be quick. Kate has gotten over the big bang theory and will look at the winter season to improve. Vic Court.... what can you say about the man... just when we thought he was going to lie down and give up. He gets the boat anti fouled and then starts taking firsts and seconds on the water. Lesson one. Never dismiss Vic Court as having reached the age of retirement. It ain't going to happen yet. He sails low, not slow and damned good on corners.
Enjoy the images.
The 5th of March and more to report.
The sailing weather has dropped out to a lighter style with Easterlies predominating and the seabreeze working hard to come in. And there lies the rub. Kate has determined that the best way to stop the plastic boats from beating us in the light breezes is to knock them over. Good one Kate. Now every SS22 sailor will not even approach the start line if an H28 is present.
We are trying to get them to join the fleet I know, but bowling a boat over is not the way to do it. Just very glad that no one was hurt. Present score is H28's 5 - SS22's nil. To all the SS22 sailors out there.... this is a formal apology .... Sorry.
With no sailing on Saturday thanks to the long weekend, Wednesdays have been the go and apart from Kate's bingle, we have had Jay back from NZ and missing a mark last Wednesday and having to unwind quite a lot of race course to get around the track. Dave Locke is working on Jindarra again and the internal fit out and coach work is looking good. So by the way is Aloha. Jay has done the deck and some coach work a while ago and she looks a lot better. Now get her on the water Mr Minto. Mariner is starting to leak faster than ever. Brian is making noises about pulling the boat out to have some major repairs done as the poor little bilge pump is working over time and we are finding new open seams every time we get onto the boat. Vic's boat was pulled out and given a new coat of paint over the long weekend as well. Hope that it improves his speed.
We've had a few guests come out with us and one of the other crew members was heard to remark " how did those blokes get the young birds". Well, sail with us and learn how!
Enjoy the images.
We are trying to get them to join the fleet I know, but bowling a boat over is not the way to do it. Just very glad that no one was hurt. Present score is H28's 5 - SS22's nil. To all the SS22 sailors out there.... this is a formal apology .... Sorry.
With no sailing on Saturday thanks to the long weekend, Wednesdays have been the go and apart from Kate's bingle, we have had Jay back from NZ and missing a mark last Wednesday and having to unwind quite a lot of race course to get around the track. Dave Locke is working on Jindarra again and the internal fit out and coach work is looking good. So by the way is Aloha. Jay has done the deck and some coach work a while ago and she looks a lot better. Now get her on the water Mr Minto. Mariner is starting to leak faster than ever. Brian is making noises about pulling the boat out to have some major repairs done as the poor little bilge pump is working over time and we are finding new open seams every time we get onto the boat. Vic's boat was pulled out and given a new coat of paint over the long weekend as well. Hope that it improves his speed.
We've had a few guests come out with us and one of the other crew members was heard to remark " how did those blokes get the young birds". Well, sail with us and learn how!
Enjoy the images.
The next three weeks of fun and games.
It really isn't fair to go down this track , but I guess I'll have to.
The next week (the 8th) was a consistency race and it was blowing just a little bit less, not much but enough to send us around the course and forget about throwing up a kite. Once again the choice was made on our boat early and as we started in what looked like 10 to 15 and built from there. I managed to get the camera out doing this period and there are one or two shots of Corella changing down a jib size as she was suffering mightily. The same can't be said for Georgina who was going like a rocket and managed to whizz past us on the down wind. And with the number one up! As we had. One of the images shows a recording of 8.1 knots and seconds before, we had 8.9 knots on the GPS. Gybes were handled carefully. Lucky Bay Spit had a doof doof party going on with three boats tied up and not a skinny in sight. Twice we sailed past them on our way to Brickies A and B and each time we simply blocked our ears and kept on going. (I must be getting old). One small misunderstanding at Deepwater on the third leg had Bill (Swift Sure Saga) have a meeting with Georgina and Bill lost the top of his port winch and his wind indicator. Apparently Georgina had had her tiller come out of the rudder post and ooops no steerage. Brian Cross was sailing with Bill that day and managed to rip the main in half. No he didn't, but the mainsail gave way at the reef points after first giving way on the leach/foot. It was a busy day. Alma retired and Soraya decided it was a good day to go home before anything got broken.
The 15th was a much nicer day and we found a spare fordeckie ( off Wally's Naughty Black Shorts) and he promised he could throw up a kite. First two times were good , then we had to switch to a starboard pole and he got it wrong. We spent the next 10 minutes trawling for lines and spinnakers. From second to last. High Ho.
