The stories of the Herreshoff 28's of Perth, West Australia
The final of the Wednesday Spring Sailing series 19th of December 2018
As close a finish as you would care to ask for &
Just a second in it.
The day was perfect & the option of a course one with a sou wester of 18 to 23 knots was the best offer you could ask for to decide a series.
There were seven boats out on the water today with Aloha coming out to join us again, making up the seventh along with the usual crowd of Alma, Corella, Mariner, Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and the First Jindarra. Not surprisingly the H28 fleet made up a quarter of the entire fleet that wen out onto the water today.
We got away well from the start line and managed to stay above Jindarra's line as we drove toward Martin. The rest of the fleet were close behind us, but a good start had us in shape to ease away around Martin with speed and toward Weaver for the gybe and another reach across to Sampson. The reach that was to cause us a fair bit of grief as we were obviously slower on the run down the line. Shape of the sail? No; setting of the jib? No; clean bum? No worse than anyone else's.
Sampson loomed and we were still second around after the Jin with Swiftsure and Corella breathing our air as we worked our way up the breeze. We flipped over to maintain a loose cover on the boats behind us who had already gone and by the time we made the channel, we had Swiftsure and Wynella below us and Corella calling for water. We tacked and drove off up toward the oncoming RP fleet looking for a gap after Foam. We kept on driving up the breeze with clear air, but it was a false move as when we came back, those who had gone into the bay came out with height and speed. Bugger. We'd gone back behind three boats and now were staring at Wynella's transom. Worse to come, Alma was looming at us as well and there was no way we were going to let her get past us. We made good time up the line to Applecross Spit avoiding Royal Perth boats and managed to bend the boat a little more toward Deepwater. We had to tack of course and did it just in time, ducking one boat and calling the other. Around the mark we fled, leaving the RP boat floundering in our wake, but still behind Glen's transom.
Away to Print with speeds in the low 7's as we hoisted a pole and gybed shortly afterwards, once we'd made our ground. Bending around Print we headed up toward Robins and made our way into the bay. For once, we were in with a chance to run up the wind and we bent our way up the breeze to Robins. Corella was long gone as was Jindarra, but Swiftsure Saga was steadily drawing away from Wynella and the rest of us.
We made Robins (just) and headed off to Dolphin East with a gybe at the mark. Then to Como with Alma and John Wright at the helm chasing, chasing!
No one told me that the shortened course flag was up, but the sight of boats with their sails down after the line was a sure sign, so making the mark was a priority. So with a meter to spare we made the line and watched Alma come over the line shortly after. Not our best day. And worse was to come. We'd had trouble with the outhaul again and no matter what we did, we weren't able to get tension into it while on the breeze. So we hauled the boat up into the breeze and let go the luff to re tension the outhaul. Time was lost.
The results came through and damn it, despite finishing 5th to Wynellas 4th, Corella's handicap and good finish put them between us and Wynella ( by one second ) So immediately we dropped to 4th on handicap.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella
For the season:
That one second would cost Mariner more than you could imagine. we were now even in points with Wynella but on count back Wynella had more first places that we had. The season went to Wynella and well done to he and the crew. But lets not stop there! 3rd and 4th place was also a count back as was 5th and 6th place.
Over summer I believe that Eun na Mara is heading down to the Cockburn Sound regatta and perhaps Karoleeya might make it as well. Both of these boats will be looking for crew so support your wooden boats please!
John Wrights boat Anna comes up on the 2nd and 4th weeks of January to be worked on. Volunteers are always welcome so contact Ian Weaver to offer your assistance. ( I believe a scrape down and perhaps some work on the topsides in in the offing.) Plus the mast has to come off as well.
Not many photos again.. I was busy.
As close a finish as you would care to ask for &
Just a second in it.
The day was perfect & the option of a course one with a sou wester of 18 to 23 knots was the best offer you could ask for to decide a series.
There were seven boats out on the water today with Aloha coming out to join us again, making up the seventh along with the usual crowd of Alma, Corella, Mariner, Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and the First Jindarra. Not surprisingly the H28 fleet made up a quarter of the entire fleet that wen out onto the water today.
We got away well from the start line and managed to stay above Jindarra's line as we drove toward Martin. The rest of the fleet were close behind us, but a good start had us in shape to ease away around Martin with speed and toward Weaver for the gybe and another reach across to Sampson. The reach that was to cause us a fair bit of grief as we were obviously slower on the run down the line. Shape of the sail? No; setting of the jib? No; clean bum? No worse than anyone else's.
Sampson loomed and we were still second around after the Jin with Swiftsure and Corella breathing our air as we worked our way up the breeze. We flipped over to maintain a loose cover on the boats behind us who had already gone and by the time we made the channel, we had Swiftsure and Wynella below us and Corella calling for water. We tacked and drove off up toward the oncoming RP fleet looking for a gap after Foam. We kept on driving up the breeze with clear air, but it was a false move as when we came back, those who had gone into the bay came out with height and speed. Bugger. We'd gone back behind three boats and now were staring at Wynella's transom. Worse to come, Alma was looming at us as well and there was no way we were going to let her get past us. We made good time up the line to Applecross Spit avoiding Royal Perth boats and managed to bend the boat a little more toward Deepwater. We had to tack of course and did it just in time, ducking one boat and calling the other. Around the mark we fled, leaving the RP boat floundering in our wake, but still behind Glen's transom.
Away to Print with speeds in the low 7's as we hoisted a pole and gybed shortly afterwards, once we'd made our ground. Bending around Print we headed up toward Robins and made our way into the bay. For once, we were in with a chance to run up the wind and we bent our way up the breeze to Robins. Corella was long gone as was Jindarra, but Swiftsure Saga was steadily drawing away from Wynella and the rest of us.
We made Robins (just) and headed off to Dolphin East with a gybe at the mark. Then to Como with Alma and John Wright at the helm chasing, chasing!
No one told me that the shortened course flag was up, but the sight of boats with their sails down after the line was a sure sign, so making the mark was a priority. So with a meter to spare we made the line and watched Alma come over the line shortly after. Not our best day. And worse was to come. We'd had trouble with the outhaul again and no matter what we did, we weren't able to get tension into it while on the breeze. So we hauled the boat up into the breeze and let go the luff to re tension the outhaul. Time was lost.
The results came through and damn it, despite finishing 5th to Wynellas 4th, Corella's handicap and good finish put them between us and Wynella ( by one second ) So immediately we dropped to 4th on handicap.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella
For the season:
That one second would cost Mariner more than you could imagine. we were now even in points with Wynella but on count back Wynella had more first places that we had. The season went to Wynella and well done to he and the crew. But lets not stop there! 3rd and 4th place was also a count back as was 5th and 6th place.
Over summer I believe that Eun na Mara is heading down to the Cockburn Sound regatta and perhaps Karoleeya might make it as well. Both of these boats will be looking for crew so support your wooden boats please!
John Wrights boat Anna comes up on the 2nd and 4th weeks of January to be worked on. Volunteers are always welcome so contact Ian Weaver to offer your assistance. ( I believe a scrape down and perhaps some work on the topsides in in the offing.) Plus the mast has to come off as well.
Not many photos again.. I was busy.
Summer Sailing Saturdays Saturday the 15th of December
The Frank Sampson Memorial pursuit race.
The threats of foul weather must have scared the majority of both the H28's and the other fleets, but we were ready to go and it was simply a choice of the headsail. The # 1. We had a sou wester building during the day and a base of 14 to 18 knots finishing with 17 to 20 knots at the end of the day. Of the 34 boats that set out on the water, three H28s took off; Wynella, Karoleeya and Swiftsure Saga. Karoleeya as suited her modest handicap took off at 14 minutes, Wynella at 16 and Swiftsure at 19 minutes. So, again, it was chasing Glens transom. The course was the usual monster with a double trip to Brickies A & B after Sampson with a stop at Dolphin West in between the first and second trip to Brickies. Then the big down wind run to Como and across to the finish line.
As there were only 3 H28s to photograph it was a bit pointless to confine myself to just them, so there are other images on board. Some drawn from stills, others from the video being taken on the way around. We had a good take off in the company of a couple of SS27's who nagged at our heels for most of the upward work to Brickies on the first leg, but once they were able to throw up kites, they left us behind. Not far, but sufficiently enough for separation. Having reached the top mark we had to tack back and forced Karoleeya to tack off as we were on starboard. We managed to get around, but were watching San Michelle having a terrible time at Brickies A. They had hit the mark and were tangled in it, with all the fleets heading toward them. They separated just in time, but had to tack away to prevent a potential disaster. The first run down to Dolphin West allowed us the opportunity to watch some boats doing their spinnaker hoists and screwing it up, while others like Brian Saleeba on SP20 just flicked it up effortlessly.
Getting to Dolphin West gave us the opportunity to brush away one or two red witches who were gathering around us and the work up the strengthening breeze took us deep into Lucky with the knowledge that the knocks would come like it or not.. Around we went again with a pair of Royal Perth yachts on our tail and our gybe at the mark was tight to prevent their getting above us. It didn't really matter, but it was just a case of pride more than anything else. So on the long down wind run.
The breeze was freshening by now and the spinnakers were wobbling around. One or two boats had spinnaker powered wipe outs and I watched the SS27's in front of us executing speed wobbles trying to keep their spinnakers in balance with their hulls. Fascinating watching from the security of a JaM powered hull. The run was uneventful for us and our needs were simple, try and keep up with Glen. The three minute head start was just a little too much and try as we could, catching him was difficult with a decent main sheet hand on board. Then Como loomed and the corner was made with the pole being put away in due course. Our need was to keep a Cole 32, Mingara off our tail as she would have slowed us down if we'd let her go over us, so skim past Heathcote then drop down to the line, opening up the sails for speed as we came down.
But it wasn't to be our day and first three boats across the line were the Space Sailor 22's who were ideally suited to the day. Another 5 knots and they would have struggled, but good sailing had them across the line first. Only two boats passed us, both SS27's with spinnakers so we'd done well for the day, but the three minute lead Glen had was just 39 seconds too much for us to get back.. Karoleeya finished some 9 minutes after us. Well sailed all those who went out.
The question remains... Where was everyone else?
The Frank Sampson Memorial pursuit race.
The threats of foul weather must have scared the majority of both the H28's and the other fleets, but we were ready to go and it was simply a choice of the headsail. The # 1. We had a sou wester building during the day and a base of 14 to 18 knots finishing with 17 to 20 knots at the end of the day. Of the 34 boats that set out on the water, three H28s took off; Wynella, Karoleeya and Swiftsure Saga. Karoleeya as suited her modest handicap took off at 14 minutes, Wynella at 16 and Swiftsure at 19 minutes. So, again, it was chasing Glens transom. The course was the usual monster with a double trip to Brickies A & B after Sampson with a stop at Dolphin West in between the first and second trip to Brickies. Then the big down wind run to Como and across to the finish line.
As there were only 3 H28s to photograph it was a bit pointless to confine myself to just them, so there are other images on board. Some drawn from stills, others from the video being taken on the way around. We had a good take off in the company of a couple of SS27's who nagged at our heels for most of the upward work to Brickies on the first leg, but once they were able to throw up kites, they left us behind. Not far, but sufficiently enough for separation. Having reached the top mark we had to tack back and forced Karoleeya to tack off as we were on starboard. We managed to get around, but were watching San Michelle having a terrible time at Brickies A. They had hit the mark and were tangled in it, with all the fleets heading toward them. They separated just in time, but had to tack away to prevent a potential disaster. The first run down to Dolphin West allowed us the opportunity to watch some boats doing their spinnaker hoists and screwing it up, while others like Brian Saleeba on SP20 just flicked it up effortlessly.
Getting to Dolphin West gave us the opportunity to brush away one or two red witches who were gathering around us and the work up the strengthening breeze took us deep into Lucky with the knowledge that the knocks would come like it or not.. Around we went again with a pair of Royal Perth yachts on our tail and our gybe at the mark was tight to prevent their getting above us. It didn't really matter, but it was just a case of pride more than anything else. So on the long down wind run.
The breeze was freshening by now and the spinnakers were wobbling around. One or two boats had spinnaker powered wipe outs and I watched the SS27's in front of us executing speed wobbles trying to keep their spinnakers in balance with their hulls. Fascinating watching from the security of a JaM powered hull. The run was uneventful for us and our needs were simple, try and keep up with Glen. The three minute head start was just a little too much and try as we could, catching him was difficult with a decent main sheet hand on board. Then Como loomed and the corner was made with the pole being put away in due course. Our need was to keep a Cole 32, Mingara off our tail as she would have slowed us down if we'd let her go over us, so skim past Heathcote then drop down to the line, opening up the sails for speed as we came down.
But it wasn't to be our day and first three boats across the line were the Space Sailor 22's who were ideally suited to the day. Another 5 knots and they would have struggled, but good sailing had them across the line first. Only two boats passed us, both SS27's with spinnakers so we'd done well for the day, but the three minute lead Glen had was just 39 seconds too much for us to get back.. Karoleeya finished some 9 minutes after us. Well sailed all those who went out.
The question remains... Where was everyone else?
Spring Sailing Series Wednesday the 12th of December
Ours to lose &
A number of moments to forget.
It's a perfect summer day with a building sou wester and a potential course one on the cards. We're three up and the black headsail strapped on. Should be ok, shouldn't we? Oh Sod... we got a course four.
Heading for the line, box end, we had the situation of a young member of the H28 fleet bombing us from above, determined to squeeze in between us and the pin despite the skippers warning that he couldn't go there. Trying to prevent potential damage to the hulls we gave way and then had to cope with him draughting us as we clawed our way back up in front of him. Meanwhile others were already surging ahead and we found ourselves pinching for the mark. Bill had dropped down and had tacked back, tacking again to come in on top of us on starboard.
Our headsail was backing our head around and disaster loomed; the main was let go and we slowed sufficiently to prevent a collision, but we struck the pin and a 360 was required. The skipper was fulminating and if I'd been able to harness that, I'm pretty sure that we would have leapt to the front. Then away across the breeze to Sampson with everyone in front of us. Staring at transoms again. Turn at Sampson and pretty soon we were choking on Wynellas draught. Tack off and cross over to Heathcote for the run up the river.
Away up through the Royal Perth Fleet and dip into the bay. Perhaps another 10 meters further would have been easier as we were pinching all the way up. We made it, but our speed was nothing to write home about and the boat couldn't point any further than below Wynellas transom. Off to Dolphin East and we had good speed across and down to Como, in fact we were catching up to Glen on Wynella nicely. Ahead of us lay Bill Richards and well off in the distance were David Locke and Andrew Bell with Andrew and a crew of six doing famously ( I'll bet the esky got a good working over ) Behind us were the "Drews" Andrew and son "Drew" Minto.
Tighten up the outhaul and hit Como at speed. Bang, the outhaul went. The 6 mm wire snapped near the back of the boom. Loss of speed, and the skipper spat the dummy. The boat was pulled into the wind and the outhaul was lashed into place. "Keep sailing" were our instructions and way we went on the small triangle. Halfway up to Print we tacked across looking for the lifts and we were happy to look at Foam, with the hope that the RP boats rounding at the mark would go away and that the Spacey 27 coming across wouldn't catch up with us. I guess that pinching slowed us down enough to let them through. We made it with inches to spare and took off down to Print ready for the run after Wynella, as we weren't doing too badly on the down winds. Go a little harder at Como as we bent away down to Thelma, in fact by then we were almost on the breeze by Thelma.
We hardened up, but there wasn't much to do, but find a point to turn for the finish and flop over the line. We were behind Wynella and had given away another point of the overall lead.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Corella, The First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga.
The equation is simple. Mariner and Wynella have equal handicaps.
Mariner needs to keep within one place of Wynella to take the spring series. Any more and it belongs to Wynella. ( if there's a tie, Wynella has more wins than Mariner)
Welcome to Keith Swinton who sailed with his dad on Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra.
No too many photo's today I was busy.
Ours to lose &
A number of moments to forget.
It's a perfect summer day with a building sou wester and a potential course one on the cards. We're three up and the black headsail strapped on. Should be ok, shouldn't we? Oh Sod... we got a course four.
Heading for the line, box end, we had the situation of a young member of the H28 fleet bombing us from above, determined to squeeze in between us and the pin despite the skippers warning that he couldn't go there. Trying to prevent potential damage to the hulls we gave way and then had to cope with him draughting us as we clawed our way back up in front of him. Meanwhile others were already surging ahead and we found ourselves pinching for the mark. Bill had dropped down and had tacked back, tacking again to come in on top of us on starboard.
Our headsail was backing our head around and disaster loomed; the main was let go and we slowed sufficiently to prevent a collision, but we struck the pin and a 360 was required. The skipper was fulminating and if I'd been able to harness that, I'm pretty sure that we would have leapt to the front. Then away across the breeze to Sampson with everyone in front of us. Staring at transoms again. Turn at Sampson and pretty soon we were choking on Wynellas draught. Tack off and cross over to Heathcote for the run up the river.
Away up through the Royal Perth Fleet and dip into the bay. Perhaps another 10 meters further would have been easier as we were pinching all the way up. We made it, but our speed was nothing to write home about and the boat couldn't point any further than below Wynellas transom. Off to Dolphin East and we had good speed across and down to Como, in fact we were catching up to Glen on Wynella nicely. Ahead of us lay Bill Richards and well off in the distance were David Locke and Andrew Bell with Andrew and a crew of six doing famously ( I'll bet the esky got a good working over ) Behind us were the "Drews" Andrew and son "Drew" Minto.
Tighten up the outhaul and hit Como at speed. Bang, the outhaul went. The 6 mm wire snapped near the back of the boom. Loss of speed, and the skipper spat the dummy. The boat was pulled into the wind and the outhaul was lashed into place. "Keep sailing" were our instructions and way we went on the small triangle. Halfway up to Print we tacked across looking for the lifts and we were happy to look at Foam, with the hope that the RP boats rounding at the mark would go away and that the Spacey 27 coming across wouldn't catch up with us. I guess that pinching slowed us down enough to let them through. We made it with inches to spare and took off down to Print ready for the run after Wynella, as we weren't doing too badly on the down winds. Go a little harder at Como as we bent away down to Thelma, in fact by then we were almost on the breeze by Thelma.
We hardened up, but there wasn't much to do, but find a point to turn for the finish and flop over the line. We were behind Wynella and had given away another point of the overall lead.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Corella, The First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga.
The equation is simple. Mariner and Wynella have equal handicaps.
Mariner needs to keep within one place of Wynella to take the spring series. Any more and it belongs to Wynella. ( if there's a tie, Wynella has more wins than Mariner)
Welcome to Keith Swinton who sailed with his dad on Andrew Bell's The First Jindarra.
No too many photo's today I was busy.
Summer Saturday Sailing 8th of December
The mast that sang &
Welcome to the mainsheet club.
Congratulations to Judith of Alma, today was a watershed moment for her. Craig was unavailable and with two trimmers ( Peter and Phil ) she took up the challenge of running the mainsheet for the day on her boat. And did well enough to keep John Wright on the helm of her boat on our tail all day.
The day started with a bright sou wester forecast to build and Glen was a little worried, he also had no mainsheet man and borrowed big John from Swiftsure Saga trading Keirin over in exchange. I suppose with two mainsheet men on Bills boat, its a bit of a luxury, but the team works well. No matter, it was good of John to go across to support Glen and Keirin slotted in well.
Only four boats made it to the startline with expected arrivals, Karoleeya and Corella choosing not to sail and we were hopeful of Jim Spittles Napea of Carrick joining us after such a good effort last week. Must have worn out his crew. However we had Alma, Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Nerrima in what turned out to be a JaM race.
Off the line with a course one, the challenge for Swiftsure was to get above the others on the way over to Heathcote for the first dig back into the middle, with Wynella choosing to go out into the middle shortly after the start. Sure enough, we were above the others by Heathcote and tacked off in the lead. No problems we thought, lets enjoy the day. Out to a ley line and then roll over to go into Frenchies to pick up the lift in the bay, we avoided some water skiers well out of their area and then tacked off to head up to Deepwater with Bill nearly putting us on the mud as he had Deepwater Spit in his sights, not Applecross Spit. Around we went with Alma picking up 50 meters with that mistake and Les on Nerrima wasn't too far behind either.
Taking a lesson from last week, we dipped into Lucky Bay and then began to work our way up toward Brickies A & B. Lifting all the time we were looking fine, until the knocks started to roll through, but we had put enough away to keep us close to the mark so a double tack had us around Brickie A swiftly. Alma and Nerrima had gone a lot further in to Lucky and were able to come down with better speed, but surprisingly Alma had knocked heavily and was forced to tack as well. The trip down to Dolphin West was not too bad as the starboard tackers coming off the Freshie start line had gone away by then and we had our heads ready for the boats that gybed at Dolphin West and went back up the breeze. So, gybe the jib across and reach down to Foam ready for the next mark Sanders ( The mystery mark)
Always hard to find, dealing with bright sunshine and a fair chop, we were relying on our previously arranged reference points. Once they came into view, (Wireless Hill and Squadron) we tacked on the ley line, made Sanders and then away back down to Como and while we had improved our separation, our navigation wasn't too flash as we were aiming at Anderson, not Como. Lucky for us, John had switched off his head as well and had followed us on the same line. We gybed and corrected our aim, but again gave away a bit of distance .
By now the boats were well spread with Alma, then Nerrima and Wynella tagging along. The last lap was simple, Como up to Robins and then bend around Applecross Spit and try to get Deepwater in one run. A bit of luck would have been nice, but another double tack was required and we rounded Deepwater and headed down to Addison. Then a sound began to make itself heard. Sounded like a motor running, but it was tuneful hum.
Search the boat... no motors running and the bilge pumps had nothing to pump. The search went deeper with the mast lifting gear being checked.. nothing. By this time, Keirin who was sitting on the boom could feel a vibration in the mast. We checked and sure enough we could detect vibrations from the main halyard. It was quite noticeable and the sound grew louder as we ran down the breeze. Then the penny dropped. The cabin top was acting as a sounding board to the main halyard and the resonance drove the sound. The Mast was singing.
Then as the breeze dropped away a little, so did the sound. We gybed and set up for the run to Thelma and found ourselves almost hard on the breeze by Thelma.. around we went, ran along the freeway and then tacked off for the line; keeping an eye out for Alma in case John Wright pulled a lift out of his hat. No such luck for Alma and we crossed the line comfortably.
Over the line and on handicap. Swiftsure Saga, Alma, Nerrima and Wynella.
This is apparently the last of the pre Christmas consistency races as we have the Frank Sampson next week. Could be a lot of fun.
The mast that sang &
Welcome to the mainsheet club.
Congratulations to Judith of Alma, today was a watershed moment for her. Craig was unavailable and with two trimmers ( Peter and Phil ) she took up the challenge of running the mainsheet for the day on her boat. And did well enough to keep John Wright on the helm of her boat on our tail all day.
The day started with a bright sou wester forecast to build and Glen was a little worried, he also had no mainsheet man and borrowed big John from Swiftsure Saga trading Keirin over in exchange. I suppose with two mainsheet men on Bills boat, its a bit of a luxury, but the team works well. No matter, it was good of John to go across to support Glen and Keirin slotted in well.
Only four boats made it to the startline with expected arrivals, Karoleeya and Corella choosing not to sail and we were hopeful of Jim Spittles Napea of Carrick joining us after such a good effort last week. Must have worn out his crew. However we had Alma, Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Nerrima in what turned out to be a JaM race.
Off the line with a course one, the challenge for Swiftsure was to get above the others on the way over to Heathcote for the first dig back into the middle, with Wynella choosing to go out into the middle shortly after the start. Sure enough, we were above the others by Heathcote and tacked off in the lead. No problems we thought, lets enjoy the day. Out to a ley line and then roll over to go into Frenchies to pick up the lift in the bay, we avoided some water skiers well out of their area and then tacked off to head up to Deepwater with Bill nearly putting us on the mud as he had Deepwater Spit in his sights, not Applecross Spit. Around we went with Alma picking up 50 meters with that mistake and Les on Nerrima wasn't too far behind either.
Taking a lesson from last week, we dipped into Lucky Bay and then began to work our way up toward Brickies A & B. Lifting all the time we were looking fine, until the knocks started to roll through, but we had put enough away to keep us close to the mark so a double tack had us around Brickie A swiftly. Alma and Nerrima had gone a lot further in to Lucky and were able to come down with better speed, but surprisingly Alma had knocked heavily and was forced to tack as well. The trip down to Dolphin West was not too bad as the starboard tackers coming off the Freshie start line had gone away by then and we had our heads ready for the boats that gybed at Dolphin West and went back up the breeze. So, gybe the jib across and reach down to Foam ready for the next mark Sanders ( The mystery mark)
Always hard to find, dealing with bright sunshine and a fair chop, we were relying on our previously arranged reference points. Once they came into view, (Wireless Hill and Squadron) we tacked on the ley line, made Sanders and then away back down to Como and while we had improved our separation, our navigation wasn't too flash as we were aiming at Anderson, not Como. Lucky for us, John had switched off his head as well and had followed us on the same line. We gybed and corrected our aim, but again gave away a bit of distance .
By now the boats were well spread with Alma, then Nerrima and Wynella tagging along. The last lap was simple, Como up to Robins and then bend around Applecross Spit and try to get Deepwater in one run. A bit of luck would have been nice, but another double tack was required and we rounded Deepwater and headed down to Addison. Then a sound began to make itself heard. Sounded like a motor running, but it was tuneful hum.
Search the boat... no motors running and the bilge pumps had nothing to pump. The search went deeper with the mast lifting gear being checked.. nothing. By this time, Keirin who was sitting on the boom could feel a vibration in the mast. We checked and sure enough we could detect vibrations from the main halyard. It was quite noticeable and the sound grew louder as we ran down the breeze. Then the penny dropped. The cabin top was acting as a sounding board to the main halyard and the resonance drove the sound. The Mast was singing.
Then as the breeze dropped away a little, so did the sound. We gybed and set up for the run to Thelma and found ourselves almost hard on the breeze by Thelma.. around we went, ran along the freeway and then tacked off for the line; keeping an eye out for Alma in case John Wright pulled a lift out of his hat. No such luck for Alma and we crossed the line comfortably.
Over the line and on handicap. Swiftsure Saga, Alma, Nerrima and Wynella.
This is apparently the last of the pre Christmas consistency races as we have the Frank Sampson next week. Could be a lot of fun.
Wednesday Sailing Spring Series 5th of December.
Staring at transoms &
Every time the wind shifted.
It had to be a course two with so much west in the breeze and there was enough pressure,11 to 15 knots,to make it worth while. We even had a northerly start for a change and for once, we nailed it. Hooray, we were looking across at Lockie and Andrew was slightly ahead. Perhaps we should have had the fuller of the two # 1's on, but it was marginal. Along with the afore mentioned, we had Wynella, Alma and Swiftsure Saga. They were tagging us as the reach across the breeze was quick and it was a case of maintaining the pace all the way. Turning at Sampson, we made our way around the mark and tried to keep the boat above Corella and The Jin. and their dirty air. Eventually we fell into foul air and had to take a tack to get clear air as did one or two others. But we should have gone all the way over and picked up the building sou wester over in the south. No we stayed out in the middle and for once the middle didn't work for us. Two boats passed us then and there.
Try as we could, picking the right shifts had us in trouble and by the time we'd reached a ley line to Hallmark we were looking at just getting in front of Alma and hopefully we might get back at Wynella. No, didn't happen and the day wasn't going to get any better as we rounded Armstrong after Hallmark having held off Alma (just ). The down wind run was a matter of chasing gusts and sailing angles. But we had John Wright on our tail and soon enough he had taken us away and then went for separation. Bingo, he took a different breeze and not only had we lost our chance to give Wynella and Swiftsure a hard time, but he'd got inside us and by the time we hit Como we were staring at transoms, five of them in fact.
Andrew Bell and David Locke were well and away with Andrew and his boat full pulling ahead with every moment. As for David, he very kindly took the lovely Barb on board and clearly gave her some great sailing lessons as she, Rita and David weren't slouches by any means. The others had their usual crews on board with Judith taking John Wright and crew on board again.
"Its going to be a follow me race" groused the skipper, who was clearly not happy with everything, but we could only do our best and the dash to the outer startline and thence to Sampson was a bit of a train track event as the H28's chased each other across the breeze. Off to Dolphin East, we had two choices.. Go out to Foam and sail up the breeze or go out right to the North and then sail back. We chose the former and despite all of our work, we still hadn't improved our chances as the breeze kept flicking around. Swiftsure Saga was trying to make it in one and had to tack again to make the mark and we were just falling away from the mark on a breeze which decided to go into the south. Then the next of the down winds presented itself to us and we followed on as best we could. A train ride on invisible tracks.
As I looked back up the river, we were the last boat on the river....everyone had gone home and we were the only reason for the start line to be active.... You know how that feels.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella, Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Wynella, Alma, Swiftsure Saga
A note: Wynella took first on corrected time by one second.
Staring at transoms &
Every time the wind shifted.
It had to be a course two with so much west in the breeze and there was enough pressure,11 to 15 knots,to make it worth while. We even had a northerly start for a change and for once, we nailed it. Hooray, we were looking across at Lockie and Andrew was slightly ahead. Perhaps we should have had the fuller of the two # 1's on, but it was marginal. Along with the afore mentioned, we had Wynella, Alma and Swiftsure Saga. They were tagging us as the reach across the breeze was quick and it was a case of maintaining the pace all the way. Turning at Sampson, we made our way around the mark and tried to keep the boat above Corella and The Jin. and their dirty air. Eventually we fell into foul air and had to take a tack to get clear air as did one or two others. But we should have gone all the way over and picked up the building sou wester over in the south. No we stayed out in the middle and for once the middle didn't work for us. Two boats passed us then and there.
Try as we could, picking the right shifts had us in trouble and by the time we'd reached a ley line to Hallmark we were looking at just getting in front of Alma and hopefully we might get back at Wynella. No, didn't happen and the day wasn't going to get any better as we rounded Armstrong after Hallmark having held off Alma (just ). The down wind run was a matter of chasing gusts and sailing angles. But we had John Wright on our tail and soon enough he had taken us away and then went for separation. Bingo, he took a different breeze and not only had we lost our chance to give Wynella and Swiftsure a hard time, but he'd got inside us and by the time we hit Como we were staring at transoms, five of them in fact.
Andrew Bell and David Locke were well and away with Andrew and his boat full pulling ahead with every moment. As for David, he very kindly took the lovely Barb on board and clearly gave her some great sailing lessons as she, Rita and David weren't slouches by any means. The others had their usual crews on board with Judith taking John Wright and crew on board again.
"Its going to be a follow me race" groused the skipper, who was clearly not happy with everything, but we could only do our best and the dash to the outer startline and thence to Sampson was a bit of a train track event as the H28's chased each other across the breeze. Off to Dolphin East, we had two choices.. Go out to Foam and sail up the breeze or go out right to the North and then sail back. We chose the former and despite all of our work, we still hadn't improved our chances as the breeze kept flicking around. Swiftsure Saga was trying to make it in one and had to tack again to make the mark and we were just falling away from the mark on a breeze which decided to go into the south. Then the next of the down winds presented itself to us and we followed on as best we could. A train ride on invisible tracks.
As I looked back up the river, we were the last boat on the river....everyone had gone home and we were the only reason for the start line to be active.... You know how that feels.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella, Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Wynella, Alma, Swiftsure Saga
A note: Wynella took first on corrected time by one second.
Summer Sailing 1st of December 2018. The 3rd Championship day.
What are we doing here &
First of the rest.
Swiftsure Saga wasn't to sail the championships this year and I was encouraged and surprised when Bill said that we were sailing this Saturday. He'd forgotten that we had a championship this weekend. In retrospect I was glad that we did as the treat of 8 H28's on the water at once was a pleasure and we made up a substantial part of the 50 boats that went sailing from SoPYC this Saturday.
Course one and 14 to 20 knots on the water and although it was a sou wester, there were holes all over the breeze and the downwind runs were punctuated by cries of "the wind has shifted, again."
Bill didn't want to break up the start line so we lurked at the back and succeeded in pushing up into the back of the boats. We had more power for some reason so we ran down the line and eventually rolled across onto port to cross the line. We needed to anyway as we were suffering bad air from the lead boats. Nerrima had made a good start and had a momentary lead, but very quickly The First Jindarra drove above him and started to pull away; at the same time Corella was making good time further down the line and at the first tack, the pair of them were heel and toe with Napea of Carrick and Nerrima in hot pursuit. We had tacked back by now and were able to watch most of this and the remaining three Alma, Karoleeya and Wynella were returning from their dash out to the right for clear air, but they had already forfeited valuable height and were at the back of the pack on the run up the breeze.
Neck to neck, Lockie and Andrew drove up the course to Brickies and at the first dip into the bay beyond Applecross Spit, Corella crossed The Jin and Andrew may have dipped him in the process. However the big surprise was Jim Spittle driving Napea of Carrick.. he had found another gear and was third boat in the line with Nerrima falling behind his transom. They all went deep into the bay, with both Lockie and Andrew going deeper that we thought necessary. Jim and Les were possibly not as far in the first pair and when it came to making Brickies the first pair got around with little trouble, but Les' experience told and he put in that extra distance on the return tack to get into a good place to make Brickies before Jim. Meanwhile we had gone out to the right and were still lifting up the course. Certainly not enough to make Brickies A, but it did us no harm. Behind us we had Karoleeya with Wynella and Alma in company having come out from Waylen Bay after Applecross spit.
Around Brickies and set our jib and pole ready to be over taken by Alma once they popped up their spinnaker. Wrong! Their spinnaker halyard came loose as the spring loaded clip fired unexpectedly going to the top of the mast. So, no spinnaker and a job to do once the boat was in the pens. They then fell into company with Wynella with Karoleeya already a bit behind. Our job was to catch Napea of Carrick who had done so well on that first upward leg. But he wasn't flying a kite and we'd had plenty of experience with dealing with chasing boats in front. So down to Dolphin West and a reach to Foam where we threw in a hot turn and got inside Jim. From then on he was playing catch up and on the slog up to Sanders we watched him slowly fall into our wind shadow. Ahead of us Nerrima had done very well with a kite and was away from us while Andrew on the Jin was ahead of David Locke and Corella and pulling ahead even further.
Reaching Sanders we bent the boat away towards Como for the second of the JaM runs for us. We had good speed and managed to make fair time down the hill. In the past, this has always been one of the most challenging runs as there is usually a steady stream of other fleets on the river, but it was very quiet on the river today and there were perhaps another 120 boats altogether, if you added in both of the Royal fleets and the smaller rocket ships from the dinghy clubs. Down to Como and around with the last of the up wind beats taking us around Robins and up to Deepwater handling that very well and in fact overstanding Robins from Waylen Bay and easing a little up to Applecross Spit before hardening up to get to Deepwater. At this stage Corella put out a MOB call for another boat and as we were in the area supplied we checked but couldn't see anyone. Reporting that we couldn't see any one in the vicinity, we then heard from a RP safety boat that they had picked up the person in mention and he was safe. We continued on to Dolphin East and gybed at the mark for the run to Addison with a pole to starboard.
At this stage, the two lead boats were well and away with a separation of some two and a half minutes between them and Nerrima a further 4 and a half behind. We were sitting perhaps two and a half minutes behind Nerrima giving us a fair idea of what not putting up a spinnaker had done to us. The rest of the run was essentially staying out of harms way with a div 2 boat sitting in front of us and the run along the beach was interesting considering the low tide....we went as far as we thought possible until he called for water then Bill flicked the boat over aiming for the finish line and we watched as Jim climbed like a rocket ship up from Thelma. Much to do about nothing as we were still well in front, but when you see someone get the John Wright special and lift up to the finish line, it could very well mean the difference between 4th and 5th and so it transpired as we managed to beat him over the line by three seconds on adjusted times. In fact if Les had pushed his crew harder or got a bit luckier, he could have taken first on handicap as he was only 45 seconds behind Andrew Bell.
The championship: The First Jindarra, Corella and Nerrima
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Nerrima and Corella.
David Locke and crew are experimenting with the new spinnaker launching system.. similar to the F 15 system, but it's still in its infancy and there will be more to be said for it.
Peter was sent up to the top of Alma's mast to retrieve the spinnaker halyard and did the job very well.. of course a photo was taken.
Karoleeya retired with only the last lap to do... I do hope that all is well.
Soraya has left the pen and Les has moved into that spot, possibly anticipating a positive request in front of pens and moorings management. . (The outcome of such a move is fraught with danger unless Les is closer to management than I thought.)
For the first time in a number of years I managed to fill the card on the camera and unfortunately the last third of the race wasn't covered. Sorry.
Spring Sailing Wednesdays. The 28th of November 2018
Sailing with Barb &
It's blowing a course one out of the sou west.
Sailing with Barb... that's easy.. all of our various crew were away, got caught up with other needs or just didn't front.
So looking at all the other boats with three or four up, we were glad to accept Barbs offer to jump on board. All she had to do was let off as the boat went through the tack and did it well. In fact so well, she was given the task of winding on as the day progressed.
It was a monty, it had to be a course one.. in fact we were so certain we didn't look. So off to Martin- Weaver we went, a few seconds late, as usual, but with good speed chasing Lockie and keeping Alma, Wynella and Swiftsure behind us. A good corner at Martin had us on Corella's heels and Weaver was made with panache and style. Just then, I asked the skip whether he'd seen the course and a monosyllabic reply came forth. "NO". Oh well I thought, we'll follow Lockie then. But we were doing well and with the jib out on the other side were certainly doing fine on the way to Sampson.
A lot of luck on the way up the breeze, had the S80 legends passing above us on the way up and we found the gap in between the first and second fleets from Royal Perth. The boat was humming, the skipper was happy and we had high 5's and low 6's on the speedo. As we were heading for Deepwater the skip had opted to stay out in the middle and we were doing fine in clean air. We had one boat behind us, but two more had gone into the bay and Lockie was at the same height and a little closer in to Robins. And then he disappeared.
"Crash tack", yelled the skipper and we found ourselves ploughing through a fleet of startled Royal Perth boats as we headed into Robins. It was a course four that was on offer today and Lockie had just taken an unassailable lead. "Bother" and now we had Wynella on our tail and Alma under John Wrights hands wasn't too far away either. Bill had opted for a reef in the main as the mast still needs a certain amount of care, but he wasn't too far away. From then on, it was a simple follow me, but this is when Barb came to the fore as she took on more roles on the boat so that I could run the main. Fantastic, she can sail with us any time.
However our problem was the number two we had up front. The skip had stated that we would "take it easy" around the track, but promptly forgot what he'd said once the blood lust flared in his eyes. If we'd put the number one on we may very well have been a bit faster, but Glen's pace was exemplary and another few seconds faster would have had him walking out with first on handicap. As it was he was only 7 seconds off on adjusted times. As we worked our way around the small triangle of Print, Foam, Como and Thelma he was getting closer all the time and only a bit of luck and some good tacking had us across the line. Alma and Swiftsure followed up some 90 seconds later.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Wynella
On handicap: Corella, Wynella and Mariner
Many thanks to Barb for coming for a yot today. She did well.
The Don Bourne Memorial trophy Saturday the 24th of November.
Unfortunately I was away with the International Classes Regatta at Freshie this weekend, so I missed the event, but the three boats that fronted were Nerrima, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga. Swiftsure only had John and Bill on board (sorry fella's) while the others had full crews. It was sailed on a course four in 14 to 18 knots and it was only Nerrima who put up a kite. The absence of Lockie (Corella) and Judith (Alma) was noted. Nerrima took the win with a marred finish as she managed to run into one of the Scouts Red Witches near the finish line, bringing down the mast on the vessel. From what I understand no one on the Red witch was hurt and the mast is repairable. However I though that the prime concern when racing was to avoid collisions at all costs.
Over the line : Nerrima, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella.
On handicap : Nerrima, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga. Nerrima was awarded the Don Bourne Memorial trophy.
Sailing with Barb &
It's blowing a course one out of the sou west.
Sailing with Barb... that's easy.. all of our various crew were away, got caught up with other needs or just didn't front.
So looking at all the other boats with three or four up, we were glad to accept Barbs offer to jump on board. All she had to do was let off as the boat went through the tack and did it well. In fact so well, she was given the task of winding on as the day progressed.
It was a monty, it had to be a course one.. in fact we were so certain we didn't look. So off to Martin- Weaver we went, a few seconds late, as usual, but with good speed chasing Lockie and keeping Alma, Wynella and Swiftsure behind us. A good corner at Martin had us on Corella's heels and Weaver was made with panache and style. Just then, I asked the skip whether he'd seen the course and a monosyllabic reply came forth. "NO". Oh well I thought, we'll follow Lockie then. But we were doing well and with the jib out on the other side were certainly doing fine on the way to Sampson.
A lot of luck on the way up the breeze, had the S80 legends passing above us on the way up and we found the gap in between the first and second fleets from Royal Perth. The boat was humming, the skipper was happy and we had high 5's and low 6's on the speedo. As we were heading for Deepwater the skip had opted to stay out in the middle and we were doing fine in clean air. We had one boat behind us, but two more had gone into the bay and Lockie was at the same height and a little closer in to Robins. And then he disappeared.
"Crash tack", yelled the skipper and we found ourselves ploughing through a fleet of startled Royal Perth boats as we headed into Robins. It was a course four that was on offer today and Lockie had just taken an unassailable lead. "Bother" and now we had Wynella on our tail and Alma under John Wrights hands wasn't too far away either. Bill had opted for a reef in the main as the mast still needs a certain amount of care, but he wasn't too far away. From then on, it was a simple follow me, but this is when Barb came to the fore as she took on more roles on the boat so that I could run the main. Fantastic, she can sail with us any time.
However our problem was the number two we had up front. The skip had stated that we would "take it easy" around the track, but promptly forgot what he'd said once the blood lust flared in his eyes. If we'd put the number one on we may very well have been a bit faster, but Glen's pace was exemplary and another few seconds faster would have had him walking out with first on handicap. As it was he was only 7 seconds off on adjusted times. As we worked our way around the small triangle of Print, Foam, Como and Thelma he was getting closer all the time and only a bit of luck and some good tacking had us across the line. Alma and Swiftsure followed up some 90 seconds later.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Wynella
On handicap: Corella, Wynella and Mariner
Many thanks to Barb for coming for a yot today. She did well.
The Don Bourne Memorial trophy Saturday the 24th of November.
Unfortunately I was away with the International Classes Regatta at Freshie this weekend, so I missed the event, but the three boats that fronted were Nerrima, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga. Swiftsure only had John and Bill on board (sorry fella's) while the others had full crews. It was sailed on a course four in 14 to 18 knots and it was only Nerrima who put up a kite. The absence of Lockie (Corella) and Judith (Alma) was noted. Nerrima took the win with a marred finish as she managed to run into one of the Scouts Red Witches near the finish line, bringing down the mast on the vessel. From what I understand no one on the Red witch was hurt and the mast is repairable. However I though that the prime concern when racing was to avoid collisions at all costs.
Over the line : Nerrima, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella.
On handicap : Nerrima, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga. Nerrima was awarded the Don Bourne Memorial trophy.
Spring Sailing Wednesdays. The 21st of November 2018
One lousy second &
If.
A superb sailing day yet again, after a Tuesday that was blowing into the high 20's out of the sou west.
We had a course four and 14 to 18 knots of sou wester to go with it. As can be expected, we took off to Martin and Weaver and despite the skippers grumbles of slowness on the start line, we were very much the lead boat by the time we hit Martin. A bit of luck on the river had us powering around the mark and looking back to see Bill Richards well and truly on our tail, right behind him was David Locke on Corella and Mark Whimhurst driving the rejuvenated Alma ( yes he's got both Peter and Craig from John Wrights boat and is very quick.) Wynella wasn't far behind either.
Away to Sampson and close the door on Bill and Swiftsure Saga who then decided to tack off for clear air. A good move as shortly after, the skip decided to toss as well but we were going all the way across on a slight lift. Didn't do us much harm as we crossed the returning boats on port. All were happy with that. Then we had to deal with the RP fleet and a good call by Graham on the starboard winch took us through the fleet and into a position where we were on starboard and heading into the bay. But Bill had picked up a bit of speed or lift and was almost through us. We had to swerve to avoid him. Next along the line; Lockie was on port with a Royal boat beside him and we forced them both to toss, but again we were slowed down by the kerfuffle. So eventually we tacked off on a good ley to Robins and found ourselves chasing Swiftsure Saga and trying to keep David and Corella off our tail. Around Robins we went and away to Dolphin East with the crew trying to put up a pole to leeward, ready for the gybe that would set it as a normal pole on the way down to Como, probably blew a few seconds watching everything go awry up at the bow.
Down to Como and harden up on the dash to the outer start line. We could see Bill falling below the mark, so with the advance warning we scrimped and pinched every inch of the way, slowing the boat down but just making the mark and watching Bill two-tack to make it to the line. Around we went with renewed enthusiasm. A chase was on.
The run to Foam was the usual dash up to Foam Spit and tack off toward Foam Buoy (the mark). While we were chasing Bill we had to be mindful of David and Corella dashing across on a better lift than we had. It wasn't the case, but as we made the corner at Foam we had two or three Royal Perth boats coming down and we had no rights, it's easier to duck them and refer the grief back to the boat behind you. Still following Bill as we hit the corner at Print and glory be... no sign of the boat that has given us grief over the last few weeks. So keep on going with few distractions, just faster and as we hit, Como harden up a little more.
By this time we were aimed at Thelma and debating whether to follow or go. Bill ran along the freeway and we were following, albeit about 3 meters higher than he was. David Locke had tossed on the mark to see what he could get and Mark and Glen were close behind... a tight race with no one falling asleep on the job. We tacked a little earlier to try for the magic lift, but it wasn't on offer and Bill after his tack was still looking fine though he just made it to the finish line falling down all the time. David Locke wasn't too far behind us either. In all the five boats crossed the line with one minute and 46 secs to separate first from last.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella
On handicap: Alma, Mariner and Wynella.
ON handicap there was one lousy second between first and second place.
Now consider IF we had hit the start line earlier, not had the problem with the Lockie and RP boat, not had to swerve to avoid Swiftsure Saga. Not pinched so hard to make the outer start line, not stuffed around with the spinnaker pole, or last had to avoid the Royal Perth boats at Foam.
Then we probably would have stuffed up somewhere else and the one second would have been irrelevant.
The plastic chairs in Geoff's boat Carina are the latest in seating arrangements for the crew on the long downwind runs. They have the versatility of being entirely removeable (just throw them down into the cabin), easily replaceable if and when they break, adjustable if you want to change the view and they didn't cost a cent. However, they are quite old and if you sit down on them in a hurry, they are known to shatter.
Saturday 17th Nov. The second H28 Championship
The second of the championships was sailed on a course 3 in a nor wester of about 14 knots. John Wright had been given the helm of Alma and imported his old crew across with Judith on board as the proud owner and trimmer. Geoff Reason took to the water with Carina and did a fine job, giving hell to those who got in his way on the start line. Sorry Glen, I had to bring that up. Les Brooker and Nerrima was along as well as Glen on Wynella and the boats had a fine tussle. According to Brian Cross, who crewed on David Locke's Corella, John Wright had Alma doing very well and in the last dash to the line from Thelma, pulled off a classic John Wright move and just about picked the boat up and walked it over the line. He found the lift from heaven and managed to put the fear of Hughie ( the wind god) into Lockie who had to double tack to make it over the line six seconds in front of John on Alma. With John Wright around, you know nothings for free.