The 22nd was a good day out on Bill Richards boat as John Wright of Anna was taking it quietly for the weekend. A dreadfully hot start to the event and no less that 5 AP's to get it right. Eventually we got going and around the track with not a spinnaker on the boat. However Bills Boat is fast and we got a very good second over the line without a kite and a third on handicap. Well sailed Alma, they nailed it well and truly but a rare mistake on Corella ( navigators fault I believe) sent them off to Deepwater with the rest of us heading off to Robins. He managed to get back a couple of places, but no way was he going to get first and fastest for this race.
The next week (the 8th) was a consistency race and it was blowing just a little bit less, not much but enough to send us around the course and forget about throwing up a kite. Once again the choice was made on our boat early and as we started in what looked like 10 to 15 and built from there. I managed to get the camera out doing this period and there are one or two shots of Corella changing down a jib size as she was suffering mightily. The same can't be said for Georgina who was going like a rocket and managed to whizz past us on the down wind. And with the number one up! As we had. One of the images shows a recording of 8.1 knots and seconds before, we had 8.9 knots on the GPS. Gybes were handled carefully. Lucky Bay Spit had a doof doof party going on with three boats tied up and not a skinny in sight. Twice we sailed past them on our way to Brickies A and B and each time we simply blocked our ears and kept on going. (I must be getting old). One small misunderstanding at Deepwater on the third leg had Bill (Swift Sure Saga) have a meeting with Georgina and Bill lost the top of his port winch and his wind indicator. Apparently Georgina had had her tiller come out of the rudder post and ooops no steerage. Brian Cross was sailing with Bill that day and managed to rip the main in half. No he didn't, but the mainsail gave way at the reef points after first giving way on the leach/foot. It was a busy day. Alma retired and Soraya decided it was a good day to go home before anything got broken.
The 15th was a much nicer day and we found a spare fordeckie ( off Wally's Naughty Black Shorts) and he promised he could throw up a kite. First two times were good , then we had to switch to a starboard pole and he got it wrong. We spent the next 10 minutes trawling for lines and spinnakers. From second to last. High Ho.
The 22nd was a good day out on Bill Richards boat as John Wright of Anna was taking it quietly for the weekend. A dreadfully hot start to the event and no less that 5 AP's to get it right. Eventually we got going and around the track with not a spinnaker on the boat. However Bills Boat is fast and we got a very good second over the line without a kite and a third on handicap. Well sailed Alma, they nailed it well and truly but a rare mistake on Corella ( navigators fault I believe) sent them off to Deepwater with the rest of us heading off to Robins. He managed to get back a couple of places, but no way was he going to get first and fastest for this race.
Images from the 8th of February
The 6th Championship Race sailed on the 1st of Feb 2014
This championship was sailed on a day better described as a lunatics delight.
The seabreeze was solidly redlining with a base of 20 knots and gusts of 28 knots were recorded. It was a late start and we were on Melville water East so the fetch was enough to create a ferocious chop down the bottom end where the start line was.
The contestants were Dave Locke and crew in Corella, Alma with the Murray boys and Andrew, Soraya with Phil, Kate and stray bodies on board. Bill RIchards fronted with Big John and picked up a third (Dorian) at the last moment. Nerrima came out to play with Les and a crew of 4 or 5 to make up the quorum. John Wright took Anna out with Pete, myself and a putative foredeck man Mark from Glen Stanley's crew.
We were racing with Div one and two before us and an AP was thrown up when the wind swung further left ( to the south ) and the line was re-adjusted. Div one got away with a reasonable start and div two straggled over the line taking two minutes to get the fleet across. ( I said it was a little rough ). By 10 to 5 ( approx.) we got away and with a couple of quick tacks on the line to dodge boats that were coming at us, we were on our way. The race given to us was the big one...... triangle, sausage and triangle with a windward finish. By this time the fleet was down one as Phil and Kate made a good decision and had retired from the race. Too easy to break things I'd imagine was the call.
Third on the run up we had Alma and Corella to beat with Swiftsure and Nerrima behind us. Down to the bottom and not a kite put up by anyone, in fact a human pole was all that was needed on th e first triangle. Up again and notice that Alma was slipping behind us with the leach on her jib thrumming. Not good. Up and around for the sausage run down with a poled out jib. Still no kites, but a div two boat nearly got run over as he tossed at the last second when we were on our way up again. By this time the wind readings on Melville water were reading a base of 22 knots and peaking at 28 or better. Into the triangle and note that Alma has withdrawn. We are now second and pushing Lockie as hard as we can with the traveller going up and down like a yo-yo. Repeat of the first triangle and then up wind we go again. Almost into the setting sun we go with the finish line set to port of the start boat. A few anxious moments as Colin Cowden goes screaming past the rounding buoy in our path with the div one boats doing a big one as well. Duck past him and prepare to tack for the line. Slam bang and a shout of thanks to Les Swinton on the start boat then turn for home . Final result. Corella 1st , Anna 2nd, Swiftsure Saga 3rd and Nerrima 4th.