So over the line: Corella, Alma, Carina, Nerrima and Wynella. (and yes they all flew kites)
One lousy second &
If.
A superb sailing day yet again, after a Tuesday that was blowing into the high 20's out of the sou west.
We had a course four and 14 to 18 knots of sou wester to go with it. As can be expected, we took off to Martin and Weaver and despite the skippers grumbles of slowness on the start line, we were very much the lead boat by the time we hit Martin. A bit of luck on the river had us powering around the mark and looking back to see Bill Richards well and truly on our tail, right behind him was David Locke on Corella and Mark Whimhurst driving the rejuvenated Alma ( yes he's got both Peter and Craig from John Wrights boat and is very quick.) Wynella wasn't far behind either.
Away to Sampson and close the door on Bill and Swiftsure Saga who then decided to tack off for clear air. A good move as shortly after, the skip decided to toss as well but we were going all the way across on a slight lift. Didn't do us much harm as we crossed the returning boats on port. All were happy with that. Then we had to deal with the RP fleet and a good call by Graham on the starboard winch took us through the fleet and into a position where we were on starboard and heading into the bay. But Bill had picked up a bit of speed or lift and was almost through us. We had to swerve to avoid him. Next along the line; Lockie was on port with a Royal boat beside him and we forced them both to toss, but again we were slowed down by the kerfuffle. So eventually we tacked off on a good ley to Robins and found ourselves chasing Swiftsure Saga and trying to keep David and Corella off our tail. Around Robins we went and away to Dolphin East with the crew trying to put up a pole to leeward, ready for the gybe that would set it as a normal pole on the way down to Como, probably blew a few seconds watching everything go awry up at the bow.
Down to Como and harden up on the dash to the outer start line. We could see Bill falling below the mark, so with the advance warning we scrimped and pinched every inch of the way, slowing the boat down but just making the mark and watching Bill two-tack to make it to the line. Around we went with renewed enthusiasm. A chase was on.
The run to Foam was the usual dash up to Foam Spit and tack off toward Foam Buoy (the mark). While we were chasing Bill we had to be mindful of David and Corella dashing across on a better lift than we had. It wasn't the case, but as we made the corner at Foam we had two or three Royal Perth boats coming down and we had no rights, it's easier to duck them and refer the grief back to the boat behind you. Still following Bill as we hit the corner at Print and glory be... no sign of the boat that has given us grief over the last few weeks. So keep on going with few distractions, just faster and as we hit, Como harden up a little more.
By this time we were aimed at Thelma and debating whether to follow or go. Bill ran along the freeway and we were following, albeit about 3 meters higher than he was. David Locke had tossed on the mark to see what he could get and Mark and Glen were close behind... a tight race with no one falling asleep on the job. We tacked a little earlier to try for the magic lift, but it wasn't on offer and Bill after his tack was still looking fine though he just made it to the finish line falling down all the time. David Locke wasn't too far behind us either. In all the five boats crossed the line with one minute and 46 secs to separate first from last.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella
On handicap: Alma, Mariner and Wynella.
ON handicap there was one lousy second between first and second place.
Now consider IF we had hit the start line earlier, not had the problem with the Lockie and RP boat, not had to swerve to avoid Swiftsure Saga. Not pinched so hard to make the outer start line, not stuffed around with the spinnaker pole, or last had to avoid the Royal Perth boats at Foam.
Then we probably would have stuffed up somewhere else and the one second would have been irrelevant.
The plastic chairs in Geoff's boat Carina are the latest in seating arrangements for the crew on the long downwind runs. They have the versatility of being entirely removeable (just throw them down into the cabin), easily replaceable if and when they break, adjustable if you want to change the view and they didn't cost a cent. However, they are quite old and if you sit down on them in a hurry, they are known to shatter.
Saturday 17th Nov. The second H28 Championship
The second of the championships was sailed on a course 3 in a nor wester of about 14 knots. John Wright had been given the helm of Alma and imported his old crew across with Judith on board as the proud owner and trimmer. Geoff Reason took to the water with Carina and did a fine job, giving hell to those who got in his way on the start line. Sorry Glen, I had to bring that up. Les Brooker and Nerrima was along as well as Glen on Wynella and the boats had a fine tussle. According to Brian Cross, who crewed on David Locke's Corella, John Wright had Alma doing very well and in the last dash to the line from Thelma, pulled off a classic John Wright move and just about picked the boat up and walked it over the line. He found the lift from heaven and managed to put the fear of Hughie ( the wind god) into Lockie who had to double tack to make it over the line six seconds in front of John on Alma. With John Wright around, you know nothings for free.
So over the line: Corella, Alma, Carina, Nerrima and Wynella. (and yes they all flew kites)
Spring Sailing Wednesdays The 14th of November 2018
Alma is becoming dangerously fast or
Pulled up short!
A brilliant day for a yot. 12 to 15 knots out of the south west and a course one to go with it.
And Mark Whimhurst nailed the start with Alma. A cracker of dive down from above gave him the gap in between the top of the line and us. With speed as well thank you very much. Lockie was below us and curiously the normally quick Swiftsure Saga and Wynella weren't on our hammer this time. The dash up to Martin - Weaver had us playing the sails as hard as possible and we managed to keep above and abreast of the rest of the fleet, save for Alma who slipped around Martin in front.
From then on it was a chase down the breeze through to Samson with the decision to be made to stay or go pretty early on. We went as the boat was choking in Alma's draft and crossed on a lift that belied the one that Lockie got last week. However those who stayed out or went later were doing well and we found ourselves looking at Wynella nailing us with a cross half way to Waylen Bay. Oops. He's doing well. So battle on and watch Lockie continue to drive up.... more height and speed than we have. So look at getting to Deepwater and incidentally through the Royal Perth fleet.
Still chasing Alma and we managed to get past Wynella on the next cross, but Corella was well away and our job was to pass Alma on the run to Print down wind. Side by side the battle continued with some of the RP fleet providing a backdrop to our endeavours. Ducking and dodging we made our way to Print and tightened up to go into the bay for the work up to Robins. Settling into a solid groove we were starting to achieve good speed and despite our best attempts Alma was flying. With Craig running the main and occasionally the bow, the boat was doing really well.
Around Robins and away to Dolphin East on a beam reach with the chance of catching Lockie diminishing and the sight of Alma on our stern an ever present danger. Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were dropping back a little and it was surprising to see Bill so far back. Maybe it was a period of handicap re adjustment. Down to Como & then the dash to the Outer startline ready to go around the small triangle for a good finish.
And then it all finished.... no one expected the starters to put a shortened course up and a few hasty readjustments were made. Head for the line and the quickest finish possible. Damn.. Alma is still close to our tail. 10 seconds in fact. Lockie was well away and his crossing of the
line and the horn was our wakeup call.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Alma
On handicap: Alma, Wynella and Mariner.
Last Saturday, the first of the championships was held and as Bill has decided to sit these out, I'm not on the water. I'm usually free on these Saturdays feel free to give me a call.
However.. fine sailing on a soft day ( course 4 ) had The First Jindarra take the cake with Corella second and Nerrima third. Wynella and Carina were sailing as well. The second championship is this Saturday.
Alma is becoming dangerously fast or
Pulled up short!
A brilliant day for a yot. 12 to 15 knots out of the south west and a course one to go with it.
And Mark Whimhurst nailed the start with Alma. A cracker of dive down from above gave him the gap in between the top of the line and us. With speed as well thank you very much. Lockie was below us and curiously the normally quick Swiftsure Saga and Wynella weren't on our hammer this time. The dash up to Martin - Weaver had us playing the sails as hard as possible and we managed to keep above and abreast of the rest of the fleet, save for Alma who slipped around Martin in front.
From then on it was a chase down the breeze through to Samson with the decision to be made to stay or go pretty early on. We went as the boat was choking in Alma's draft and crossed on a lift that belied the one that Lockie got last week. However those who stayed out or went later were doing well and we found ourselves looking at Wynella nailing us with a cross half way to Waylen Bay. Oops. He's doing well. So battle on and watch Lockie continue to drive up.... more height and speed than we have. So look at getting to Deepwater and incidentally through the Royal Perth fleet.
Still chasing Alma and we managed to get past Wynella on the next cross, but Corella was well away and our job was to pass Alma on the run to Print down wind. Side by side the battle continued with some of the RP fleet providing a backdrop to our endeavours. Ducking and dodging we made our way to Print and tightened up to go into the bay for the work up to Robins. Settling into a solid groove we were starting to achieve good speed and despite our best attempts Alma was flying. With Craig running the main and occasionally the bow, the boat was doing really well.
Around Robins and away to Dolphin East on a beam reach with the chance of catching Lockie diminishing and the sight of Alma on our stern an ever present danger. Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were dropping back a little and it was surprising to see Bill so far back. Maybe it was a period of handicap re adjustment. Down to Como & then the dash to the Outer startline ready to go around the small triangle for a good finish.
And then it all finished.... no one expected the starters to put a shortened course up and a few hasty readjustments were made. Head for the line and the quickest finish possible. Damn.. Alma is still close to our tail. 10 seconds in fact. Lockie was well away and his crossing of the
line and the horn was our wakeup call.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Alma
On handicap: Alma, Wynella and Mariner.
Last Saturday, the first of the championships was held and as Bill has decided to sit these out, I'm not on the water. I'm usually free on these Saturdays feel free to give me a call.
However.. fine sailing on a soft day ( course 4 ) had The First Jindarra take the cake with Corella second and Nerrima third. Wynella and Carina were sailing as well. The second championship is this Saturday.
Spring Sailing Wednesdays The 7th of November 2018
A CRAFT day or
A stroll in the park.
Well, where do I start? The CRAFT moment or the stroll in the park.
I left the camera at home once again (CRAFT) and didn't have the sense to pull my phone out and take a few shots anyway.
It was a lovely day with the breeze out of the sou west with 15 to 18 knots. Perfect for H28's and really any boat with the ability to point. And then along came the Spirit 28 to foul up Bills day. Took him all the way up at Sampson on the second time around, but we were eyed off suspiciously when we got near them and they gave us a wide berth as well. Apparently he had a go at Andrew Bell, but Andy just slipped past him and went on his merry way.
We leapt from the line like a startled gazelle and found ourselves on Andrews tail and for once, not letting go. All the way to Sampson and prepared to drive the boat after the yacht in front. Lockie had other ideas, having borrowed one of our crew and tacked off on a lift from heaven. Right across to the mouth of the channel and then took off well in the lead of Mariner and The First Jindarra. Swiftsure Saga was doing well too and they found hidden speed heading up toward Applecross Spit. So all of a sudden we were running fourth. But there was a little bit to do as we had to get through the Royal Perth Fleet. Duck these two, dodge this one and work your way up to Robins only to find that we need to go in again. This time we're inside the RP fleet and the only problem in sight was a pair of S80's engaged in their own battle.
Oh, did I forget to mention Huckleberry who rose from below us to sit right in our faces. Great guy great boat, but we were struggling for speed and dropping in height all the way. So tack off again and hope that the way was clear for us to make the mark and head off down to Print. All on our own. Three boats were in front of us and even though we had good speed...….. Hold on. Corella's behind The Jin and Andrew is powering away. Sure enough there had been a problem on Corella and by the time they had sorted it, Andrew was well and away. A Stroll in the Park for the boy.
So back up to Robins and around to Dolphin East all on our lonesome. Going fast with the wish to make up some time on the way around. And we were doing it thank you very much. On the way to the outer startline we saw boats dropping below the mark and a little work on the traveller saved us two tacks. We were catching up nicely. However a time count on Andrew had him in front of us by 4 minutes already with Lockie 3 minutes behind him. Bill wasn't too far from David's transom at this stage either.
The small triangle of Foam, Print, Como and then to Thelma was good and fast and only marred by a Farr 9.5 who was having stability problems after Como to Thelma. Surprising that it should happen to the boat, but then again a fin keel doesn't improve stability. Around Thelma and away to the finish well clear of the Farr, who had wobbled their way to the finish line. We'd caught up well, but still back in the fleet. I feel a new main coming on.
Over the line: Andy Bell and the First Jindarra, David Locke and Corella, Bill Richards and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner, Swiftsure Saga
Sorry about the pix folks.
A CRAFT day or
A stroll in the park.
Well, where do I start? The CRAFT moment or the stroll in the park.
I left the camera at home once again (CRAFT) and didn't have the sense to pull my phone out and take a few shots anyway.
It was a lovely day with the breeze out of the sou west with 15 to 18 knots. Perfect for H28's and really any boat with the ability to point. And then along came the Spirit 28 to foul up Bills day. Took him all the way up at Sampson on the second time around, but we were eyed off suspiciously when we got near them and they gave us a wide berth as well. Apparently he had a go at Andrew Bell, but Andy just slipped past him and went on his merry way.
We leapt from the line like a startled gazelle and found ourselves on Andrews tail and for once, not letting go. All the way to Sampson and prepared to drive the boat after the yacht in front. Lockie had other ideas, having borrowed one of our crew and tacked off on a lift from heaven. Right across to the mouth of the channel and then took off well in the lead of Mariner and The First Jindarra. Swiftsure Saga was doing well too and they found hidden speed heading up toward Applecross Spit. So all of a sudden we were running fourth. But there was a little bit to do as we had to get through the Royal Perth Fleet. Duck these two, dodge this one and work your way up to Robins only to find that we need to go in again. This time we're inside the RP fleet and the only problem in sight was a pair of S80's engaged in their own battle.
Oh, did I forget to mention Huckleberry who rose from below us to sit right in our faces. Great guy great boat, but we were struggling for speed and dropping in height all the way. So tack off again and hope that the way was clear for us to make the mark and head off down to Print. All on our own. Three boats were in front of us and even though we had good speed...….. Hold on. Corella's behind The Jin and Andrew is powering away. Sure enough there had been a problem on Corella and by the time they had sorted it, Andrew was well and away. A Stroll in the Park for the boy.
So back up to Robins and around to Dolphin East all on our lonesome. Going fast with the wish to make up some time on the way around. And we were doing it thank you very much. On the way to the outer startline we saw boats dropping below the mark and a little work on the traveller saved us two tacks. We were catching up nicely. However a time count on Andrew had him in front of us by 4 minutes already with Lockie 3 minutes behind him. Bill wasn't too far from David's transom at this stage either.
The small triangle of Foam, Print, Como and then to Thelma was good and fast and only marred by a Farr 9.5 who was having stability problems after Como to Thelma. Surprising that it should happen to the boat, but then again a fin keel doesn't improve stability. Around Thelma and away to the finish well clear of the Farr, who had wobbled their way to the finish line. We'd caught up well, but still back in the fleet. I feel a new main coming on.
Over the line: Andy Bell and the First Jindarra, David Locke and Corella, Bill Richards and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner, Swiftsure Saga
Sorry about the pix folks.
Spring Sailing Saturdays The 3rd of November 2018
Windward-Leeward 4 Races
Hi Risk Sailing (if you're a Red Witch or a Endeavour)
Setting off with four boats in competition (Glens still feeling the effect of the blow to the head from the boom last week) we made our way to the racing area in Melville Water East ( near the regular Saturday start line ) and started to size up the rest of the fleets. The RO Les Swinton was firing each fleet off one at a time with three minute starts and we had 6 fleets to deal with. As we were fourth away we were waiting for 12 minutes before we were scheduled to cross the line.
The breeze was solidly out of the sou west and with a base of 16 rising to 20 knots gusting to 25. Honking is the other description. We had a few trepidations about the mast holding up, but so long as the boat was performing we were sailing. Lockie and Corella had a good crew on board with Crossie from Mariner joining David, Les had Nerrima going with Steve, Gina and a new fellow whose name unfortunately escapes me. Karoleeya had Steve Hills put a competitive team on board and once he'd sorted out the racing sequence, he was dangerous.
Race one had Swiftsure and Corella away on time while Nerrima and Karoleeya lingered before crossing the line and the race was set in steel from that point on. We didn't have the height to compete with Corella and settled to hold our spot, while learning the vagaries of the race course. And didn't we learn quickly... the first downward run under poles has us looking at the SS27's fleet as they roared off the start line. Trying to find a gap was the trick and we followed Corella through the 27 fleet and started to chase him again. Those behind us had to follow our example. Up to the top and around again then down to the bottom mark in amongst the Endeavour and Red Witch fleets. Experience taught us that coming in on Starboard defeats all opposition, but the little boats had death wishes as they ploughed straight up the middle and then realised their mistakes. " OOOOW ! That's a big boat and she's on Starboard" Fortunately no harm to any one and we came in second behind Corella with Nerrima and Karoleeya to follow.
Race two had a good and competitive start with Nerrima being taken up on the start line by Swiftsure Saga and a solid bump included.
A flag appeared on the start boat and Les did a 360 which apparently satisfied the RO as he wasn't counted as being OCS. But he caught up well and was hammering after us as was Steve on Karoleeya. We still had Corella in front of us and we were doing a fine job on the chase on the second down wind, when we had a disastrous wrap of the jib on the forestay necessitating a drop and unwind putting all the H28s in front of us. By this time the breeze was really pumping and the green seas over the bow was soaking us all. The crew had been drenched by a couple of big waves and the skipper called for a jacket as he was copping everything and was freezing cold. He offered to bail at this stage, but we figured we do another one even though it was fairly late already.
Race three and all boats got away well, the breeze had shifted into the sou sou west and we had a base 20 or better. The mast was holding , but we knew that we didn't want to push it too much harder. So sail soft, don't push for height and look at speed. It worked and we got ahead of Nerrima on the cross with a good look at the top mark on our first tack. The major problem was the small boats already as they were working hard in the stiff breeze and we had to work our way around them as other boats did. A small wrap on the forestay on the next down wind had us shaking in our boots, (we've got to sort this one out) and a new method was adopted. And it worked on the next down wind after we'd dodged our way through the melee of smaller boats. Over the line second again and Bill sent us heading for home. It was 1745 hrs and the mast was in the back of his mind.
Packed and away and another small set of fracture lines on a scarf on the mast. Bill's a little conscious that that mast may be under pressure in these big breezes and he'd like to keep sailing. So a bit more care from now on.
Three up, we were rather busy and very little chance for a photo, mainly on the down winds.
Results can be found here. http://www.topyacht.net.au/results/sopyc/2018/kb/wlh28/series.htm
Otherwise Geoff and his trusty steed Carina have a motor that is working. He demonstrated that it would fire up for all and sundry and would do it of his own accord at any time. On ya Geoff.
Windward-Leeward 4 Races
Hi Risk Sailing (if you're a Red Witch or a Endeavour)
Setting off with four boats in competition (Glens still feeling the effect of the blow to the head from the boom last week) we made our way to the racing area in Melville Water East ( near the regular Saturday start line ) and started to size up the rest of the fleets. The RO Les Swinton was firing each fleet off one at a time with three minute starts and we had 6 fleets to deal with. As we were fourth away we were waiting for 12 minutes before we were scheduled to cross the line.
The breeze was solidly out of the sou west and with a base of 16 rising to 20 knots gusting to 25. Honking is the other description. We had a few trepidations about the mast holding up, but so long as the boat was performing we were sailing. Lockie and Corella had a good crew on board with Crossie from Mariner joining David, Les had Nerrima going with Steve, Gina and a new fellow whose name unfortunately escapes me. Karoleeya had Steve Hills put a competitive team on board and once he'd sorted out the racing sequence, he was dangerous.
Race one had Swiftsure and Corella away on time while Nerrima and Karoleeya lingered before crossing the line and the race was set in steel from that point on. We didn't have the height to compete with Corella and settled to hold our spot, while learning the vagaries of the race course. And didn't we learn quickly... the first downward run under poles has us looking at the SS27's fleet as they roared off the start line. Trying to find a gap was the trick and we followed Corella through the 27 fleet and started to chase him again. Those behind us had to follow our example. Up to the top and around again then down to the bottom mark in amongst the Endeavour and Red Witch fleets. Experience taught us that coming in on Starboard defeats all opposition, but the little boats had death wishes as they ploughed straight up the middle and then realised their mistakes. " OOOOW ! That's a big boat and she's on Starboard" Fortunately no harm to any one and we came in second behind Corella with Nerrima and Karoleeya to follow.
Race two had a good and competitive start with Nerrima being taken up on the start line by Swiftsure Saga and a solid bump included.
A flag appeared on the start boat and Les did a 360 which apparently satisfied the RO as he wasn't counted as being OCS. But he caught up well and was hammering after us as was Steve on Karoleeya. We still had Corella in front of us and we were doing a fine job on the chase on the second down wind, when we had a disastrous wrap of the jib on the forestay necessitating a drop and unwind putting all the H28s in front of us. By this time the breeze was really pumping and the green seas over the bow was soaking us all. The crew had been drenched by a couple of big waves and the skipper called for a jacket as he was copping everything and was freezing cold. He offered to bail at this stage, but we figured we do another one even though it was fairly late already.
Race three and all boats got away well, the breeze had shifted into the sou sou west and we had a base 20 or better. The mast was holding , but we knew that we didn't want to push it too much harder. So sail soft, don't push for height and look at speed. It worked and we got ahead of Nerrima on the cross with a good look at the top mark on our first tack. The major problem was the small boats already as they were working hard in the stiff breeze and we had to work our way around them as other boats did. A small wrap on the forestay on the next down wind had us shaking in our boots, (we've got to sort this one out) and a new method was adopted. And it worked on the next down wind after we'd dodged our way through the melee of smaller boats. Over the line second again and Bill sent us heading for home. It was 1745 hrs and the mast was in the back of his mind.
Packed and away and another small set of fracture lines on a scarf on the mast. Bill's a little conscious that that mast may be under pressure in these big breezes and he'd like to keep sailing. So a bit more care from now on.
Three up, we were rather busy and very little chance for a photo, mainly on the down winds.
Results can be found here. http://www.topyacht.net.au/results/sopyc/2018/kb/wlh28/series.htm
Otherwise Geoff and his trusty steed Carina have a motor that is working. He demonstrated that it would fire up for all and sundry and would do it of his own accord at any time. On ya Geoff.
Spring Sailing Wednesdays the 31st of October 2018
What on earth was the driver of the Spirit 28 thinking? &
Gone with the wind. :-}
No doubt about it, Mariner will be up over the weekend, getting her bum cleaned. Everything was working on the boat, sails pulling well, the skipper thinking fast, the crew meditating on the cold beers to be earned from a happy skipper.
A bustling sou wester of 15 to 20 knots was on offer and Waylen Bay was working. Then the race started. We weren't too bad, but the others were already hustling along. Guess we missed the start again. But managed to get to Martin in fourth place and then down and around to Weaver looking at the dash to Sampson. The breeze clocked into the south down at the startline and we started to truck, but behind everyone as Swiftsure Saga and Alma took the high road above us and Corella and The First Jindarra were beginning to draw further ahead. ( May be the fact that they had both had their hulls done recently was helping them.)
Then away to Deepwater and we became involved with the RP fleet as we had not gone all the way in as far as Frenchy's to avoid them. Yes we were buried and the lesson from that should be now burnt into our minds. But it wasn't all bad as Alma had also tangled with the RP fleet and was following us around Deepwater, but not too far behind at this stage. A couple of gybes on the way down and we were holding our own on the fleet. The next turn was at Print and back to Robins where if we'd gone in a little further to the bay we may have made it in one. As it happened it was a quick double tack, but the time was slipping away and we watched as Lockie and Andrew grew further away. Andrew was on fire by the way and had pulled in a few of his crack crew to make the day work well for him.