Well done everyone who sailed on the day. It wasn't easy, but the sailing was great.
Sorry, no photos .... I was busy.
The seabreeze was solidly redlining with a base of 20 knots and gusts of 28 knots were recorded. It was a late start and we were on Melville water East so the fetch was enough to create a ferocious chop down the bottom end where the start line was.
The contestants were Dave Locke and crew in Corella, Alma with the Murray boys and Andrew, Soraya with Phil, Kate and stray bodies on board. Bill RIchards fronted with Big John and picked up a third (Dorian) at the last moment. Nerrima came out to play with Les and a crew of 4 or 5 to make up the quorum. John Wright took Anna out with Pete, myself and a putative foredeck man Mark from Glen Stanley's crew.
We were racing with Div one and two before us and an AP was thrown up when the wind swung further left ( to the south ) and the line was re-adjusted. Div one got away with a reasonable start and div two straggled over the line taking two minutes to get the fleet across. ( I said it was a little rough ). By 10 to 5 ( approx.) we got away and with a couple of quick tacks on the line to dodge boats that were coming at us, we were on our way. The race given to us was the big one...... triangle, sausage and triangle with a windward finish. By this time the fleet was down one as Phil and Kate made a good decision and had retired from the race. Too easy to break things I'd imagine was the call.
Third on the run up we had Alma and Corella to beat with Swiftsure and Nerrima behind us. Down to the bottom and not a kite put up by anyone, in fact a human pole was all that was needed on th e first triangle. Up again and notice that Alma was slipping behind us with the leach on her jib thrumming. Not good. Up and around for the sausage run down with a poled out jib. Still no kites, but a div two boat nearly got run over as he tossed at the last second when we were on our way up again. By this time the wind readings on Melville water were reading a base of 22 knots and peaking at 28 or better. Into the triangle and note that Alma has withdrawn. We are now second and pushing Lockie as hard as we can with the traveller going up and down like a yo-yo. Repeat of the first triangle and then up wind we go again. Almost into the setting sun we go with the finish line set to port of the start boat. A few anxious moments as Colin Cowden goes screaming past the rounding buoy in our path with the div one boats doing a big one as well. Duck past him and prepare to tack for the line. Slam bang and a shout of thanks to Les Swinton on the start boat then turn for home . Final result. Corella 1st , Anna 2nd, Swiftsure Saga 3rd and Nerrima 4th.
Well done everyone who sailed on the day. It wasn't easy, but the sailing was great.
Sorry, no photos .... I was busy.
The 5th Championship Race
Sorry. I wasn't there. I was out and about with a camera.
From what I understand JW didn't go out either and that has put us back a little. However the results came in and no surprise to see who got up. Vic has been doing very well of late and I wonder whether he should be swabbed.
Hang on, some one correct me please... I thought championships were sailed from scratch. The results have been handicapped. Aha. Go to the progressive results and look up H28 championships. The true result is there. Lockie did get up as first, Vic second and Phil Lammonby third.
Then there was the Wednesday prior when Bill Richards might have well though that he had the race in the bag and Brian Cross swung across the line a second ahead of him. What Bill Richards may not have realised was that we were sinking quickly and only the pump was between us and the bottom of the river. Two weeks of dry hot weather had opened us up and every seam on the boat was leaking it seemed. Just had to beat Bill though so it was sail hard and pump harder.
From what I understand JW didn't go out either and that has put us back a little. However the results came in and no surprise to see who got up. Vic has been doing very well of late and I wonder whether he should be swabbed.
Hang on, some one correct me please... I thought championships were sailed from scratch. The results have been handicapped. Aha. Go to the progressive results and look up H28 championships. The true result is there. Lockie did get up as first, Vic second and Phil Lammonby third.
Then there was the Wednesday prior when Bill Richards might have well though that he had the race in the bag and Brian Cross swung across the line a second ahead of him. What Bill Richards may not have realised was that we were sinking quickly and only the pump was between us and the bottom of the river. Two weeks of dry hot weather had opened us up and every seam on the boat was leaking it seemed. Just had to beat Bill though so it was sail hard and pump harder.
The Wooden Boat Race Regatta 2014
What a Stinker of a day!
A predicted temperature of 44 degrees and an Easterly that promised nothing and indeed played its usual game. Here one minute and gone in five minutes time. Little puffs along the freeway ( more of that later ) and a general malaise across the river as the relentless sun beat down from a cloudless sky. And to add to FESA's woes, someone lit a fire over in Jolimont and the plume of smoke rose over the new children's hospital cranes on the north west shore.
With a total of 14 boats, 11 of which were H28's and 3 guests we sallied forth with lots of liquid refreshment.