A dash to Dolphin East and a few fumbling attempts to set the pole early gave us a moment of mirth as Graham worked hard to get the sheet into the beak and then it would pop out as he forced it forward and inadvertently fired the beak with the string. Around we went with the pole set and the main slammed over as we came through the breeze. Then away on a dash to Como and our nemesis came in to view..
Heading down to the outer start line we had a spirit 28 in front of us. I won't mention the boat name, but sailing in div 2 they were at the back end of the fleet and not a chance for a flag. Neither were we for that matter, but..... Anyway, we rounded just behind them and tried to get above them, to go past so we could continue on. "Oh no you don't," he said and took us up:
WTF. really, do you have to do that? So away we went and carried it on till we were above Como and the passing fleet to the start line. Then he came down and we faked the drop and then bounced back up again to get inside his transom. The drag race began and we were holding him with the skipper's grin fixed into a rictus as we drew closer. Mariner drew level and we hit the mark with a swift rounding and closed the door on him. And left the boat floundering as it appeared he had an overwind with all the fuss that had been happening.
So our journey continued with the crew smiling inwardly. Up towards Print, across to Foam and back to Print again on a screamer of a reach. A gybe and we did fine on the run, getting closer to Swiftsure Saga who was doing well on her own. Down the breeze, we were noting speeds of 8 knots on the reach, I've a feeling that it was the surge as we came off a wave, but fast enough though. Hitting Thelma we hardened up and were ok running along the freeway, but the tide was out and the chance of finding the mud was fairly good. So tack away and stumble over the line in good form.
Speaking to one of the leading boats afterwards, they too had had a coming together with the Spirit 28 and apparently some interesting decisions were made by the skippers of the boats. So maybe we were the unwitting recipient of " payback" on an H28.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
Alma has taken Craig on board for a yot.. wonderful; and I'm hoping that Peter reads this and gets his butt down to the club tout suite. Same for Phil... look forward to seeing them both.
Geoff is hard at work on Carina again and the motor is sitting in the hull. The pong box and the waterworks are in place and I believe that he's waiting for a shaft. Good on him for the work he's doing.
What on earth was the driver of the Spirit 28 thinking? &
Gone with the wind. :-}
No doubt about it, Mariner will be up over the weekend, getting her bum cleaned. Everything was working on the boat, sails pulling well, the skipper thinking fast, the crew meditating on the cold beers to be earned from a happy skipper.
A bustling sou wester of 15 to 20 knots was on offer and Waylen Bay was working. Then the race started. We weren't too bad, but the others were already hustling along. Guess we missed the start again. But managed to get to Martin in fourth place and then down and around to Weaver looking at the dash to Sampson. The breeze clocked into the south down at the startline and we started to truck, but behind everyone as Swiftsure Saga and Alma took the high road above us and Corella and The First Jindarra were beginning to draw further ahead. ( May be the fact that they had both had their hulls done recently was helping them.)
Then away to Deepwater and we became involved with the RP fleet as we had not gone all the way in as far as Frenchy's to avoid them. Yes we were buried and the lesson from that should be now burnt into our minds. But it wasn't all bad as Alma had also tangled with the RP fleet and was following us around Deepwater, but not too far behind at this stage. A couple of gybes on the way down and we were holding our own on the fleet. The next turn was at Print and back to Robins where if we'd gone in a little further to the bay we may have made it in one. As it happened it was a quick double tack, but the time was slipping away and we watched as Lockie and Andrew grew further away. Andrew was on fire by the way and had pulled in a few of his crack crew to make the day work well for him.
A dash to Dolphin East and a few fumbling attempts to set the pole early gave us a moment of mirth as Graham worked hard to get the sheet into the beak and then it would pop out as he forced it forward and inadvertently fired the beak with the string. Around we went with the pole set and the main slammed over as we came through the breeze. Then away on a dash to Como and our nemesis came in to view..
Heading down to the outer start line we had a spirit 28 in front of us. I won't mention the boat name, but sailing in div 2 they were at the back end of the fleet and not a chance for a flag. Neither were we for that matter, but..... Anyway, we rounded just behind them and tried to get above them, to go past so we could continue on. "Oh no you don't," he said and took us up:
WTF. really, do you have to do that? So away we went and carried it on till we were above Como and the passing fleet to the start line. Then he came down and we faked the drop and then bounced back up again to get inside his transom. The drag race began and we were holding him with the skipper's grin fixed into a rictus as we drew closer. Mariner drew level and we hit the mark with a swift rounding and closed the door on him. And left the boat floundering as it appeared he had an overwind with all the fuss that had been happening.
So our journey continued with the crew smiling inwardly. Up towards Print, across to Foam and back to Print again on a screamer of a reach. A gybe and we did fine on the run, getting closer to Swiftsure Saga who was doing well on her own. Down the breeze, we were noting speeds of 8 knots on the reach, I've a feeling that it was the surge as we came off a wave, but fast enough though. Hitting Thelma we hardened up and were ok running along the freeway, but the tide was out and the chance of finding the mud was fairly good. So tack away and stumble over the line in good form.
Speaking to one of the leading boats afterwards, they too had had a coming together with the Spirit 28 and apparently some interesting decisions were made by the skippers of the boats. So maybe we were the unwitting recipient of " payback" on an H28.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
Alma has taken Craig on board for a yot.. wonderful; and I'm hoping that Peter reads this and gets his butt down to the club tout suite. Same for Phil... look forward to seeing them both.
Geoff is hard at work on Carina again and the motor is sitting in the hull. The pong box and the waterworks are in place and I believe that he's waiting for a shaft. Good on him for the work he's doing.
Spring Sailing Saturdays the 27th of October 2018.
Just lookin!
I didn't get a sail on Saturday, but we had an observer on the water nevertheless.
Apparently Lockie and Rita were putting a fresh coat of anti foul on and Brian was busily making new ropes for Cooinda. Once they'd finished their tasks they took to the water and chased up the H28 fleet. I'd take a guess that they were on a course one judging by the time on the water, but I stand to be corrected if necessary. The breeze was honking ( well it was at Freo where I was) and Bill had replaced me by none other than Len Randell. Bill just stepped down to the main and away they went.
It appears that we're JaM racing for the while as we just don't have the skills on the foredeck. But a good race it was and for the first time, Jim Spittle had a reasonable handicap. Worked for him nicely and despite the best attempts of the others he kept in touch and in front of Wynella and Karoleeya. Let this be a warning to all, he's pretty quick. But he was behind Swiftsure Saga with Len at the helm and Len took the race with a fastest time. However a reasonable handicap bumped Napea of Carrick up to first on handicap and Wynella took second. Swiftsure Saga took third with Karoleeya a little further behind.
However Brian took his iPhone 6 out and took a few snaps. Mostly of Napea.. but we got one or two of Wynella and one of Swiftsure Saga with an S bend in the mast. Now I know why the main rags in the luff on a strong breeze. The bend must be big..
Thanks to Brian Cross for the images.
Just lookin!
I didn't get a sail on Saturday, but we had an observer on the water nevertheless.
Apparently Lockie and Rita were putting a fresh coat of anti foul on and Brian was busily making new ropes for Cooinda. Once they'd finished their tasks they took to the water and chased up the H28 fleet. I'd take a guess that they were on a course one judging by the time on the water, but I stand to be corrected if necessary. The breeze was honking ( well it was at Freo where I was) and Bill had replaced me by none other than Len Randell. Bill just stepped down to the main and away they went.
It appears that we're JaM racing for the while as we just don't have the skills on the foredeck. But a good race it was and for the first time, Jim Spittle had a reasonable handicap. Worked for him nicely and despite the best attempts of the others he kept in touch and in front of Wynella and Karoleeya. Let this be a warning to all, he's pretty quick. But he was behind Swiftsure Saga with Len at the helm and Len took the race with a fastest time. However a reasonable handicap bumped Napea of Carrick up to first on handicap and Wynella took second. Swiftsure Saga took third with Karoleeya a little further behind.
However Brian took his iPhone 6 out and took a few snaps. Mostly of Napea.. but we got one or two of Wynella and one of Swiftsure Saga with an S bend in the mast. Now I know why the main rags in the luff on a strong breeze. The bend must be big..
Thanks to Brian Cross for the images.
Spring Sailing Wednesday the 24th of October 2018
The day when the tail wagged twice.
Its not often that you can get past Andy Bell once he's in front and we had the same problem with Wynella who was in front of us.
On a light west-sou-westerly, four boats left the pens with the fifth sitting in the pens for a reason only known to themselves. We'd looked very hard at the course and we were almost convinced we were to get a course two, but up went a course four on a day when we knew we'd get around pretty quickly with such a small course.
We set off well and were chasing Andy Bell and Bill with every chance of getting them when we tacked away at Sampson rather than breath the stuff from the two boats in front of us. Only a hundred yards and we were pointing at Frenchies once we'd straightened up. Clear air and a good run, we crossed Wynella and left her below us and of course Bill and Andrew were already chasing each other with Bill getting closer. At the top, we had slipped to fourth.. a combination of being out of phase and too many tacks.
So chase Glen down to Dolphin East and watch Bill slowly make his way up to Andrew as they headed for Como on the way to the Outer Start line and get inside of his transom and past him at Como. Their next job was to stay in front of Andrew while we had our work cut out to catch up with Glen and Wynella. And to rub it in, we'd loaned him one of our crew. Graeme's no slouch on the main and once in front they should have been able to stay there.
Off around the small triangle and avoid the div two boats again while looking at the fleet of SS27's and SS22's that were on our tails as well. Soft days are not nice as the div three boats tend to catch up and get in our way. Turning at Sampson again, our boat elected to take the run up to Print and then across to Foam. Bless me, Glen on Wynella had gone the other way and had knocked furiously all the way to the ley line to Foam. On the other hand, we were catching up everyone with a burst of speed that surprised us all. We'd halved the difference between ourselves and the leaders and left Wynella behind. Now why couldn't we do that at the beginning of the race?
The run to the line after Thelma was simple with just a reach across to the line. A sure sign that there was still a bit of the westerly around.
Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra, Mariner.
On handicap. Wynella, ( by one second ) Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
I spent a moment checking on the damage caused to Peter Were's yacht. There is almost no damage to the bow at all, a few scuff marks is all there is to remark on. So it appears that they rode up over and onto Anna. The photos tell the story.
The day when the tail wagged twice.
Its not often that you can get past Andy Bell once he's in front and we had the same problem with Wynella who was in front of us.
On a light west-sou-westerly, four boats left the pens with the fifth sitting in the pens for a reason only known to themselves. We'd looked very hard at the course and we were almost convinced we were to get a course two, but up went a course four on a day when we knew we'd get around pretty quickly with such a small course.
We set off well and were chasing Andy Bell and Bill with every chance of getting them when we tacked away at Sampson rather than breath the stuff from the two boats in front of us. Only a hundred yards and we were pointing at Frenchies once we'd straightened up. Clear air and a good run, we crossed Wynella and left her below us and of course Bill and Andrew were already chasing each other with Bill getting closer. At the top, we had slipped to fourth.. a combination of being out of phase and too many tacks.
So chase Glen down to Dolphin East and watch Bill slowly make his way up to Andrew as they headed for Como on the way to the Outer Start line and get inside of his transom and past him at Como. Their next job was to stay in front of Andrew while we had our work cut out to catch up with Glen and Wynella. And to rub it in, we'd loaned him one of our crew. Graeme's no slouch on the main and once in front they should have been able to stay there.
Off around the small triangle and avoid the div two boats again while looking at the fleet of SS27's and SS22's that were on our tails as well. Soft days are not nice as the div three boats tend to catch up and get in our way. Turning at Sampson again, our boat elected to take the run up to Print and then across to Foam. Bless me, Glen on Wynella had gone the other way and had knocked furiously all the way to the ley line to Foam. On the other hand, we were catching up everyone with a burst of speed that surprised us all. We'd halved the difference between ourselves and the leaders and left Wynella behind. Now why couldn't we do that at the beginning of the race?
The run to the line after Thelma was simple with just a reach across to the line. A sure sign that there was still a bit of the westerly around.
Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra, Mariner.
On handicap. Wynella, ( by one second ) Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
I spent a moment checking on the damage caused to Peter Were's yacht. There is almost no damage to the bow at all, a few scuff marks is all there is to remark on. So it appears that they rode up over and onto Anna. The photos tell the story.
Spring Sailing Saturday 20th of October 2018
The Jim Leach Memorial trophy.
It's lonely out the front &
Crunch time for Anna
On a nasty swirling nor wester of about 15 to 18 knots on a course three, six H28's set off to vie for the Jim Leach Memorial trophy. Only five started.
By the time we had left the pen and hoisted our sails, Anna was already coming back in and began to drop her sails. The reason was clear, there was a huge divot in her starboard side up around where the cabin top finished and where the foredeck began. The first question fired off was, is everyone ok? Three bodies were in motion around the boat and that was all they had on the yacht so we presumed that all was well in that regard, but what had happened?
Apparently Anna had come together with Peter Were's Cover Drive (aptly nicknamed Take Cover) around the start line area well before the opening time for the racing. As I don't know the where's and how's I can't discuss the incident until the dust has settled. However Anna has suffered a serious amount of damage and the general feeling around the fleet is that while she is certainly repairable, the cost /insurance pay out may not mean that she is viable. Its a decision that only John can make and we must abide by his thoughts on the matter. HIs best interests are what matters. As for the crew, Craig, Peter and Phil should be offered a ride on whoever needs or can find a spot. To lose these three crew who are definitely keen would be a sad moment for all.
For the rest of us, it was a little rambunctious to begin with as the breeze swirled fractiously around us and gusts were enough to lay some of the smaller boats ( 22's etc ) on their sides. But it was easing and the boat with the wooden mast joined the rest of the boats to the line. We were late and Lockie on Corella was already away as was Wynella and Nerrima. That left us to cross the line and Jim Spittle followed on our heels. The run was up to Bartlett ( tucked up into Nedlands foreshore) and so long as we remembered to leave the red spits to Starboard we were good. But finding Bartlett was a next problem, its a tough one to find and we were lucky we had Lockie in front. The GPS is still out of whack and we were sailing in the old fashioned way. A compass and good luck.
Lockie was running away already and we had our battle with Les and Jim to consider as we 'd got past Wynella and Les with Jim closing up behind as well. He's got a good team to sail with, has Jim. But the skipper dug his heels in and the run down to Dolphin East and away to Thelma for the first time. We put a few yards on them on the downward run, but Les wasn't doing too badly and was close enough. Up around Heathcote Dolphin and up to Deepwater and across to Bartlett again. We saw Lockie draw ahead even further as he charged up to the top mark and we were starting to draw away by this time. The battle was now between Jim on Napier of Carrick and Les with Nerrima and for a brief period Jim was leading Les. Fantastic. But once we'd returned down to Addison and across to Thelma again we were 100's of metres in front and Lockie was as far away from us as we from Les and Jim.
The small triangle of Dolphin East to Addison and Thelma again with the finish line in the offing was all we had and it was a case of follow the leader all the way to the line. Lockie ended up 6.40 minutes in front of us and we were 5.30 minutes in front of Nerrima. The last three crossed the line in under a minute. Jim is still shaking off his handicap, but he's almost there and the next few weeks will see him starting to get a decent handicap.
Over the line and on handicap:
David Locke and Corella and winner of the Jim Leach Memorial Trophy, second Swift Sure Saga, third Les Brookers Nerrima.
John Wright was awarded the T bone Trophy for his efforts and since he'll need every dollar to rebuild ………….
I forgot my boat camera, but fortunately had the gopro on board so I've lifted a few stills from the video to keep you amused.
The Jim Leach Memorial trophy.
It's lonely out the front &
Crunch time for Anna
On a nasty swirling nor wester of about 15 to 18 knots on a course three, six H28's set off to vie for the Jim Leach Memorial trophy. Only five started.
By the time we had left the pen and hoisted our sails, Anna was already coming back in and began to drop her sails. The reason was clear, there was a huge divot in her starboard side up around where the cabin top finished and where the foredeck began. The first question fired off was, is everyone ok? Three bodies were in motion around the boat and that was all they had on the yacht so we presumed that all was well in that regard, but what had happened?
Apparently Anna had come together with Peter Were's Cover Drive (aptly nicknamed Take Cover) around the start line area well before the opening time for the racing. As I don't know the where's and how's I can't discuss the incident until the dust has settled. However Anna has suffered a serious amount of damage and the general feeling around the fleet is that while she is certainly repairable, the cost /insurance pay out may not mean that she is viable. Its a decision that only John can make and we must abide by his thoughts on the matter. HIs best interests are what matters. As for the crew, Craig, Peter and Phil should be offered a ride on whoever needs or can find a spot. To lose these three crew who are definitely keen would be a sad moment for all.
For the rest of us, it was a little rambunctious to begin with as the breeze swirled fractiously around us and gusts were enough to lay some of the smaller boats ( 22's etc ) on their sides. But it was easing and the boat with the wooden mast joined the rest of the boats to the line. We were late and Lockie on Corella was already away as was Wynella and Nerrima. That left us to cross the line and Jim Spittle followed on our heels. The run was up to Bartlett ( tucked up into Nedlands foreshore) and so long as we remembered to leave the red spits to Starboard we were good. But finding Bartlett was a next problem, its a tough one to find and we were lucky we had Lockie in front. The GPS is still out of whack and we were sailing in the old fashioned way. A compass and good luck.
Lockie was running away already and we had our battle with Les and Jim to consider as we 'd got past Wynella and Les with Jim closing up behind as well. He's got a good team to sail with, has Jim. But the skipper dug his heels in and the run down to Dolphin East and away to Thelma for the first time. We put a few yards on them on the downward run, but Les wasn't doing too badly and was close enough. Up around Heathcote Dolphin and up to Deepwater and across to Bartlett again. We saw Lockie draw ahead even further as he charged up to the top mark and we were starting to draw away by this time. The battle was now between Jim on Napier of Carrick and Les with Nerrima and for a brief period Jim was leading Les. Fantastic. But once we'd returned down to Addison and across to Thelma again we were 100's of metres in front and Lockie was as far away from us as we from Les and Jim.
The small triangle of Dolphin East to Addison and Thelma again with the finish line in the offing was all we had and it was a case of follow the leader all the way to the line. Lockie ended up 6.40 minutes in front of us and we were 5.30 minutes in front of Nerrima. The last three crossed the line in under a minute. Jim is still shaking off his handicap, but he's almost there and the next few weeks will see him starting to get a decent handicap.
Over the line and on handicap:
David Locke and Corella and winner of the Jim Leach Memorial Trophy, second Swift Sure Saga, third Les Brookers Nerrima.
John Wright was awarded the T bone Trophy for his efforts and since he'll need every dollar to rebuild ………….
I forgot my boat camera, but fortunately had the gopro on board so I've lifted a few stills from the video to keep you amused.
Spring Sailing Wednesday 17th of October 2018
The flag snaffler is around. &
The return of Ralph ?
Welcome back to Andy Bell and his mob, he's been missing in action for a couple of weeks and returned in an emphatic fashion on a generally soft day. We had early indications that it was going to be a big nor wester, but it just dropped and dropped until we were dealing with a tame pussycat of a westerly that swung here and there. And they gave us a course one, which meant that after a quick jaunt out from Sampson (no Martin and Weaver in this race) you could almost aim for Deepwater and go. Mind you, no one made it in one, but that was the theory.
Seven boats hit the water and Geoffs back working on Carina again. My word, when she's finished, she'll be ok. Most of us were three up and the lucky few had four. As usual, we missed the start and found ourselves in catch up mode. But we had a reasonable third by Sampson and it was clear that Corella was on a hiding to nothing. So Andy Bell cleared off to get free air as others did and we stepped out to port to create a new running line once we were free of their air. For once we were free of the Royal Perth fleet and it wasn't until we were well on our way to Deepwater that they appeared on the radar. We crossed swords with Swiftsure once or twice on the way up and were graciously waved through on one occasion. But around we went, still in third with Jindarra and Corella drawing away ever more. The race was to Print where we watched Andrew Bell execute a trademark move and slip past Lockie on Corella and then off to Robins and then all the way to Como.
Then Bill on Swiftsure Saga got through us on the upwind to Robins and much cursing was heard from the rear of the boat, Fulminating, might be a better description. The other three behind us, John Wright and Anna, Judith Magee and Alma and Glen with Wynella were not a threat to us, so the battle was on to keep up with Swiftsure Saga if we could get a chance to pass her. Down to Como and around the outer start line mark with a smart gybe and then a dash toward Sampson again. This time we had a chance, for the breeze was enough for us to be able to aim pretty much for Foam, if the breeze behaved itself. Once we were away, we could see that if we sailed well enough we could catch up with Bill and sure enough, we got close enough to have to duck him on the mark at Foam. Then a chase to Print, a gybe and a pole to Como.
A reach to Thelma and then the fun began. Bill was in front, but a little luck had us between Swiftsure Saga and the line. From there on it was keep the boat moving and make it over the line first.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: As above.
Its only a rumour, but Ralph's got Eun na Mara on the market and may be returning to sail in the H28 fleet. As I said.. only a rumour.
And Georgina's owner George Barr is replacing the engine in Georgina and may have a Stuart Turner up for sale. Plus a box or two of spare bits . Contact him for more info.
Of course one of the biggest mistakes a skipper and crew can make, is to leave their class flag up once the boat is packed away and they've made it to the bar. The flag snaffler was seen in action and the flag will be available once the usual penalty has been paid.
The flag snaffler is around. &
The return of Ralph ?
Welcome back to Andy Bell and his mob, he's been missing in action for a couple of weeks and returned in an emphatic fashion on a generally soft day. We had early indications that it was going to be a big nor wester, but it just dropped and dropped until we were dealing with a tame pussycat of a westerly that swung here and there. And they gave us a course one, which meant that after a quick jaunt out from Sampson (no Martin and Weaver in this race) you could almost aim for Deepwater and go. Mind you, no one made it in one, but that was the theory.
Seven boats hit the water and Geoffs back working on Carina again. My word, when she's finished, she'll be ok. Most of us were three up and the lucky few had four. As usual, we missed the start and found ourselves in catch up mode. But we had a reasonable third by Sampson and it was clear that Corella was on a hiding to nothing. So Andy Bell cleared off to get free air as others did and we stepped out to port to create a new running line once we were free of their air. For once we were free of the Royal Perth fleet and it wasn't until we were well on our way to Deepwater that they appeared on the radar. We crossed swords with Swiftsure once or twice on the way up and were graciously waved through on one occasion. But around we went, still in third with Jindarra and Corella drawing away ever more. The race was to Print where we watched Andrew Bell execute a trademark move and slip past Lockie on Corella and then off to Robins and then all the way to Como.
Then Bill on Swiftsure Saga got through us on the upwind to Robins and much cursing was heard from the rear of the boat, Fulminating, might be a better description. The other three behind us, John Wright and Anna, Judith Magee and Alma and Glen with Wynella were not a threat to us, so the battle was on to keep up with Swiftsure Saga if we could get a chance to pass her. Down to Como and around the outer start line mark with a smart gybe and then a dash toward Sampson again. This time we had a chance, for the breeze was enough for us to be able to aim pretty much for Foam, if the breeze behaved itself. Once we were away, we could see that if we sailed well enough we could catch up with Bill and sure enough, we got close enough to have to duck him on the mark at Foam. Then a chase to Print, a gybe and a pole to Como.
A reach to Thelma and then the fun began. Bill was in front, but a little luck had us between Swiftsure Saga and the line. From there on it was keep the boat moving and make it over the line first.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: As above.
Its only a rumour, but Ralph's got Eun na Mara on the market and may be returning to sail in the H28 fleet. As I said.. only a rumour.
And Georgina's owner George Barr is replacing the engine in Georgina and may have a Stuart Turner up for sale. Plus a box or two of spare bits . Contact him for more info.
Of course one of the biggest mistakes a skipper and crew can make, is to leave their class flag up once the boat is packed away and they've made it to the bar. The flag snaffler was seen in action and the flag will be available once the usual penalty has been paid.
Spring Sailing Saturdays 13th of October 2018.
Welcome to Saturday sailing for Jim Spittles Napier of Carrick &
OMG, what was he thinking? &
The handicaps move with glacial pace.
A blustery Westerly that had hints of both north and south greeted us on the start line as five boats joined the fleet of South of Perth yachts who were testing the breeze around the start boat. Sailing on Swiftsure Saga for the summer season, we were dealing with a new wooden mast and it was probably the best test we'd had for it so far. A reef had been dropped in and we were out with a number one and half up front. Lets face it, the thought was to get around the track, we weren't flying a kite and it was going to be a test of the new rig. The number of boats on the water generally wasn't large, but we have to acknowledge that Royal Perth was having their Opening Day and that probably sucked a number of our boats over to the other side of the river. More about RP later.
It was also a welcome to Jim Spittle and his restored H28, Napier of Carrick; Bill Solomon's old boat and more recently Russell Fletchers. Jim has quietly spent the last three years tidying her up, getting decent sails and putting a newish power pack on board. He's assembled a crew and borrowed Les Brooker from Nerima to run the main for him. Which meant that Les didn't go out, but given he didn't have a crew, sailing with his former foredeck hand was a good thing.
Off we went with a good start, mid line and climbing well. Speed and height was always the request and the trade off for height with a reefed main meant that most of the work was coming from the jib, while the main was flogging badly. And I don't like looking at a flogging main. However Bill made a wise choice and we stayed out in the middle and drove our way up toward our first mark. Deepwater.. we'd been given a course four and this meant several visits to this mark over the day. Almost pointing to it, from where we had launched off we gradually fell down to run past Robins and then tack back out to go for a starboard ley into Deepwater. Again Lockie, who was leading and John Wright with Anna in hot pursuit found themselves slowing as they dipped into Waylen bay and it was Glen and Wynella who had followed our lead and was doing very well as a result. Across we went and around Deepwater in the lead, still with the reef in and a reach across to Hallmark and thence up to Armstrong. Staying out of the northern side of the river gave us better air and the run up the breeze was pretty straight. Bending around Armstrong, we set our first pole and the run to Print commenced.
Corella wasn't far behind and in fact the whole fleet was within a couple of minutes. There weren't too many other boats to give us grief so the boats held their places as the H28's J&M'd their way to Print. That's right .. no spinnaker was raised all day.. a tacit agreement ? May be, but it meant that the sailing was close enough. Back up to Deepwater and the RP boats were making their way up to a start line around Robins for their start of the sailing season. We had the pleasure of sailing through their fleets on starboard on the way up to Deepwater with most of the H28's taking a line up the centre with us. No gains though. Around Deepwater again and this time it was going to be a long run to Addison via Dolphin East with a gybing duel with the poles on the way down. Angles mean speed and so does the lack of pressure, particularly if you are in front. Everyone was riding a pressure front except for us and they drew closer and closer. Corella was right on our ginger and by this time we had shaken our the reef and cursing that we hadn't put on a number one on the front. Yes the pressure was dropping, but we still had enough to go fast.
Around Addison and back up to Deepwater again with foreboding in our hearts Lockie was hunting us and on the long run up to Deepwater he just out ran us. Working the main, trimming for best speed, it didn't matter.... Corella is a slick boat and she was slowly overhauling us. In fact by the time we passed Applecross Spit, a quick check had him level with us and higher to the mark. We were stuffed. And then the impossible happened we passed the ley line for Deepwater. What ! Corella kept going. After 30 seconds had passed, we could see the mark clearly behind his hull and a decision was made. Tack and go for it. Away we went and rounded Deepwater while Corella realised what had happened and threw in a tack to cover us. They rounded almost a minute behind us. Unbelievable, we had been handed the race on a platter.
Then came the dash to Addison again via Dolphin East. We were fast enough on the way to D.E. with the full main and a pre set pole meant that we lost no time as we made our way down to Addison, This time we and Lockie were dealing with the Royal Perth fleet and as windward boats we had to dip and swerve around the oncoming yachts. We ducked a couple, but Corella had to put in a decent jink to avoid what I think was a Bakewell 8 in a hurry. We also saw Black Betty on their way around the cans and they had to give us room. :-)
Down to Addison and then a reach with the boat humming as we looked at Thelma, trying to work out what the best thing to do would be once we had made the mark. Run along the freeway or harden up and point at the line. No matter what, keep the boat between Corella and the finish line. As expected, he threw everything at us and regardless of what he did, we had the counter, the line was ours.
A tight race for the five H28's and even after 10.4 nautical miles the separation was less than 4 minutes. Possibly because we hadn't flown spinnakers, but the racing was just as good. The breeze began at 17 to 23 knots and dropped down to 13 to 17 knots, but there were gaps in the breeze and it swung through the west, both south and north. Picking the breeze was the trick and we had a good day.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella, Anna.
On handicap: Wynella, Anna and Swiftsure Saga.
The handicap moves with glacial speed.
There's no doubt that one or two boats have been improving slowly and the handicaps seem to reflect it. But so slowly, so so slowly.
It brings to mind the old handicapping system that was espoused (and peculiar to) the H28's. It's not a demand for its return, but to show you what else is available
The following below is from a piece penned in the 1990's, possibly by the then scribe. Given his understanding of the handicapping system, he may possibly have been the handicapper, or maybe in those days, everyone could work out the handicaps.
Welcome to Saturday sailing for Jim Spittles Napier of Carrick &
OMG, what was he thinking? &
The handicaps move with glacial pace.
A blustery Westerly that had hints of both north and south greeted us on the start line as five boats joined the fleet of South of Perth yachts who were testing the breeze around the start boat. Sailing on Swiftsure Saga for the summer season, we were dealing with a new wooden mast and it was probably the best test we'd had for it so far. A reef had been dropped in and we were out with a number one and half up front. Lets face it, the thought was to get around the track, we weren't flying a kite and it was going to be a test of the new rig. The number of boats on the water generally wasn't large, but we have to acknowledge that Royal Perth was having their Opening Day and that probably sucked a number of our boats over to the other side of the river. More about RP later.
It was also a welcome to Jim Spittle and his restored H28, Napier of Carrick; Bill Solomon's old boat and more recently Russell Fletchers. Jim has quietly spent the last three years tidying her up, getting decent sails and putting a newish power pack on board. He's assembled a crew and borrowed Les Brooker from Nerima to run the main for him. Which meant that Les didn't go out, but given he didn't have a crew, sailing with his former foredeck hand was a good thing.
Off we went with a good start, mid line and climbing well. Speed and height was always the request and the trade off for height with a reefed main meant that most of the work was coming from the jib, while the main was flogging badly. And I don't like looking at a flogging main. However Bill made a wise choice and we stayed out in the middle and drove our way up toward our first mark. Deepwater.. we'd been given a course four and this meant several visits to this mark over the day. Almost pointing to it, from where we had launched off we gradually fell down to run past Robins and then tack back out to go for a starboard ley into Deepwater. Again Lockie, who was leading and John Wright with Anna in hot pursuit found themselves slowing as they dipped into Waylen bay and it was Glen and Wynella who had followed our lead and was doing very well as a result. Across we went and around Deepwater in the lead, still with the reef in and a reach across to Hallmark and thence up to Armstrong. Staying out of the northern side of the river gave us better air and the run up the breeze was pretty straight. Bending around Armstrong, we set our first pole and the run to Print commenced.
Corella wasn't far behind and in fact the whole fleet was within a couple of minutes. There weren't too many other boats to give us grief so the boats held their places as the H28's J&M'd their way to Print. That's right .. no spinnaker was raised all day.. a tacit agreement ? May be, but it meant that the sailing was close enough. Back up to Deepwater and the RP boats were making their way up to a start line around Robins for their start of the sailing season. We had the pleasure of sailing through their fleets on starboard on the way up to Deepwater with most of the H28's taking a line up the centre with us. No gains though. Around Deepwater again and this time it was going to be a long run to Addison via Dolphin East with a gybing duel with the poles on the way down. Angles mean speed and so does the lack of pressure, particularly if you are in front. Everyone was riding a pressure front except for us and they drew closer and closer. Corella was right on our ginger and by this time we had shaken our the reef and cursing that we hadn't put on a number one on the front. Yes the pressure was dropping, but we still had enough to go fast.
Around Addison and back up to Deepwater again with foreboding in our hearts Lockie was hunting us and on the long run up to Deepwater he just out ran us. Working the main, trimming for best speed, it didn't matter.... Corella is a slick boat and she was slowly overhauling us. In fact by the time we passed Applecross Spit, a quick check had him level with us and higher to the mark. We were stuffed. And then the impossible happened we passed the ley line for Deepwater. What ! Corella kept going. After 30 seconds had passed, we could see the mark clearly behind his hull and a decision was made. Tack and go for it. Away we went and rounded Deepwater while Corella realised what had happened and threw in a tack to cover us. They rounded almost a minute behind us. Unbelievable, we had been handed the race on a platter.
Then came the dash to Addison again via Dolphin East. We were fast enough on the way to D.E. with the full main and a pre set pole meant that we lost no time as we made our way down to Addison, This time we and Lockie were dealing with the Royal Perth fleet and as windward boats we had to dip and swerve around the oncoming yachts. We ducked a couple, but Corella had to put in a decent jink to avoid what I think was a Bakewell 8 in a hurry. We also saw Black Betty on their way around the cans and they had to give us room. :-)
Down to Addison and then a reach with the boat humming as we looked at Thelma, trying to work out what the best thing to do would be once we had made the mark. Run along the freeway or harden up and point at the line. No matter what, keep the boat between Corella and the finish line. As expected, he threw everything at us and regardless of what he did, we had the counter, the line was ours.
A tight race for the five H28's and even after 10.4 nautical miles the separation was less than 4 minutes. Possibly because we hadn't flown spinnakers, but the racing was just as good. The breeze began at 17 to 23 knots and dropped down to 13 to 17 knots, but there were gaps in the breeze and it swung through the west, both south and north. Picking the breeze was the trick and we had a good day.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella, Anna.
On handicap: Wynella, Anna and Swiftsure Saga.
The handicap moves with glacial speed.
There's no doubt that one or two boats have been improving slowly and the handicaps seem to reflect it. But so slowly, so so slowly.
It brings to mind the old handicapping system that was espoused (and peculiar to) the H28's. It's not a demand for its return, but to show you what else is available
The following below is from a piece penned in the 1990's, possibly by the then scribe. Given his understanding of the handicapping system, he may possibly have been the handicapper, or maybe in those days, everyone could work out the handicaps.
Spring Sailing Wednesdays 10th of October 2018
Don't go into Waylen Bay on a Westerly.
& He's a persistent fellow that Dave Locke!
On a soft day for the start of the spring season, six H28's took off onto the water and with Judith joining the fleet on Alma we were very happy to go for a yot. She had a mixed crew, but held her own on the day, considering the boat hasn't really raced since last autumn.
The breeze started in the south and showed hints of a sou westerly, but we should have payed attention to the course the starters offered the first two fleets, a course two, signifying a westerly. But we were given a course four, the general purpose light breezes course that is used when you don't have enough bumf to send the fleet round a long course.
Heading off into the north for once, it was a drag race down to Sampson and only the quick were going to have a chance as the corner at Sampson would determine the eventual placings if no one fouled up. We found ourselves behind Lockie at the corner and decided to stick there for at least four or five hundred metres until the boats behind us had peeled off to head into Heathcote. We went and sure enough David covered us.
Then began the fascinating series of tacks where you can win or lose the race as the boats made their way up to a spot where they could go into the bay for the dig up to Robins. However the Royal fleet was coming at us and it was clear that they were going to cause grief in a short while. At the same time on our boat we were getting clear indications of a westerly beginning to come through. A brief discussion set up on a course up the middle, looking for a starboard ley line into Robins. Meanwhile, the bay was hotting up with five H28s and the entire Royal Perth Div one fleet hammering their way up the bay to get up to Applecross Spit and further down the river.
Dave Locke's Corella popped out of the end of the bay looking fairly good, but we'd made good time up the middle and came in, bending the boat up to Robins on a starboard that over ruled every boat on that part of the river. Dave then got caught by a Royal Perth boat and had to dip him. Great. Around the mark we went and bore off to Dolphin East. Slowly David and Rita started to catch up, but we had enough going for us to keep in front. Then fortune smiled on us and Corella was caught up with some Div. two boats at Como and we had another 100 meters up our sleeves. Looking back Bill Richards was doing fine and keeping ahead of John Wrights Anna with Glen and Wynella and Judith's Alma partying on behind them.
The small triangle loomed and our job was to stay ahead and do alright on the down winds as that's where he was doing better than we were. A straight enough run to Foam ( yes it was a westerly ) took us to about a hundred meters of Foam and the tack had us pinching a little, but we made it and eased away to Print with our lead secure, it was reaching from there on. Around Thelma and make for the line, just as fast as we could go. Fine, we stuffed our handicap, but the skipper was happy.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
On Handicap: Mariner, Corella and Wynella.
A note of thanks to Ian Weaver, part time H28 sailor and full time shipwright. Ian was tasked with the job of restoring the Loyal Weaver Memorial Trophy case (his Grandfather) and sorting out the labels so we had more room for winners. He's done a wonderful job and the result is included in the images. ( thanks to chairman Glen for the photo.)
Don't go into Waylen Bay on a Westerly.
& He's a persistent fellow that Dave Locke!
On a soft day for the start of the spring season, six H28's took off onto the water and with Judith joining the fleet on Alma we were very happy to go for a yot. She had a mixed crew, but held her own on the day, considering the boat hasn't really raced since last autumn.
The breeze started in the south and showed hints of a sou westerly, but we should have payed attention to the course the starters offered the first two fleets, a course two, signifying a westerly. But we were given a course four, the general purpose light breezes course that is used when you don't have enough bumf to send the fleet round a long course.
Heading off into the north for once, it was a drag race down to Sampson and only the quick were going to have a chance as the corner at Sampson would determine the eventual placings if no one fouled up. We found ourselves behind Lockie at the corner and decided to stick there for at least four or five hundred metres until the boats behind us had peeled off to head into Heathcote. We went and sure enough David covered us.
Then began the fascinating series of tacks where you can win or lose the race as the boats made their way up to a spot where they could go into the bay for the dig up to Robins. However the Royal fleet was coming at us and it was clear that they were going to cause grief in a short while. At the same time on our boat we were getting clear indications of a westerly beginning to come through. A brief discussion set up on a course up the middle, looking for a starboard ley line into Robins. Meanwhile, the bay was hotting up with five H28s and the entire Royal Perth Div one fleet hammering their way up the bay to get up to Applecross Spit and further down the river.
Dave Locke's Corella popped out of the end of the bay looking fairly good, but we'd made good time up the middle and came in, bending the boat up to Robins on a starboard that over ruled every boat on that part of the river. Dave then got caught by a Royal Perth boat and had to dip him. Great. Around the mark we went and bore off to Dolphin East. Slowly David and Rita started to catch up, but we had enough going for us to keep in front. Then fortune smiled on us and Corella was caught up with some Div. two boats at Como and we had another 100 meters up our sleeves. Looking back Bill Richards was doing fine and keeping ahead of John Wrights Anna with Glen and Wynella and Judith's Alma partying on behind them.
The small triangle loomed and our job was to stay ahead and do alright on the down winds as that's where he was doing better than we were. A straight enough run to Foam ( yes it was a westerly ) took us to about a hundred meters of Foam and the tack had us pinching a little, but we made it and eased away to Print with our lead secure, it was reaching from there on. Around Thelma and make for the line, just as fast as we could go. Fine, we stuffed our handicap, but the skipper was happy.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
On Handicap: Mariner, Corella and Wynella.
A note of thanks to Ian Weaver, part time H28 sailor and full time shipwright. Ian was tasked with the job of restoring the Loyal Weaver Memorial Trophy case (his Grandfather) and sorting out the labels so we had more room for winners. He's done a wonderful job and the result is included in the images. ( thanks to chairman Glen for the photo.)
Winter Wednesdays 3rd of October 2018
Not with a bang, but a whimper, or
Keeping Glen honest.
The season finished with a tame end. There was a difference of 4 points between first and second before the boats set off and with the fleet reduced to three starters, the season was decided there and then. However, lets take nothing away from Glen and his crew, for they have sailed really well all winter to put in the win for this series. Brian was there to keep Glen honest and was on the water every sailing Wednesday.
It was a course 2 on a dying Easterly. Mind you the starters hung out the PFD flag, as to begin with it was gusting up to 25 knots, but by the time the race was finished, the breeze was lucky to be 15 knots. With three boats, Bill had vowed to himself to keep clear of Glen and Brian, but he'd managed to get below both of them at the start line and had at least Mariner carted up and over the line for a go around. So Brian was at the back end of a long follow me race.. I'm sure he and the crew tried, but when you're on a reaching course, there's not much you can do, but follow the leader.
Surprisingly Bill kept his mast and boom on the boat and initially took off with a reefed main and a small jib. Part way through he shook out the reef and kept his lead all day and held a 50 second lead over Glen at the end. Mariner was a fair way behind at the finish despite newly recut sails.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner
For the season. Wynella, Mariner and The First Jindarra
No Photos today, I had a prior appointment today.
Not with a bang, but a whimper, or
Keeping Glen honest.
The season finished with a tame end. There was a difference of 4 points between first and second before the boats set off and with the fleet reduced to three starters, the season was decided there and then. However, lets take nothing away from Glen and his crew, for they have sailed really well all winter to put in the win for this series. Brian was there to keep Glen honest and was on the water every sailing Wednesday.
It was a course 2 on a dying Easterly. Mind you the starters hung out the PFD flag, as to begin with it was gusting up to 25 knots, but by the time the race was finished, the breeze was lucky to be 15 knots. With three boats, Bill had vowed to himself to keep clear of Glen and Brian, but he'd managed to get below both of them at the start line and had at least Mariner carted up and over the line for a go around. So Brian was at the back end of a long follow me race.. I'm sure he and the crew tried, but when you're on a reaching course, there's not much you can do, but follow the leader.
Surprisingly Bill kept his mast and boom on the boat and initially took off with a reefed main and a small jib. Part way through he shook out the reef and kept his lead all day and held a 50 second lead over Glen at the end. Mariner was a fair way behind at the finish despite newly recut sails.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner
For the season. Wynella, Mariner and The First Jindarra
No Photos today, I had a prior appointment today.
Winter Wednesdays 26th of September 2018
One more Wednesday to go !
Geoff's doing a really good job on the work on his boat Carina, when he's back in town and not working away, he's up to his eyeballs cleaning out the hull as she rests in the pen. The cabin and forecastle have been reamed out and all the old gear turfed. A coat of paint, the shrouds shifted and a ring bulkhead put in to stiffen her up. Then he took the cabin back about 18 inches with more room for the crew with another bulkhead going in and he's giving careful thought to shifting the traveller forward to give himself the extra room when going through the tack. All conjecture at this stage, but he's happy enough. Hope he makes it for the opening day in a couple of weeks time.
Five boats lined up for the race today and whilst we had a reasonable start, there was a series of stuff ups as we made the top marks, Martin and Weaver and we found ourselves fourth out of five as we headed off to Sampson on a course three in 15 to 20 knots. The chase was on and while Jindarra raced off into the distance, John Wright took off after him determined to pull him back. Our battle was with the current leader of the consistency racing for the season Wynella and for a while we were doing ok. Then we were rolled by a Farr 9.2 who caught us on port and to add insult to injury, he then tacked off onto port while we were still recovering from the crash tack.
Away we went to Robins for the first run of the day and a gallop down the breeze to Print. Port pole and a gybe half way down gave us a good bit of pressure to run with, but despite our attempts Glen was just as fast and fortunately Bill with Swiftsure Saga was behind us. And he had Lockie on board as well. Around we went and into Heathcote as far as possible with the breeze feeling like a Westerly at times, as we weren't pointing at Robins at all. Then another dig in gave us the line up to Robins and a bit of good luck made the inevitable double tack, relatively painless. Around we went again and took off after Glen and Wynella, but behind us Swiftsure started to slow, down went the headsail, then the main. Oh No! not the mast again. No, it was the boom this time. The how's and whys are yet to be given, but the ally boom goes back on for next week.
Last again and our handicap is descending quickly. The rest of the race was a soldiers course with a follow me in process. By the time we had reached the finish line Andy Bell was better than 7 minutes in front of us and John Wright was nearly three and a half minutes behind him by this time. Glen another 2 minutes and 20 seconds and Brian one minute and 28 seconds behind Glen.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Anna and Wynella
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Anna and Wynella
The previous week- - - It was a bit of a stunner for all with Mariner going out on a soft day with Lockie and spare sailor Colin from Eun Na Mara. Brian managed to do very well and lead all the way; Bill and Andy Bell had a luffing match and while Andrew eventually passed Bill, it wasn't at that moment. Glen had an unusually quiet day and ended up six minutes behind the leaders.
NB. You have to feel sorry for Div one " Wicked " Her rudder fell off leaving the boys to deal with a boat with a bit of pressure on her and the only method of steering would have been with the sails. Possible on a long keeled boat, but not on a modern yacht in 20 knots. .
Not many photos today. I was busy.
One more Wednesday to go !
Geoff's doing a really good job on the work on his boat Carina, when he's back in town and not working away, he's up to his eyeballs cleaning out the hull as she rests in the pen. The cabin and forecastle have been reamed out and all the old gear turfed. A coat of paint, the shrouds shifted and a ring bulkhead put in to stiffen her up. Then he took the cabin back about 18 inches with more room for the crew with another bulkhead going in and he's giving careful thought to shifting the traveller forward to give himself the extra room when going through the tack. All conjecture at this stage, but he's happy enough. Hope he makes it for the opening day in a couple of weeks time.
Five boats lined up for the race today and whilst we had a reasonable start, there was a series of stuff ups as we made the top marks, Martin and Weaver and we found ourselves fourth out of five as we headed off to Sampson on a course three in 15 to 20 knots. The chase was on and while Jindarra raced off into the distance, John Wright took off after him determined to pull him back. Our battle was with the current leader of the consistency racing for the season Wynella and for a while we were doing ok. Then we were rolled by a Farr 9.2 who caught us on port and to add insult to injury, he then tacked off onto port while we were still recovering from the crash tack.
Away we went to Robins for the first run of the day and a gallop down the breeze to Print. Port pole and a gybe half way down gave us a good bit of pressure to run with, but despite our attempts Glen was just as fast and fortunately Bill with Swiftsure Saga was behind us. And he had Lockie on board as well. Around we went and into Heathcote as far as possible with the breeze feeling like a Westerly at times, as we weren't pointing at Robins at all. Then another dig in gave us the line up to Robins and a bit of good luck made the inevitable double tack, relatively painless. Around we went again and took off after Glen and Wynella, but behind us Swiftsure started to slow, down went the headsail, then the main. Oh No! not the mast again. No, it was the boom this time. The how's and whys are yet to be given, but the ally boom goes back on for next week.
Last again and our handicap is descending quickly. The rest of the race was a soldiers course with a follow me in process. By the time we had reached the finish line Andy Bell was better than 7 minutes in front of us and John Wright was nearly three and a half minutes behind him by this time. Glen another 2 minutes and 20 seconds and Brian one minute and 28 seconds behind Glen.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Anna and Wynella
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Anna and Wynella
The previous week- - - It was a bit of a stunner for all with Mariner going out on a soft day with Lockie and spare sailor Colin from Eun Na Mara. Brian managed to do very well and lead all the way; Bill and Andy Bell had a luffing match and while Andrew eventually passed Bill, it wasn't at that moment. Glen had an unusually quiet day and ended up six minutes behind the leaders.