The Gaffers got away and were quickly caught up with as the breeze was full of holes and those near the freeway did well to catch the errant puffs. If you have a look at Waltzing Matilda, a dagger board craft from Kalgoorlie, you will see her catching the freeway special and the shouts of "ease the mainsail" were heard at least 50 yards away. More to the point, see how quickly Les Brooker in Nerrima caught her when the wind filled his sails. We were out of all this and by the time we hit Sampson, we were stone motherless last and thanks to the limp flags didn't even know which course we were on.
The fleet filed away from us with Brian Cross and Mariner in the lead and at that stage Manfred from Royal Freshie was second boat in line. We made it to Hallmark thanks to a puff from the nor west down the middle of the river and by deduction knew that we were on our way to Dee Rd as the next mark. Still last by the way. Across the river with the help of a possible seabreeze aka westerly and caught up with the back of the fleet and began to harass the back markers who included Vic on Carina, Les and Manfred who had had a shocker of a day crossing the creek, I believe.
Then started the follow me game with the westerly pushing us down wind and JW on Anna did his best to give Les and Manfred a hard time. Vic had slipped out below us down the wind and was letting us play the games. Until Como, Vic was slightly in front, but the chance arrival of a 97 getting between Vic and the mark, pushed him out and we followed them around inside Vic. Beauty, now the run for the line, slightly cracked and it was only clever work on the sails that got us past him and over the line first, with Manfred and Les following on.
Meanwhile at the front of the fleet, Brian Cross repeated Mariners win from last year but had to give handicap points to Glen Stanley on Wynella and took line honours and second with Glen taking a 6th and the handicap win, Alma was second over the line and 5th on handicap with Jay Lawry and Karoleeya 3rd on both line honours and handicap. The gaffers results were Waltzing Matilda first and Wee Birlinn second.
Many thanks to our visiting boats and we feel that the heat probably held one or two back of both our own fleet and visitors from attending. Many thanks to Steve Winter and Saratoga and the power boat fleet who attended. Thanks also to our sponsors, Amanda Watson from Perth Timber Floors and Ben Skinner from Canning River Traders
A predicted temperature of 44 degrees and an Easterly that promised nothing and indeed played its usual game. Here one minute and gone in five minutes time. Little puffs along the freeway ( more of that later ) and a general malaise across the river as the relentless sun beat down from a cloudless sky. And to add to FESA's woes, someone lit a fire over in Jolimont and the plume of smoke rose over the new children's hospital cranes on the north west shore.
With a total of 14 boats, 11 of which were H28's and 3 guests we sallied forth with lots of liquid refreshment.
The Gaffers got away and were quickly caught up with as the breeze was full of holes and those near the freeway did well to catch the errant puffs. If you have a look at Waltzing Matilda, a dagger board craft from Kalgoorlie, you will see her catching the freeway special and the shouts of "ease the mainsail" were heard at least 50 yards away. More to the point, see how quickly Les Brooker in Nerrima caught her when the wind filled his sails. We were out of all this and by the time we hit Sampson, we were stone motherless last and thanks to the limp flags didn't even know which course we were on.
The fleet filed away from us with Brian Cross and Mariner in the lead and at that stage Manfred from Royal Freshie was second boat in line. We made it to Hallmark thanks to a puff from the nor west down the middle of the river and by deduction knew that we were on our way to Dee Rd as the next mark. Still last by the way. Across the river with the help of a possible seabreeze aka westerly and caught up with the back of the fleet and began to harass the back markers who included Vic on Carina, Les and Manfred who had had a shocker of a day crossing the creek, I believe.
Then started the follow me game with the westerly pushing us down wind and JW on Anna did his best to give Les and Manfred a hard time. Vic had slipped out below us down the wind and was letting us play the games. Until Como, Vic was slightly in front, but the chance arrival of a 97 getting between Vic and the mark, pushed him out and we followed them around inside Vic. Beauty, now the run for the line, slightly cracked and it was only clever work on the sails that got us past him and over the line first, with Manfred and Les following on.
Meanwhile at the front of the fleet, Brian Cross repeated Mariners win from last year but had to give handicap points to Glen Stanley on Wynella and took line honours and second with Glen taking a 6th and the handicap win, Alma was second over the line and 5th on handicap with Jay Lawry and Karoleeya 3rd on both line honours and handicap. The gaffers results were Waltzing Matilda first and Wee Birlinn second.
Many thanks to our visiting boats and we feel that the heat probably held one or two back of both our own fleet and visitors from attending. Many thanks to Steve Winter and Saratoga and the power boat fleet who attended. Thanks also to our sponsors, Amanda Watson from Perth Timber Floors and Ben Skinner from Canning River Traders