NB. You have to feel sorry for Div one " Wicked " Her rudder fell off leaving the boys to deal with a boat with a bit of pressure on her and the only method of steering would have been with the sails. Possible on a long keeled boat, but not on a modern yacht in 20 knots. .
Not many photos today. I was busy.
Sunday Frostbites … the last day of the winter season.
Well done to Mark Walters and Koomela, he managed to prove that consistency will get you there and despite a terrible handicap ( at least 100 points less than most of the boats ), he managed to take the hamper home. However guest frost bite sailor Brian Cross and his bro in law Ron Bates went out for a run and took the race apart, two up and were so far in the lead they had plenty of time for a glass of pinot after the racing. As for Jim Spittle, well everyone knows that he's broken his prop, but he managed to bust his main block and at least one other fitting on what was a fairly busy day. Jim's just beginning to realise what you need to replace if you're not too sure how old it is. But he had a good day on the water otherwise.
I'd taken the UAV out to a point opposite Martin, knowing that the starters would offer a southerly start and threw it up to see what I could get. A little breezy , but you can see the result. Bill has finally got his mast up, with some help from Brian and Glen and Geoff is busy stripping out the back end of Carina and getting her ready for a clean up. Everdure and paint is what he has been saying. Enjoy the small vid and the photo's.
Well done to Mark Walters and Koomela, he managed to prove that consistency will get you there and despite a terrible handicap ( at least 100 points less than most of the boats ), he managed to take the hamper home. However guest frost bite sailor Brian Cross and his bro in law Ron Bates went out for a run and took the race apart, two up and were so far in the lead they had plenty of time for a glass of pinot after the racing. As for Jim Spittle, well everyone knows that he's broken his prop, but he managed to bust his main block and at least one other fitting on what was a fairly busy day. Jim's just beginning to realise what you need to replace if you're not too sure how old it is. But he had a good day on the water otherwise.
I'd taken the UAV out to a point opposite Martin, knowing that the starters would offer a southerly start and threw it up to see what I could get. A little breezy , but you can see the result. Bill has finally got his mast up, with some help from Brian and Glen and Geoff is busy stripping out the back end of Carina and getting her ready for a clean up. Everdure and paint is what he has been saying. Enjoy the small vid and the photo's.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 5th of September
Sod it, should have covered Glen.
With the advent of Spring, it might be assumed that there may be a little sun around, the smell of fresh flowers and gentle breezes.
None of the above, there were earth moving gusts howling down the river in the morning and the showers could be seen around the river. For once the Bureau of Met got it right and the breezes moderated a little but there was still good pressure in the gusts.
Three H28's took off with Wynella, Mariner and the First Jindarra as the players. Bill (Swiftsure Saga) had taken a spot on Wynella with one of the boys taking an unexpected break. Mariner and the Jin were both three up and we more or less knew where we were going to finish, barring accidents. A sou wester that flicked into the south was available and a course one was offered with a run up to Martin Weaver to set the tone.
Bruce Miller popped up at the start line with his phone camera ( see his pix ) and his comments about the start echoed Brian's wail of "we're late" as we headed to the start line. Well we were all late and the next section of the race was the run along the jetties up to Martin with the boats dipping their masts as we ran into the gusts coming down the gaps in the marina. We all made it in one and bent away around Martin heading for Weaver keeping in mind the water pumping down the Canning River, not too bad, for the tide had almost run out but enough to get you into trouble if you disregarded it. Then the down wind to Sampson with the boats reaching across the bottom of the course.
Away to Deepwater and then good timing got us through the RP fleet as they passed us and we continued to go up the middle to a tack line into the bay. Andy Bell had elected to go early and had to thread his way through the fleet, but didn't lose much on his way over to Waylen Bay. Once we'd arrived over in the bay we set ourselves for the run up to Applecross chasing Andy, with Glen doggedly on our tail. No problems there and we managed to bend around the spit and make it to Deepwater on one beat, pinching a little, but we noticed that Wynella wasn't going any faster and must have been on the same policy. Andrew just made it in one, but he'd improved his lead in doing so.
Away to Print with a pole and no one changed positions, so the next thought was the run back up to Robins with a fairly certain image in our heads. Go in to the bay and tack up the line to the mark. Andy went this way, found a breeze and shot off to Robins. We followed, certain to get a similar lift. Glen tacked off half way across to the bay and took off like a scalded cat. Straight up the middle. We should have covered him. But we kept going and fell into the biggest hole in the breeze on offer. Low and slow. By the time we found Robins, Glen was through us and was pushing Andy Bell hard. What a sod. As can be imagined, we had to tack over into the mark (low and slow) and by the time we were aimed at Dolphin East, there was 50 meters or better between us and Glen.
A bit of luck gave us a two sail reach across the breeze down from D. E. to Como and we sped up a little, but by this time the SS27's were catching up with us and causing all sorts of grief, getting in our road and lifting up above us, fouling our air. Away to the outer start line with the skipper fulminating against the SS27 fleet in general and the unfairness of everything. Why? we had one in front and one behind, stopping us from tacking off to avoid the foul air from the lead boat. Yes we had to tack to make the mark. Enough said. After Glen and Andy Bell again and it was truly a case of follow me as there were no free runs with the swarm of SS27's around us. Turn right just before Print and off to Foam, got around that and dodged the div one boats coming up the river. Bend at Foam, and set for a howling reach to Como, that tightened up a little more to Thelma with the SS27's all over us still. Fortunately Ben on Good Act ( a Cole 32) kept well clear of us and had his own troubles on the run down the freeway. The corner at Thelma was interesting and we decided to tack early, as the mob running along the freeway were causing their own troubles as they very quickly ran out of water.
Aimed at the line, we looked up and saw the big Elan 35 heading our way, can we make the line? Oh yes.. just, but it was a tight thing with another two or three boats forced over by the Elan as well. We just got lucky.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
Geoff's Carina. She's coming along nicely as Geoff continues to pull old bits of timber out of the boat, shorten the cabin a little to make more room for the crew, build in the new bulk heads to ensure that she's a bit tighter and he's got an old Yammi ( I think ) sitting at home getting a work over. It'll be dropped in. Fortunately Geoff's a sparky by trade and will be able to rewire the boat and he's had a lot of help from Dave Locke in rebuilding the boat. She'll look great when he's finished.
Jim Spittle is looking for a new folding prop. Unfortunately he lost a blade recently and is in search for one (not too expensive please) Feel free to contact us through the contact page if you happen to know of one.
Once again, I'll be taking a short break (about a month) and will return for the summer series.
Sod it, should have covered Glen.
With the advent of Spring, it might be assumed that there may be a little sun around, the smell of fresh flowers and gentle breezes.
None of the above, there were earth moving gusts howling down the river in the morning and the showers could be seen around the river. For once the Bureau of Met got it right and the breezes moderated a little but there was still good pressure in the gusts.
Three H28's took off with Wynella, Mariner and the First Jindarra as the players. Bill (Swiftsure Saga) had taken a spot on Wynella with one of the boys taking an unexpected break. Mariner and the Jin were both three up and we more or less knew where we were going to finish, barring accidents. A sou wester that flicked into the south was available and a course one was offered with a run up to Martin Weaver to set the tone.
Bruce Miller popped up at the start line with his phone camera ( see his pix ) and his comments about the start echoed Brian's wail of "we're late" as we headed to the start line. Well we were all late and the next section of the race was the run along the jetties up to Martin with the boats dipping their masts as we ran into the gusts coming down the gaps in the marina. We all made it in one and bent away around Martin heading for Weaver keeping in mind the water pumping down the Canning River, not too bad, for the tide had almost run out but enough to get you into trouble if you disregarded it. Then the down wind to Sampson with the boats reaching across the bottom of the course.
Away to Deepwater and then good timing got us through the RP fleet as they passed us and we continued to go up the middle to a tack line into the bay. Andy Bell had elected to go early and had to thread his way through the fleet, but didn't lose much on his way over to Waylen Bay. Once we'd arrived over in the bay we set ourselves for the run up to Applecross chasing Andy, with Glen doggedly on our tail. No problems there and we managed to bend around the spit and make it to Deepwater on one beat, pinching a little, but we noticed that Wynella wasn't going any faster and must have been on the same policy. Andrew just made it in one, but he'd improved his lead in doing so.
Away to Print with a pole and no one changed positions, so the next thought was the run back up to Robins with a fairly certain image in our heads. Go in to the bay and tack up the line to the mark. Andy went this way, found a breeze and shot off to Robins. We followed, certain to get a similar lift. Glen tacked off half way across to the bay and took off like a scalded cat. Straight up the middle. We should have covered him. But we kept going and fell into the biggest hole in the breeze on offer. Low and slow. By the time we found Robins, Glen was through us and was pushing Andy Bell hard. What a sod. As can be imagined, we had to tack over into the mark (low and slow) and by the time we were aimed at Dolphin East, there was 50 meters or better between us and Glen.
A bit of luck gave us a two sail reach across the breeze down from D. E. to Como and we sped up a little, but by this time the SS27's were catching up with us and causing all sorts of grief, getting in our road and lifting up above us, fouling our air. Away to the outer start line with the skipper fulminating against the SS27 fleet in general and the unfairness of everything. Why? we had one in front and one behind, stopping us from tacking off to avoid the foul air from the lead boat. Yes we had to tack to make the mark. Enough said. After Glen and Andy Bell again and it was truly a case of follow me as there were no free runs with the swarm of SS27's around us. Turn right just before Print and off to Foam, got around that and dodged the div one boats coming up the river. Bend at Foam, and set for a howling reach to Como, that tightened up a little more to Thelma with the SS27's all over us still. Fortunately Ben on Good Act ( a Cole 32) kept well clear of us and had his own troubles on the run down the freeway. The corner at Thelma was interesting and we decided to tack early, as the mob running along the freeway were causing their own troubles as they very quickly ran out of water.
Aimed at the line, we looked up and saw the big Elan 35 heading our way, can we make the line? Oh yes.. just, but it was a tight thing with another two or three boats forced over by the Elan as well. We just got lucky.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
Geoff's Carina. She's coming along nicely as Geoff continues to pull old bits of timber out of the boat, shorten the cabin a little to make more room for the crew, build in the new bulk heads to ensure that she's a bit tighter and he's got an old Yammi ( I think ) sitting at home getting a work over. It'll be dropped in. Fortunately Geoff's a sparky by trade and will be able to rewire the boat and he's had a lot of help from Dave Locke in rebuilding the boat. She'll look great when he's finished.
Jim Spittle is looking for a new folding prop. Unfortunately he lost a blade recently and is in search for one (not too expensive please) Feel free to contact us through the contact page if you happen to know of one.
Once again, I'll be taking a short break (about a month) and will return for the summer series.
Geoff's Carina.
There aren't too many people who'll spend their time off head deep in the bowels of an old boat. Well done Geoff.
With thanks to Brian Cross who lent Geoff his vac as Geoff had managed to blow his up.
There aren't too many people who'll spend their time off head deep in the bowels of an old boat. Well done Geoff.
With thanks to Brian Cross who lent Geoff his vac as Geoff had managed to blow his up.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 29th of August
Another blown out day!
The usual round of SMS earlier in the day had us wondering whether the front was going to hit or not. We had 10 knots on the river and very soft elsewhere. In fact it looked as though it might be reasonable, despite the wet day we'd had on Tuesday.
1100 and the message came out from the club. Sailing cancelled! Ok, fine but there seems to be very little breeze about. By midday it was still fairly quiet and I was contemplating going down to the club to see what was happening.
At 1400 hrs the south westerly was whipping through with a base of 26 knots and gusting to 34 knots. Eventually we saw a base 29 with gusts to 45 knots (around 1600 hrs). Best decision that was made for the day.
So the position between Wynella and Mariner remains the same. Glen is 4 points ahead of Brian and if his boat remains in one piece, as is likely, he'll take the winter Wednesday title. Agreed, his handicap has been working for him this winter, but with any luck it will catch up with him eventually. Though it does seem to be pretty slow.
Of the 18 races so far, six have been abandoned, one has been voluntarily put aside (no one wanted to sail in what looked like being a foul day) and the rest must be counted. We have two drops counted so far and with the 3rd due shortly, Brian will move up one (he drops a 5 and Glen drops a 4)
Till next week.
Another blown out day!
The usual round of SMS earlier in the day had us wondering whether the front was going to hit or not. We had 10 knots on the river and very soft elsewhere. In fact it looked as though it might be reasonable, despite the wet day we'd had on Tuesday.
1100 and the message came out from the club. Sailing cancelled! Ok, fine but there seems to be very little breeze about. By midday it was still fairly quiet and I was contemplating going down to the club to see what was happening.
At 1400 hrs the south westerly was whipping through with a base of 26 knots and gusting to 34 knots. Eventually we saw a base 29 with gusts to 45 knots (around 1600 hrs). Best decision that was made for the day.
So the position between Wynella and Mariner remains the same. Glen is 4 points ahead of Brian and if his boat remains in one piece, as is likely, he'll take the winter Wednesday title. Agreed, his handicap has been working for him this winter, but with any luck it will catch up with him eventually. Though it does seem to be pretty slow.
Of the 18 races so far, six have been abandoned, one has been voluntarily put aside (no one wanted to sail in what looked like being a foul day) and the rest must be counted. We have two drops counted so far and with the 3rd due shortly, Brian will move up one (he drops a 5 and Glen drops a 4)
Till next week.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 22nd of August
A chase to the finish or
Never, ever discount John Wright and Anna.
For once, with a decent southerly that was rapidly becoming a sou westerly, five boats made their way out on to the water. We had between 13 to 18 knots slowly dropping during the day; and yes there were holes in the breeze, but its typical of a winter sou wester. Not the roaring beast that pops up for summer. But the starters, led by Guy Skinner, gave us a course three with a southerly start...challenging to say the least.
A slight kerfuffle at the start line gave us a clean start and for some reason the starters let us all go, The skipper was pretty sure we were over, but no sound signal and no flag so away we went. Glen went low and we fought to keep Carina off our tail while Anna and the First Jindarra tailed up the fleet. Only two tacks were needed to make the mark and we found ourselves leading the fleet around Weaver and down to Sampson, from whence we made our way to King. even though we'd gone out a while, we still dropped down, but only made one tack and we watched as Wynella who'd gone earlier had to throw in another set of tacks to make the mark. That helped us maintain the lead and we kept the momentum going on the way up to Robins. We watched as Carina went a bit too far into Waylen bay and promptly lost a bucket load of speed and put that one in the memory bank as we'd have to go the same way again.
Again, nearly made Robins, but played the lifts before we tacked across to Robins and made our way around the mark and thence to Print on a dead downwind leg with a couple of gybes to keep the foredeck honest. Made a couple of metres on Wynella, but behind us Jindarra was slowly making their way up on the leaders and John Wright and Anna kept up the rear. Across to Foam and then away to Robins again with simple sensible decisions made to get the boat running quickly.
By this time Andrew was close to Glen and made a charge at Robins. I'm not too sure exactly what happened, but the rule of three boat lengths was mentioned and if that was the case, may be a protest could have been made. However it didn't and Andrew slipped past Glen and onto our tail. Didn't take him long either and he was past us before Como and the turn to the outer start line. The boat's fast and well trimmed. Hard to get past him if he's got a breeze.
The next lap involved Sampson and then to Foam, back to Addison and a dash to the finish line keeping Como on starboard. The fleet was still quite close and despite Andrews dash to the front and our efforts to keep up, the other three boats in the fleet were closing up on each other and the challenges were going to occur in the last leg to the finish. Turning at Addison our next task was to get around Como and keep our height on the way to the line. Ahead of us we watched as Andrew and the First Jindarra fell below the line, at the same time we were plugging along aiming for the line, trying successfully to keep up. Behind us Glen and Geoff were following our wake and down along the shoreline came Anna. If you know anything of John Wrights prowess, the run along the shoreline is a classic and the skipper swore softly under his breath as the realisation kicked in. Anna could very well create mischief if he got the lift up to the finish line.
So we urged the boat forward and watched as Andrew drifted below the pin mark and had to tack and tack again to make the finish line. We were still moving along and made it to the line comfortably. Anna however, nailed it and put both Wynella and Carina behind them. Afterwards in the bar, Geoff was still a bit glum about the result, but in truth we've all had John do that and it wasn't anything new. Just another scalp on the wily mans belt. Oh, there's no truth to the rumour that Andrew left a crew member on the marina, but he was standing at the pen when Jindarra came back.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Anna
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Anna
Post Scriptum. Soraya is sitting up on the slips. She's had an antifoul and a slap of paint on the topsides. The prop is getting a work over (snapped off a blade) and the old girl is going to be making her way out of the club. The prospective new owners wanted to keep her here, but the cost of signing up and paying pen entry fees is becoming quite expensive apparently. So she'll go down to East Fremantle for the while and maybe she'll make her way back up again. Not likely, but maybe.
A chase to the finish or
Never, ever discount John Wright and Anna.
For once, with a decent southerly that was rapidly becoming a sou westerly, five boats made their way out on to the water. We had between 13 to 18 knots slowly dropping during the day; and yes there were holes in the breeze, but its typical of a winter sou wester. Not the roaring beast that pops up for summer. But the starters, led by Guy Skinner, gave us a course three with a southerly start...challenging to say the least.
A slight kerfuffle at the start line gave us a clean start and for some reason the starters let us all go, The skipper was pretty sure we were over, but no sound signal and no flag so away we went. Glen went low and we fought to keep Carina off our tail while Anna and the First Jindarra tailed up the fleet. Only two tacks were needed to make the mark and we found ourselves leading the fleet around Weaver and down to Sampson, from whence we made our way to King. even though we'd gone out a while, we still dropped down, but only made one tack and we watched as Wynella who'd gone earlier had to throw in another set of tacks to make the mark. That helped us maintain the lead and we kept the momentum going on the way up to Robins. We watched as Carina went a bit too far into Waylen bay and promptly lost a bucket load of speed and put that one in the memory bank as we'd have to go the same way again.
Again, nearly made Robins, but played the lifts before we tacked across to Robins and made our way around the mark and thence to Print on a dead downwind leg with a couple of gybes to keep the foredeck honest. Made a couple of metres on Wynella, but behind us Jindarra was slowly making their way up on the leaders and John Wright and Anna kept up the rear. Across to Foam and then away to Robins again with simple sensible decisions made to get the boat running quickly.
By this time Andrew was close to Glen and made a charge at Robins. I'm not too sure exactly what happened, but the rule of three boat lengths was mentioned and if that was the case, may be a protest could have been made. However it didn't and Andrew slipped past Glen and onto our tail. Didn't take him long either and he was past us before Como and the turn to the outer start line. The boat's fast and well trimmed. Hard to get past him if he's got a breeze.
The next lap involved Sampson and then to Foam, back to Addison and a dash to the finish line keeping Como on starboard. The fleet was still quite close and despite Andrews dash to the front and our efforts to keep up, the other three boats in the fleet were closing up on each other and the challenges were going to occur in the last leg to the finish. Turning at Addison our next task was to get around Como and keep our height on the way to the line. Ahead of us we watched as Andrew and the First Jindarra fell below the line, at the same time we were plugging along aiming for the line, trying successfully to keep up. Behind us Glen and Geoff were following our wake and down along the shoreline came Anna. If you know anything of John Wrights prowess, the run along the shoreline is a classic and the skipper swore softly under his breath as the realisation kicked in. Anna could very well create mischief if he got the lift up to the finish line.
So we urged the boat forward and watched as Andrew drifted below the pin mark and had to tack and tack again to make the finish line. We were still moving along and made it to the line comfortably. Anna however, nailed it and put both Wynella and Carina behind them. Afterwards in the bar, Geoff was still a bit glum about the result, but in truth we've all had John do that and it wasn't anything new. Just another scalp on the wily mans belt. Oh, there's no truth to the rumour that Andrew left a crew member on the marina, but he was standing at the pen when Jindarra came back.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Anna
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Anna
Post Scriptum. Soraya is sitting up on the slips. She's had an antifoul and a slap of paint on the topsides. The prop is getting a work over (snapped off a blade) and the old girl is going to be making her way out of the club. The prospective new owners wanted to keep her here, but the cost of signing up and paying pen entry fees is becoming quite expensive apparently. So she'll go down to East Fremantle for the while and maybe she'll make her way back up again. Not likely, but maybe.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 15th of August 2018
Back on the water again and
Hanging around with Geoff
For those who may not know, Geoff Reason bought Vic Courts boat "Carina". He's spent a few bob tightening her up and has plans to get a new motor on board. (Vic's old Stewie is still sitting on the garage floor at home.) We had the pleasure of being chased (and occasionally chasing), Geoff with Vic and Geoff Barr as his willing crew.
In a course four start with a lightish sou wester, we were sent off south to Martin-Weaver and watching the previous fleets heading off, we thought that there may be a chance for a mid line start. But no, didn't happen, as the start box pulled an AP on us, due to a stuff up on their part and the dynamics of the start line changed and we ended up being taken up over the start box pin end by Andy Bell and the First Jindarra and had to restart. Much to my surprise, Carina was following us around and I can only expect that they were caught by the same move. Hi ho.
So "tail end Charlies" again and we watched as John Wright and Anna took off after Andrew and Wynella with Glen on the helm and Bill Richards as guest main sheet not far behind. By Sampson, the fleet was already divided and our job was to stay ahead of Geoff and chase Glen, but what might have been a short dig out to the south after Sampson was a little longer and those who had stayed out in the north had the wood on us by the time the next cross occurred. Yes Geoff was ahead and it was going to be a long day on the water.
By Robins, we had a chance to get back and it was a bit of luck on the down wind over to Dolphin East that got us past them and it was then neck to neck for the rest of the run to Como. A good rounding at Como had us running well toward the Outer start line and a chance to get closer to Wynella, in fact the reach across to Sampson was a pearler, we were definitely catching her. Then away to Foam and we split off to go to the south again on the chance that we would catch a lift across the river. It wasn't to be and Glen was still in front but we were marginally closer.
In the meantime, Andrew had drawn even further away and only John Wright had any chance of keeping him in sight. As we worked our way up to Foam I managed to catch them passing us by on the way down from Print. Just a matter of who would win on handicap between those two. Around Print we went and watched Glen draw away momentarily as he accelerated out of the mark. Then a good run under a pole to Como and then a reach to Thelma. Wynella is still ahead as we rounded the mark.
Then the dreaded Thelma affect took over with Glen dropping down below the outer start line. In the meantime we had found a different breeze and continued pointing at the line. Wynella had to tack to make the line and of course found us on starboard. Sorry Glen, but that's one for free and we'll take it. Geoff was riding the same breeze and he drew closer as well. But not close enough and had to sit on Wynella's tail as they crossed the line.
Over the line : The First Jindarra, Anna and Mariner.
On handicap : Anna, The First Jindarra and Wynella.
Yes I'm back on the water in light breezes, but until I get the go ahead, I'm not going to push it.
Back on the water again and
Hanging around with Geoff
For those who may not know, Geoff Reason bought Vic Courts boat "Carina". He's spent a few bob tightening her up and has plans to get a new motor on board. (Vic's old Stewie is still sitting on the garage floor at home.) We had the pleasure of being chased (and occasionally chasing), Geoff with Vic and Geoff Barr as his willing crew.
In a course four start with a lightish sou wester, we were sent off south to Martin-Weaver and watching the previous fleets heading off, we thought that there may be a chance for a mid line start. But no, didn't happen, as the start box pulled an AP on us, due to a stuff up on their part and the dynamics of the start line changed and we ended up being taken up over the start box pin end by Andy Bell and the First Jindarra and had to restart. Much to my surprise, Carina was following us around and I can only expect that they were caught by the same move. Hi ho.
So "tail end Charlies" again and we watched as John Wright and Anna took off after Andrew and Wynella with Glen on the helm and Bill Richards as guest main sheet not far behind. By Sampson, the fleet was already divided and our job was to stay ahead of Geoff and chase Glen, but what might have been a short dig out to the south after Sampson was a little longer and those who had stayed out in the north had the wood on us by the time the next cross occurred. Yes Geoff was ahead and it was going to be a long day on the water.
By Robins, we had a chance to get back and it was a bit of luck on the down wind over to Dolphin East that got us past them and it was then neck to neck for the rest of the run to Como. A good rounding at Como had us running well toward the Outer start line and a chance to get closer to Wynella, in fact the reach across to Sampson was a pearler, we were definitely catching her. Then away to Foam and we split off to go to the south again on the chance that we would catch a lift across the river. It wasn't to be and Glen was still in front but we were marginally closer.
In the meantime, Andrew had drawn even further away and only John Wright had any chance of keeping him in sight. As we worked our way up to Foam I managed to catch them passing us by on the way down from Print. Just a matter of who would win on handicap between those two. Around Print we went and watched Glen draw away momentarily as he accelerated out of the mark. Then a good run under a pole to Como and then a reach to Thelma. Wynella is still ahead as we rounded the mark.
Then the dreaded Thelma affect took over with Glen dropping down below the outer start line. In the meantime we had found a different breeze and continued pointing at the line. Wynella had to tack to make the line and of course found us on starboard. Sorry Glen, but that's one for free and we'll take it. Geoff was riding the same breeze and he drew closer as well. But not close enough and had to sit on Wynella's tail as they crossed the line.
Over the line : The First Jindarra, Anna and Mariner.
On handicap : Anna, The First Jindarra and Wynella.
Yes I'm back on the water in light breezes, but until I get the go ahead, I'm not going to push it.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 8th of August 2018
This is going to be a long winter.....
Once again the H28's failed to take to the water today, however it was only because the two proponents that it mattered to, took one look at the weather and agreed to have a coffee instead. Bill has returned from the mother land and is still fretting over the new mast... Its coming he said. But when!? Geoff Reason rocked up, not to sail, but with a small video of his new engine banging away in the corner of his garage. He and Brian immediately went into a corner and started talking about conrods and flutter valves etc. Too much for me. But the burning question was who let the roving worker of wood, shipwright Ian Weaver take off on Eun Na Mara for the day. Probably 'cause he's been working on Ralphs boat for the last few days and Lockie wisely declined to go for a yot.
However we had fun on the start line watching the fleets take off and suffering the jibes from the starters above us. Yes, they knew very well that the H28 fleet had assembled to watch the start and showed no mercy to us. The wind had dropped by now and it was in the low 15 knot category.
The showers then set in and the last I saw of the troops was everyone ducking for cover as the rain came tumbling down.
The other photos relate to a flying budgie I bought recently. Gave it a camera and a very long leash. Enjoy the photos and by the way, mast inspections are a specialty. :-)
This is going to be a long winter.....
Once again the H28's failed to take to the water today, however it was only because the two proponents that it mattered to, took one look at the weather and agreed to have a coffee instead. Bill has returned from the mother land and is still fretting over the new mast... Its coming he said. But when!? Geoff Reason rocked up, not to sail, but with a small video of his new engine banging away in the corner of his garage. He and Brian immediately went into a corner and started talking about conrods and flutter valves etc. Too much for me. But the burning question was who let the roving worker of wood, shipwright Ian Weaver take off on Eun Na Mara for the day. Probably 'cause he's been working on Ralphs boat for the last few days and Lockie wisely declined to go for a yot.
However we had fun on the start line watching the fleets take off and suffering the jibes from the starters above us. Yes, they knew very well that the H28 fleet had assembled to watch the start and showed no mercy to us. The wind had dropped by now and it was in the low 15 knot category.
The showers then set in and the last I saw of the troops was everyone ducking for cover as the rain came tumbling down.
The other photos relate to a flying budgie I bought recently. Gave it a camera and a very long leash. Enjoy the photos and by the way, mast inspections are a specialty. :-)
Winter Wednesday Sailing July the 25th and August the 1st 2018
Two weeks in a row. Who would have thought it possible? The wind gods have been working over time and our gentle mate Hughie (wind god of the West) has turned into a ravening giant with 30 to 40 knots across the river.
I'm currently camped in the study with the wood fire chuckling in the background, as I look at the stats for the winter season so far.
This season; out of 14 races only 9 have been sailed with three days blown out and the other two dismal failures as the breeze refused to be seen on the river.. or worse dropped out after about 20 minutes. Still the bright side of it I guess is that's five chances for Bill not to break a mast this winter. We have eight more sailing days by my reckoning and there is still a chance for Brian on Mariner and Glen with Wynella to settle their hash this winter and one of them take home the trophy for the winter season.
I leave you with a forlorn sight. The remnants of Bills mast on the Western Hardstand, patiently waiting for him to return from England and build a new one.
Two weeks in a row. Who would have thought it possible? The wind gods have been working over time and our gentle mate Hughie (wind god of the West) has turned into a ravening giant with 30 to 40 knots across the river.
I'm currently camped in the study with the wood fire chuckling in the background, as I look at the stats for the winter season so far.
This season; out of 14 races only 9 have been sailed with three days blown out and the other two dismal failures as the breeze refused to be seen on the river.. or worse dropped out after about 20 minutes. Still the bright side of it I guess is that's five chances for Bill not to break a mast this winter. We have eight more sailing days by my reckoning and there is still a chance for Brian on Mariner and Glen with Wynella to settle their hash this winter and one of them take home the trophy for the winter season.
I leave you with a forlorn sight. The remnants of Bills mast on the Western Hardstand, patiently waiting for him to return from England and build a new one.
Winter Wednesday Sailing July the 18th 2018.
A wandering Westerly or four this year.
Its hard to have to say this, but Bill Richards ( Swiftsure Saga ) took off with John Pierzak, David Locke, and a couple of strays. ( sorry Chloe) It was going to be a fun day on the water and possibly a chance for David to look at Bills new wooden mast and boom. We had a wandering westerly with hints of north and south in the mix. Early gusts were around 20 + knots, but no more.
Bill was down at Como prior to the start and in his words: " the foot of the mast went". Fortunately no one was hurt, except for Bills pride, but it curtailed a good day out on the water for the tribe on the boat. Bernie had been driving the safety boat and was quick off the mark to ensure that Bill and his people were safe. A tow in was set under way and they crossed the Div. two fleet safely. According to Bill, that's four in a calendar year.
Meanwhile the other three, Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella were getting their act together and I had the pleasure of watching from the start box and enjoying the spectacle offered. Yes it was showery up there and the lee side of the building was the place to be, but there was a lot of action on the water and we watched as SP58 swerved his way into the starting fleet on port, causing chaos as he made his way in. We call it barging. Then in Div. 3 a lot of fun with two SS22's managing to get over the line before the flag dropped. Turn around boys!
The H28 start was a cracker with all three boats hanging on their sails till the last minute and then slowly gathering speed to the line. Well, for once Brian had it down to a tee. They had the X flag ready to pull up, but no.. he was maybe a second late. But he was going like the clappers and really didn't have a problem, holding the lead all the way to Dolphin East on a course two, where he rounded the wrong way. He was gently reminded by Andy Bell that he had gone the wrong way as Andy passed him and all of a sudden he'd gone from first to last. Then catch up was in order with Glen and Wynella being his target. And he made it, putting Glen behind him, while all the time the breeze was dropping out. The last few legs of the race downwind Print, Como and to Thelma were sailed at a glacial pace with the clock ticking along. Will they make it before 5.15 or not? Across the line dropped Andrew with Brian not that far behind (about 4 minutes) and Glen and his troupe of sailors made it across the line with seconds to spare. But handicaps are everything and despite a bit of luck Andrew had to bite the bullet and take third while Brian took the chocolates and congratulated Glen for his second.
Back to Bill. Once the boat was parked up, we had a chance to examine the mast and apart from the foot, there was a break above the spreaders as well. Apparently when the mast hit the water, the wood let go and the only thing that was holding the timber together was the sail track. Unfortunately Bill had sliced up the old timber mast.. didn't need it did he? So it may be a case of watch this space as he makes another or waits until a new aluminium mast blank becomes available.
Bills off to England shortly and I'm away in Melbourne next week, so don't expect any updates on his new mast. Having looked at the predicted weather for next Wednesday the H28's may or may not be sailing.
A wandering Westerly or four this year.
Its hard to have to say this, but Bill Richards ( Swiftsure Saga ) took off with John Pierzak, David Locke, and a couple of strays. ( sorry Chloe) It was going to be a fun day on the water and possibly a chance for David to look at Bills new wooden mast and boom. We had a wandering westerly with hints of north and south in the mix. Early gusts were around 20 + knots, but no more.
Bill was down at Como prior to the start and in his words: " the foot of the mast went". Fortunately no one was hurt, except for Bills pride, but it curtailed a good day out on the water for the tribe on the boat. Bernie had been driving the safety boat and was quick off the mark to ensure that Bill and his people were safe. A tow in was set under way and they crossed the Div. two fleet safely. According to Bill, that's four in a calendar year.
Meanwhile the other three, Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella were getting their act together and I had the pleasure of watching from the start box and enjoying the spectacle offered. Yes it was showery up there and the lee side of the building was the place to be, but there was a lot of action on the water and we watched as SP58 swerved his way into the starting fleet on port, causing chaos as he made his way in. We call it barging. Then in Div. 3 a lot of fun with two SS22's managing to get over the line before the flag dropped. Turn around boys!
The H28 start was a cracker with all three boats hanging on their sails till the last minute and then slowly gathering speed to the line. Well, for once Brian had it down to a tee. They had the X flag ready to pull up, but no.. he was maybe a second late. But he was going like the clappers and really didn't have a problem, holding the lead all the way to Dolphin East on a course two, where he rounded the wrong way. He was gently reminded by Andy Bell that he had gone the wrong way as Andy passed him and all of a sudden he'd gone from first to last. Then catch up was in order with Glen and Wynella being his target. And he made it, putting Glen behind him, while all the time the breeze was dropping out. The last few legs of the race downwind Print, Como and to Thelma were sailed at a glacial pace with the clock ticking along. Will they make it before 5.15 or not? Across the line dropped Andrew with Brian not that far behind (about 4 minutes) and Glen and his troupe of sailors made it across the line with seconds to spare. But handicaps are everything and despite a bit of luck Andrew had to bite the bullet and take third while Brian took the chocolates and congratulated Glen for his second.
Back to Bill. Once the boat was parked up, we had a chance to examine the mast and apart from the foot, there was a break above the spreaders as well. Apparently when the mast hit the water, the wood let go and the only thing that was holding the timber together was the sail track. Unfortunately Bill had sliced up the old timber mast.. didn't need it did he? So it may be a case of watch this space as he makes another or waits until a new aluminium mast blank becomes available.
Bills off to England shortly and I'm away in Melbourne next week, so don't expect any updates on his new mast. Having looked at the predicted weather for next Wednesday the H28's may or may not be sailing.
Winter Wednesday Sailing July the 11th 2018
Winning is everything.
If you rock up to watch the sailing, you hope that there is a breeze. Fortunately the sou westerly had made it way in and although there wasn't much to talk about, there was enough to get the boats rolling forward. Course one and between 8 to 10 knots of a reasonably constant breeze. Five boats made it onto the line and there's a chance that Lockie will make it down to the pens ready for a yacht next week.
However the southerly start up the Canning was the sorting process for the race. Those who went a little low on the line got the advantage of clean air and a lift that took them up to the mark. (a classic example was Gerry Drysdale who was piloting Eun Na Mara in Div.1, he hooked the boat up to Martin from the pin end.) Anyway.. Andy Bell didn't think too hard and drove his boat up on a constant pressure and got around the mark first. He was closely followed by John Wright who had sailed superbly, taking every advantage he could get. Close behind John was Bill Richards with his new wooden mast and again, he had the boat humming. Unfortunately Brian had followed Bill along the pens and with a dirty bottom, he'd lost a fair bit to everyone else. Remarkably he rounded before Glen on Wynella and the two of them chased a very slow Div 2 boat all the way to Sampson while the three boats in the lead chased each other. I had my money on the battle between Bill and John Wright as being the interesting one, knowing that Andrew should have had a reasonably slick hull from all the cleans she had during the season.
I watched Brian take a slow boat to China as he tacked off after Sampson and looked as though he was heading for the start line again. Certainly didn't have the same angle that Andrew had, but Andrew had tacked a little further up the line. Meanwhile the safety boat I was on decided to take off to watch the rest of the racers, so I had to leave the H28's alone and can only report on the results.
Although the race had been shortened, Andy Bell had managed to get ahead by almost 4 minutes to the next boat, Bill Richard's Swiftsure Saga. Another minute or so later, John Wright and Anna slipped over the line and Wynella, nearly three minutes behind them. But the real pain was felt by Mariner, who had just gone consistently slower and this prompted a lift out of the boat booked for the following Friday to pressure clean the hull. I'm sure we'll hear of a better result next week.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga and Anna
On Handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Wynella
On overall results Wynella now leads Mariner by three points and Swiftsure Saga is two points further back.
Winning is everything.
If you rock up to watch the sailing, you hope that there is a breeze. Fortunately the sou westerly had made it way in and although there wasn't much to talk about, there was enough to get the boats rolling forward. Course one and between 8 to 10 knots of a reasonably constant breeze. Five boats made it onto the line and there's a chance that Lockie will make it down to the pens ready for a yacht next week.
However the southerly start up the Canning was the sorting process for the race. Those who went a little low on the line got the advantage of clean air and a lift that took them up to the mark. (a classic example was Gerry Drysdale who was piloting Eun Na Mara in Div.1, he hooked the boat up to Martin from the pin end.) Anyway.. Andy Bell didn't think too hard and drove his boat up on a constant pressure and got around the mark first. He was closely followed by John Wright who had sailed superbly, taking every advantage he could get. Close behind John was Bill Richards with his new wooden mast and again, he had the boat humming. Unfortunately Brian had followed Bill along the pens and with a dirty bottom, he'd lost a fair bit to everyone else. Remarkably he rounded before Glen on Wynella and the two of them chased a very slow Div 2 boat all the way to Sampson while the three boats in the lead chased each other. I had my money on the battle between Bill and John Wright as being the interesting one, knowing that Andrew should have had a reasonably slick hull from all the cleans she had during the season.
I watched Brian take a slow boat to China as he tacked off after Sampson and looked as though he was heading for the start line again. Certainly didn't have the same angle that Andrew had, but Andrew had tacked a little further up the line. Meanwhile the safety boat I was on decided to take off to watch the rest of the racers, so I had to leave the H28's alone and can only report on the results.
Although the race had been shortened, Andy Bell had managed to get ahead by almost 4 minutes to the next boat, Bill Richard's Swiftsure Saga. Another minute or so later, John Wright and Anna slipped over the line and Wynella, nearly three minutes behind them. But the real pain was felt by Mariner, who had just gone consistently slower and this prompted a lift out of the boat booked for the following Friday to pressure clean the hull. I'm sure we'll hear of a better result next week.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga and Anna
On Handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Wynella
On overall results Wynella now leads Mariner by three points and Swiftsure Saga is two points further back.
Winter Wednesday Sailing June the 20th 2018
This is an intermediate report, as I'm still in irons. It's three weeks since the op and while I can walk, I can't drive and the head's still a little fuzzy thanks to the meds I'm on.
A call from John Wright yesterday morning was enough to drag me out of the couch and down to the club. And when we got there, there was very little action going about. Most of the stalwarts had decided already, a forecast of wet and no wind, forget it. But there were a few and three H28's took off. Mariner, Swiftsure and Wynella all two up and it was a case of who could get over the line first as to who would get the win for the day. A mishap with the video I took, has rendered it unusable so as a brief description of the start, all three boats were terribly late for the start and the first boat ( Mariner ) to cross the start line, did so after 30 seconds had elapsed and Wynella was another 15 seconds behind. Bill on Swiftsure had adopted his favourite position, low and slow and was trying not to fall below the pin end as the breeze remorselessly knocked into the north, sending him further and further down to the pin end. He got over in the end, but as John and I began to wander back to the car, we looked across to Sampson to see all three H28s still on their way there. It was going to be a long day.
The starters were kind and gave them a course 4 on a very light sou wester and then chopped off the tail, so they got around in enough time to finish before the light packed it in for the day.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
On Handicap: Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
This is an intermediate report, as I'm still in irons. It's three weeks since the op and while I can walk, I can't drive and the head's still a little fuzzy thanks to the meds I'm on.
A call from John Wright yesterday morning was enough to drag me out of the couch and down to the club. And when we got there, there was very little action going about. Most of the stalwarts had decided already, a forecast of wet and no wind, forget it. But there were a few and three H28's took off. Mariner, Swiftsure and Wynella all two up and it was a case of who could get over the line first as to who would get the win for the day. A mishap with the video I took, has rendered it unusable so as a brief description of the start, all three boats were terribly late for the start and the first boat ( Mariner ) to cross the start line, did so after 30 seconds had elapsed and Wynella was another 15 seconds behind. Bill on Swiftsure had adopted his favourite position, low and slow and was trying not to fall below the pin end as the breeze remorselessly knocked into the north, sending him further and further down to the pin end. He got over in the end, but as John and I began to wander back to the car, we looked across to Sampson to see all three H28s still on their way there. It was going to be a long day.
The starters were kind and gave them a course 4 on a very light sou wester and then chopped off the tail, so they got around in enough time to finish before the light packed it in for the day.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
On Handicap: Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
In memory of Dr James Whitelaw, who reportedly died after a fall at home. He was in his late 80's.
James crewed with Gerry Drysdale on Mariner for 8 years and prior to that with Derek Lyle on Rainbow Chaser ( an Adams 30) where I met him. He was good company and a crew member who would turn up, whether the weather be foul or fair. He was the navigator and strings man on Mariner and despite his advancing years kept his wit and his eyes about him and was good help when the boat opened up on a heavy day and needed a little pumping. He went on to sail with Gerry on Golden Eagle for the next few years until his age became too much of a barrier to his enjoyment of the day. He also time trialled with Commodore Phil Warwick and his wife Pam for many years. A true club man.
James crewed with Gerry Drysdale on Mariner for 8 years and prior to that with Derek Lyle on Rainbow Chaser ( an Adams 30) where I met him. He was good company and a crew member who would turn up, whether the weather be foul or fair. He was the navigator and strings man on Mariner and despite his advancing years kept his wit and his eyes about him and was good help when the boat opened up on a heavy day and needed a little pumping. He went on to sail with Gerry on Golden Eagle for the next few years until his age became too much of a barrier to his enjoyment of the day. He also time trialled with Commodore Phil Warwick and his wife Pam for many years. A true club man.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 23rd of May 2018
The last of the Summer Wine.
I don't think I've sailed this late in the season in such warmth. Slapping on sunscreen like it was December and wondering where the breeze was. And the skipper did have cold beer on board. Hooray.
A course four and a very light nor-easter to boot. It was predicted to drop to 5 knots, but as usual, we forgot about the 40% variation. Still we had all the components from last week saving Lockie, who must have been busy, but gratefully we accepted his absence. It was a drag race on a tight work up to Sampson with a knock that took you away from the mark. We'd decided to put in an early tack up to the freeway and could have possibly gone further as Swiftsure did, but we did what was needed and despite Andrew being in front we'd held our own.
However the breeze decided to become a little transient on the way up to Robins and it was a fair call that whatever was to come our way would allow the boats we'd left behind us the chance to catch up. Sure enough, the breeze came back from the east and what we'd done was lost as we loitered in the doldrums. Vic was beside us and in the same predicament; Andrew a little further forward had a bit of luck and managed to get around a recalcitrant plastic boat from Div 2 and around Robins. No such luck for us as Wynella, sailing on an errant puff, had made great grounds to take the mark in front of us. So... two boats in front and on a soldiers course it wasn't going to be an easy task. Carina wasn't far behind but Geoff had taken the helm with Vic taking the foredeck. Awesome to watch, he put me to shame with his easy swing of the pole.
So the next phase began, a run to Dolphin East and thence to Como. We'd already figured out that it was to be a shortened course so all the effort was in the dash to Como and then to the finish line. Sure enough the first of the Div one boats fell over the line and we could hear the horn from way back. But Wynella was close and the effort was to pass them. Easy to say, hard to do, as Glen had a quick boat in light airs and a good man on the mainsheet and tactics. So bump along behind him and try to stay clear of the other divisions. At one stage we had the lead boats from C fleet, Div 2 and the laggards of Div one in the same mix.
We went deep past Como and then flipped over to the line. A little hard work on the main and careful trimming got us going, but Glen had gone deeper and picked up a bit of speed, then he tacked and made It to the line 10 metres in front of us. Ouch! Third over the line salvaged our pride, but I do feel for Alma.. Judith is by now in the Northern hemisphere on a decent break, leaving the helm to be shared between Steve and Rob. Her faith in her crew should be noted as she has willingly given them the chance to keep the boat going this winter. Given that she doesn't helm and is prepared to give them a go, I'd like her to be nominated next year as the best crew person. Go figure why!
John Wright needs crew and is really in a black spot as Peter is going to be away for a while. Craig is getting better, but anyone who would like to learn from a master just needs to put himself forward. Two of you would be even better.
Glen has just had the "Wynella" name on the boat restored and I caught him polishing it. Enjoy the photo.
Bill has finished work on his new wooden mast and is now contemplating a boom to go with it. This should start a new trend with Bill as the master craftsman. Masts are a lot cheaper if you make them yourself. He reckons that it'll be up in a week or so.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
The frostbite last Sunday was abandoned with 4 H28s on the water. Karoleeya, Napea of Carrick, Swiftsure Saga and Koomela. No breeze and even worse than Wednesday. But we were there....
I'll be taking a break for the next month or so and I'll be back as soon as I'm allowed on the water again.
Cheers RS
The last of the Summer Wine.
I don't think I've sailed this late in the season in such warmth. Slapping on sunscreen like it was December and wondering where the breeze was. And the skipper did have cold beer on board. Hooray.
A course four and a very light nor-easter to boot. It was predicted to drop to 5 knots, but as usual, we forgot about the 40% variation. Still we had all the components from last week saving Lockie, who must have been busy, but gratefully we accepted his absence. It was a drag race on a tight work up to Sampson with a knock that took you away from the mark. We'd decided to put in an early tack up to the freeway and could have possibly gone further as Swiftsure did, but we did what was needed and despite Andrew being in front we'd held our own.
However the breeze decided to become a little transient on the way up to Robins and it was a fair call that whatever was to come our way would allow the boats we'd left behind us the chance to catch up. Sure enough, the breeze came back from the east and what we'd done was lost as we loitered in the doldrums. Vic was beside us and in the same predicament; Andrew a little further forward had a bit of luck and managed to get around a recalcitrant plastic boat from Div 2 and around Robins. No such luck for us as Wynella, sailing on an errant puff, had made great grounds to take the mark in front of us. So... two boats in front and on a soldiers course it wasn't going to be an easy task. Carina wasn't far behind but Geoff had taken the helm with Vic taking the foredeck. Awesome to watch, he put me to shame with his easy swing of the pole.
So the next phase began, a run to Dolphin East and thence to Como. We'd already figured out that it was to be a shortened course so all the effort was in the dash to Como and then to the finish line. Sure enough the first of the Div one boats fell over the line and we could hear the horn from way back. But Wynella was close and the effort was to pass them. Easy to say, hard to do, as Glen had a quick boat in light airs and a good man on the mainsheet and tactics. So bump along behind him and try to stay clear of the other divisions. At one stage we had the lead boats from C fleet, Div 2 and the laggards of Div one in the same mix.
We went deep past Como and then flipped over to the line. A little hard work on the main and careful trimming got us going, but Glen had gone deeper and picked up a bit of speed, then he tacked and made It to the line 10 metres in front of us. Ouch! Third over the line salvaged our pride, but I do feel for Alma.. Judith is by now in the Northern hemisphere on a decent break, leaving the helm to be shared between Steve and Rob. Her faith in her crew should be noted as she has willingly given them the chance to keep the boat going this winter. Given that she doesn't helm and is prepared to give them a go, I'd like her to be nominated next year as the best crew person. Go figure why!
John Wright needs crew and is really in a black spot as Peter is going to be away for a while. Craig is getting better, but anyone who would like to learn from a master just needs to put himself forward. Two of you would be even better.
Glen has just had the "Wynella" name on the boat restored and I caught him polishing it. Enjoy the photo.
Bill has finished work on his new wooden mast and is now contemplating a boom to go with it. This should start a new trend with Bill as the master craftsman. Masts are a lot cheaper if you make them yourself. He reckons that it'll be up in a week or so.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
The frostbite last Sunday was abandoned with 4 H28s on the water. Karoleeya, Napea of Carrick, Swiftsure Saga and Koomela. No breeze and even worse than Wednesday. But we were there....
I'll be taking a break for the next month or so and I'll be back as soon as I'm allowed on the water again.
Cheers RS
Winter Wednesday Sailing 16th of May 2018
Oops & Darn! Sweetly blows the Indian Summer breezes.
Oops? Well Judith forgot to nominate for the winter season and a good effort by Steve Grover on the helm of Alma had him gasping as we read the results and noted that not one, but two H28's weren't included in the results. Yes you guessed it, Geoff Reason had Vic driving Carina yesterday and he also forgot to nominate. Oh well, finishing last wasn't much fun anyway was it Geoff?
A very late summer still hasn't left the river yet. Soft sou easters that roll around the river, changing into nor easterlies, then dropping out causing AP's. Then a flicker of hope out of the west sou west and that's enough to get the racing under way. But hang on... as we were about to hit the line, with 8 seconds to go... they blew the starting horn. A little bit of enquiry amongst the boats, but away we went regardless of the start. We were given a course four with a northerly start and sure as eggs, it was going to be a shortened race. So the start was all important and as usual we ended up at the back of the fleet. But it was the place to be as we could see where boats were going and four boats headed off in to oblivion and were written off as competition. Carina, Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Corella promptly sat there and as the boats who'd gone left looked back, it was at a mill pond.
But we had tacked off with Andy Bell in the lead, ourselves and Alma side by side and Wynella a little behind. And the luck was on our side as while Andy knocked down, we found a different breeze and held our height. Even managed to get past Alma, much to Steve's annoyance, but the main thing was to find the right angle to get to Robins and around to Dolphin East. By this time we'd had some good pressure and had put Wynella and Alma well behind us with The First Jindarra still to catch. Better than where we were at Sampson.
Finally, the breeze had made it's way across to the stranded boats and we looked across as we ran down to Dolphin East. Three of the four were doing ok, but Vic and the two Geoffs were hanging back, having not found as much of the breeze. Ahead of us you could see the two fleets (Royal Perth and SoPYC) converging at Como. Watching the boats as they turned at Como we noted that any one heading across to the outer startline was going to knock heavily on port, so going deep toward the jetty was going to be a help and even then we'd probably have to drop in another couple of tacks anyway. But all had not finished at Como as two boats came together and a very red faced Ben (Good Act) was seen making his way around Como, while a damaged Royal Perth boat (Wasabi) began to make her way back up the river. No I don't know what happened, but I'd suspect that with a busted prodder, Wasabi tried to take Good Act up after the mark and ran into Bens boat.
Then once over the line, we looked back and watched as Alma, Wynella and Anna made a good finish. Well sailed to John W. he'd recovered better than most and bad luck to Lockie who'd also come back well, but lost a minute or two by heading up to the line in an southerly that was knocking him away from the line. Then as he tacked back the breeze swung into the east a little. Doing it hard Lockie!
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and ( I think Alma ) but officially Anna.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella.
Bill has had Swiftsure Saga painted. The boys came down and gave it a fright with a sander and other strange devices then rolled on a glossy two pack. They are now thinking of another boat to do..... may be Alma?
Geoff has had a new bulkhead put inside Carina, but that's not an excuse for coming last Geoff.
Oops & Darn! Sweetly blows the Indian Summer breezes.
Oops? Well Judith forgot to nominate for the winter season and a good effort by Steve Grover on the helm of Alma had him gasping as we read the results and noted that not one, but two H28's weren't included in the results. Yes you guessed it, Geoff Reason had Vic driving Carina yesterday and he also forgot to nominate. Oh well, finishing last wasn't much fun anyway was it Geoff?
A very late summer still hasn't left the river yet. Soft sou easters that roll around the river, changing into nor easterlies, then dropping out causing AP's. Then a flicker of hope out of the west sou west and that's enough to get the racing under way. But hang on... as we were about to hit the line, with 8 seconds to go... they blew the starting horn. A little bit of enquiry amongst the boats, but away we went regardless of the start. We were given a course four with a northerly start and sure as eggs, it was going to be a shortened race. So the start was all important and as usual we ended up at the back of the fleet. But it was the place to be as we could see where boats were going and four boats headed off in to oblivion and were written off as competition. Carina, Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Corella promptly sat there and as the boats who'd gone left looked back, it was at a mill pond.
But we had tacked off with Andy Bell in the lead, ourselves and Alma side by side and Wynella a little behind. And the luck was on our side as while Andy knocked down, we found a different breeze and held our height. Even managed to get past Alma, much to Steve's annoyance, but the main thing was to find the right angle to get to Robins and around to Dolphin East. By this time we'd had some good pressure and had put Wynella and Alma well behind us with The First Jindarra still to catch. Better than where we were at Sampson.
Finally, the breeze had made it's way across to the stranded boats and we looked across as we ran down to Dolphin East. Three of the four were doing ok, but Vic and the two Geoffs were hanging back, having not found as much of the breeze. Ahead of us you could see the two fleets (Royal Perth and SoPYC) converging at Como. Watching the boats as they turned at Como we noted that any one heading across to the outer startline was going to knock heavily on port, so going deep toward the jetty was going to be a help and even then we'd probably have to drop in another couple of tacks anyway. But all had not finished at Como as two boats came together and a very red faced Ben (Good Act) was seen making his way around Como, while a damaged Royal Perth boat (Wasabi) began to make her way back up the river. No I don't know what happened, but I'd suspect that with a busted prodder, Wasabi tried to take Good Act up after the mark and ran into Bens boat.
Then once over the line, we looked back and watched as Alma, Wynella and Anna made a good finish. Well sailed to John W. he'd recovered better than most and bad luck to Lockie who'd also come back well, but lost a minute or two by heading up to the line in an southerly that was knocking him away from the line. Then as he tacked back the breeze swung into the east a little. Doing it hard Lockie!
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and ( I think Alma ) but officially Anna.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella.
Bill has had Swiftsure Saga painted. The boys came down and gave it a fright with a sander and other strange devices then rolled on a glossy two pack. They are now thinking of another boat to do..... may be Alma?
Geoff has had a new bulkhead put inside Carina, but that's not an excuse for coming last Geoff.
A little good news.
Most of us will remember Solo or will have heard of her at least. She was Vic Courts old war horse until the mid 1990's and she was sold off down south to a fellow who was going to "do something with her." Well he put a bowsprit on her and gave a her a mast head rig, so I guess she was to be a cruiser. The boat went from pillar to post and was found by Jay Lawry up on the hard in Rockingham. Neglected etc. and it was thought that she was going to be broken up.
Shipwright Kevin Hart of Rockingham found her and decided to buy and restore the boat. Didn't know her name or provenance but I'm told he's a good shipwright and first sighting of his work gives us hope that Solo will be restored in the near future. Look forward to more postings.
Yuna.
A town in the north of the south west region of WA. Also the name of an H28 which has been moored at Mounts Bay Sailing Club for the last two decades and sailing very little. However the boat appeared in the sheds at Fremantle Sailing Club and from what I can see, she is a real restorers dream. The last time that it is known she was worked on, was by Jay Lawry in 1990 and she is actually called Yuna II.
Shipwright Aaron Woodall has her in hand and has taken her back to the bones and the restoration will begin shortly. The box mast has been stripped back, rubbed down and given a few coats of lacquer. The boat will need a lot of work with the interior to be rebuilt and probably the decks and cabin top to be rebuilt as well. She was originally built in NZ Karri, but Jays work included at least 40% of the ribs being replaced, 60% of the fastenings being replaced as well as new stringers and deck beams.
I hope to be in contact with the owners, if they follow up on the request I made through the shipwrights and I'll learn more about her.
Yuna is directly below and images from Kevin Hart of Solo and his restoration work are below that.
Most of us will remember Solo or will have heard of her at least. She was Vic Courts old war horse until the mid 1990's and she was sold off down south to a fellow who was going to "do something with her." Well he put a bowsprit on her and gave a her a mast head rig, so I guess she was to be a cruiser. The boat went from pillar to post and was found by Jay Lawry up on the hard in Rockingham. Neglected etc. and it was thought that she was going to be broken up.
Shipwright Kevin Hart of Rockingham found her and decided to buy and restore the boat. Didn't know her name or provenance but I'm told he's a good shipwright and first sighting of his work gives us hope that Solo will be restored in the near future. Look forward to more postings.
Yuna.
A town in the north of the south west region of WA. Also the name of an H28 which has been moored at Mounts Bay Sailing Club for the last two decades and sailing very little. However the boat appeared in the sheds at Fremantle Sailing Club and from what I can see, she is a real restorers dream. The last time that it is known she was worked on, was by Jay Lawry in 1990 and she is actually called Yuna II.
Shipwright Aaron Woodall has her in hand and has taken her back to the bones and the restoration will begin shortly. The box mast has been stripped back, rubbed down and given a few coats of lacquer. The boat will need a lot of work with the interior to be rebuilt and probably the decks and cabin top to be rebuilt as well. She was originally built in NZ Karri, but Jays work included at least 40% of the ribs being replaced, 60% of the fastenings being replaced as well as new stringers and deck beams.
I hope to be in contact with the owners, if they follow up on the request I made through the shipwrights and I'll learn more about her.
Yuna is directly below and images from Kevin Hart of Solo and his restoration work are below that.
Winter Wednesdays 9th of May 2018
"Smokin" & Too low, too slow.
A miserable shifty easterly that rolled around the compass, one moment in the north, then back into the south. At least we had a breeze we thought, of about 10 to 14 knots and then down came the smoke from the prescribed burn offs in the hills. A course two was on offer and we were sent off to Martin/Weaver for our troubles. I'd seen six boats leave the jetties and we were graced by the arrival of Mark Walters and his boat Koomela making it seven altogether.
By the time we had our start we were lined up four abreast on the line with Lockie closer to the breeze than anyone. And it paid off in spades for him. It was a drag race to Martin and as we went down the course, our slight lead was eroded somewhat as Lockie continued to pick up every puff and was soon dumping bad air on everyone. Glen had been late on the start, but had the advantage of clean air and managed to work his way through the fleet to take third place by Martin. John Wright was also in luck when Lockie cleared out because that gave him clean air as well, so he dumped bad air behind him and Andy Bell went out the back end, with the bad air from both of them. Even Bill and Swiftsure Saga managed to get past us and a little bit of squirt brought Andy back and we found ourselves tail end Charlie again. So too slow and too low.
A chase through the moorings had us looking for a run across to Weaver with just enough to get us there as the wind continually shifted and knocked us. Bill had unfortunately for him, gone early so we got him back as he dropped below the mark, but only for a while as he caught us up on the way down to Sampson. Still too slow. Perhaps the older and baggy headsail might have given us more drive. Then away to Hallmark with a choice of a pole or not as the breeze flicked backwards and forwards. Power boatie Alan Wilson on his second ride on a yacht was working harder than he thought he'd have to. With a full crew, I'd elected to go forward and do the pole, giving Alan some trimming experience.
By now the smoke covered 3/4 of the sky and the city was shrouded in gloom. Nice and sunny out to the south and Lockie was galloping away into the lead. We made Hallmark and then away to Armstrong with another choice of a pole or a reach. The fleet was starting to close up a little and we had a bit of luck as we followed Lockie's lead by going over to the southern side of the river. Better breeze and height. By this time we had a chance of catching up and the run to Como and thence to the outer start line. Around that we went and then back to Sampson having watched Wynella slip past us on the way. Damn, still too slow.
But we got two boats back on the run to Dolphin East, just good choice of breeze and a bit of luck had us put Bill and Glen behind us and we caught up with the front of the fleet. Not too shabby a day after all. The run to Print, then Como and finally to Thelma gave us no changes, but it was clear that Lockie was going to pick up the port bottle and we would just have to settle for left overs.
It seem as if Al Wilson is going to become a regular, it was a pleasure to see him sling his bag down on the jetty, another convert to the bright side. We may have to share him around to give him a bit of experience, but I'm sure he'll fit in nicely.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Anna.
On Handicap: Corella, Wynella and The First Jindarra.
Power Opening Day Saturday the 5th of May.
We do it partially out of tradition, but its a convenient way of getting the task of helping the power section and their need for checkpoint boats out of the way early in the season. And we do it as a fleet. Plus if you attend the opening day, there's always plenty of free food and drinks! And every sailor knows that free grog and food is a great incentive.
Six boats headed out: Corella, Swiftsure Saga, Anna, Nerima, Wynella and Mariner on Brian and Judi's power boat. Getting there wasn't a problem and getting back wasn't either but the boys on Nerima had a couple of S80 sailors and the rum bottle on board. A few drinks and nibbles on the back of the Cross power boat and up to the club for the announcements and results.
Here are a few pix of the day and a special mention to Con who performed the handover of the bag duties. This was before the rum bottle was opened.
A quick note on the first frostbite. Swiftsure pulled out on Saturday evening. And wisely too. Sunday arvo and its blowing 22 knots on the bottom and gusting to 31 knots.
We do it partially out of tradition, but its a convenient way of getting the task of helping the power section and their need for checkpoint boats out of the way early in the season. And we do it as a fleet. Plus if you attend the opening day, there's always plenty of free food and drinks! And every sailor knows that free grog and food is a great incentive.
Six boats headed out: Corella, Swiftsure Saga, Anna, Nerima, Wynella and Mariner on Brian and Judi's power boat. Getting there wasn't a problem and getting back wasn't either but the boys on Nerima had a couple of S80 sailors and the rum bottle on board. A few drinks and nibbles on the back of the Cross power boat and up to the club for the announcements and results.
Here are a few pix of the day and a special mention to Con who performed the handover of the bag duties. This was before the rum bottle was opened.
A quick note on the first frostbite. Swiftsure pulled out on Saturday evening. And wisely too. Sunday arvo and its blowing 22 knots on the bottom and gusting to 31 knots.
Winter Wednesdays Wednesday the 2nd of May
First day of the Winter series.
& did it blow!
The look of the car park was no better than Saturday two weeks ago. (See below) The threat of showers and a decent breeze had scared off the day sailors and the wiser members of the H28 fleet decided to protect their masts and gear and not front for the day. But........
Four teams fronted for a yacht in the H28 fleet, but because Judith wasn't able to scare up an experienced skipper for a blowy day, she reluctantly relinquished the though of sailing and spread her crew amongst the remainder of the fleet. Bill was happy, it was going to be he and John on a busy day. He picked up Rob and another sailor. So he was four up. So was Wynella with guest skipper Ian Weaver taking the helm while Glen ran the main. Another three bods filled out the crew and we had three boats to head onto the water. The total number of boats amongst the four fleets was sixteen boats with 4 retirements. DNS or DNF's
Base 20 and 26 knots on the water had us wearing lifejackets and the breeze was solidly out of the south sou west. Yes there were gaps in it, but trust me the breeze would come back with a bang. We had a guest in Alan Wilson, a power boatie who finally said yes and he wasn't really cognisant of the strength of the breeze. So he came along with a windbreaker and shorts ( brave man ) and we set off out onto the water.
With a low number of boats on the water the choice of sailing down the line was open and closer to the box the better. Running the jetties means dealing with the gusts, so we chose to ride a few meters down the line and get a steadier breeze. With Wynella trying to get in above us, we sent her up and around, only to see Bill on Swiftsure Saga taking her place, slipping through the line with speed. The battle was to get to Martin and to stay ahead of Bill. Swiftsure (I think) had a reef in the main to protect the wooden mast, but she was still quick. Fortunately we made the mark and were never headed from then on and even the trip up to Deepwater on the first work was successful with a minimum of tacks and good use of the main to drive the boat. We had also managed to keep clear of the Royal fleet and from then on we had clear wind.
The next trip was to Robins after our return to Print and by this time, Alan was up on the rail and cursing the spray as it came bursting over the gunwales. Sounded like a yachty to me. He also caught on to reading the water and where the gusts were. Handy for a power boat operator I guess. The next tests for him were simple.. grind a winch and drive the boat. Both were achieved and a photo was taken to denote the occasion. By this time we had noticed that Wynella was nowhere in sight and it wasn't until we were parked up and in the bar than we found out that they had retired after the first rounding of Sampson with a spinnaker pole through the main. Apparently the sheets weren't long enough to make it comfortable for the fordeckie to work the pole easily and the pole was put though the main.
A good cross of the line and then to get the boat home. All was well but the judgement call on the drop of the main was a little off and we ended up drifting into the boats opposite us, until Bill came to our rescue. After a few minutes, we were back in the pen and no worse for the experience. Put the boat away and sit in the boat for a chilly few minutes drinking red wine and discussing the day. Then up to the bar.
We were lucky to have had a good day and although the win was a little hollow, the days sail was wonderful and a good test of the boat under a big day. As for Bills wooden mast, I think it'll do better that the aluminium one that's on its way.
First frostbite coming up this weekend.
First day of the Winter series.
& did it blow!
The look of the car park was no better than Saturday two weeks ago. (See below) The threat of showers and a decent breeze had scared off the day sailors and the wiser members of the H28 fleet decided to protect their masts and gear and not front for the day. But........
Four teams fronted for a yacht in the H28 fleet, but because Judith wasn't able to scare up an experienced skipper for a blowy day, she reluctantly relinquished the though of sailing and spread her crew amongst the remainder of the fleet. Bill was happy, it was going to be he and John on a busy day. He picked up Rob and another sailor. So he was four up. So was Wynella with guest skipper Ian Weaver taking the helm while Glen ran the main. Another three bods filled out the crew and we had three boats to head onto the water. The total number of boats amongst the four fleets was sixteen boats with 4 retirements. DNS or DNF's
Base 20 and 26 knots on the water had us wearing lifejackets and the breeze was solidly out of the south sou west. Yes there were gaps in it, but trust me the breeze would come back with a bang. We had a guest in Alan Wilson, a power boatie who finally said yes and he wasn't really cognisant of the strength of the breeze. So he came along with a windbreaker and shorts ( brave man ) and we set off out onto the water.
With a low number of boats on the water the choice of sailing down the line was open and closer to the box the better. Running the jetties means dealing with the gusts, so we chose to ride a few meters down the line and get a steadier breeze. With Wynella trying to get in above us, we sent her up and around, only to see Bill on Swiftsure Saga taking her place, slipping through the line with speed. The battle was to get to Martin and to stay ahead of Bill. Swiftsure (I think) had a reef in the main to protect the wooden mast, but she was still quick. Fortunately we made the mark and were never headed from then on and even the trip up to Deepwater on the first work was successful with a minimum of tacks and good use of the main to drive the boat. We had also managed to keep clear of the Royal fleet and from then on we had clear wind.
The next trip was to Robins after our return to Print and by this time, Alan was up on the rail and cursing the spray as it came bursting over the gunwales. Sounded like a yachty to me. He also caught on to reading the water and where the gusts were. Handy for a power boat operator I guess. The next tests for him were simple.. grind a winch and drive the boat. Both were achieved and a photo was taken to denote the occasion. By this time we had noticed that Wynella was nowhere in sight and it wasn't until we were parked up and in the bar than we found out that they had retired after the first rounding of Sampson with a spinnaker pole through the main. Apparently the sheets weren't long enough to make it comfortable for the fordeckie to work the pole easily and the pole was put though the main.
A good cross of the line and then to get the boat home. All was well but the judgement call on the drop of the main was a little off and we ended up drifting into the boats opposite us, until Bill came to our rescue. After a few minutes, we were back in the pen and no worse for the experience. Put the boat away and sit in the boat for a chilly few minutes drinking red wine and discussing the day. Then up to the bar.
We were lucky to have had a good day and although the win was a little hollow, the days sail was wonderful and a good test of the boat under a big day. As for Bills wooden mast, I think it'll do better that the aluminium one that's on its way.
First frostbite coming up this weekend.
Saturday the 21st of April. Closing Day for the sailing season.
Where was everyone?
As I drove into the carpark at midday, I looked around. Not a soul in the place, instead of the normal throng of sailors, skippers and volunteers getting ready to party on the last day of the season. Had I made a mistake? Was closing day on Sunday for once? Down to the jetty and thank god; there's Lockie and Andy Bell. They've got the same question. " Where is everyone?" Its a sunny day and a breeze out of the nor west. Great sailing. Has the predicted bad weather scared them off? Has everyone given up on the club? Did the handicappers scare everyone with the fall of numbers offered on the run sheets for the day?
Even amongst the regulars, one or two boats were missing in action and it would have been great to have Nerrima and Alma out on the water. even Mariner and Aloha would have been good to have on the start line. Still we had as many boats in our fleet as many of the others and Div one had only three boats.
Given a course four as the mandatory course despite a nor wester, we were confident of a reaching course with very little in the way of passing lanes, bar possibly the work to Hallmark from Deepwater on the first leg. But cunning has its way and boats were sliding past each other on the down winds and a classic case was the job that Andy Bell did on the first down wind to John Wright. Went low and caught Anna's stern wave. A bit of luck and a puff of wind was enough to get around her.
We got away on time with Bill running down the line and flicking over as the clock rolled down to 29. Reasonable speed and Lockie beside us to test us. Of course he'd push us, but the one to watch was the Jin.... Andy Bell was behind us, but he'd started at the box end and was coming down fast. Anna was on the same start time as Corella and Swiftsure so the three of us were in direct competition. Wynella, helmed by Ian Weaver was doing well, but had started low on the start line and simply fell off the line, necessitating a tack from down near Como jetty to make Sampson. And then had a bad moment or two on the way to Hallmark from Deepwater. Just not quick. However Wynella did well and recovered to be a chaser for the fleet.
Making Deepwater for the first of three times we bent over to Hallmark and found ourselves on a near work as the breeze shifted into the nnw. A chance for Andy Bell to sneak past us. Now we have two boats in front of us. Anna and Jindarra. So up to Armstrong and away on a reach to Print with Lockie on our tail. Hard work and all he did was nibble, nibble, nibble. Down to Print and back up again to Deepwater and still on our tail. This time he went high above us in an effort to get around us. In front, as mentioned previously, Andy Bell had got past John Wright and Anna was now falling back into our territory. So side by side the three boats ran down to Dolphin East and then to Addison. Andrew had clean air and was beginning to get ahead. But not by too much, no one had kites.
On our way back up for the last time to Deepwater and eventually David Locke found a way past us, but at the same time John Wright let us through so we maintained our position, just changed our immediate competitor. Anna kept on nagging at us and managed to get past us on the last down wind, but ran into a bunch of SS22's and was stymied at the last mark. Hooray for us. We got around the corner and shot off to the start line, just to have Lockie try to take us up on the line. Never, ever, lets up that fellow.
A great day on the water and disappointing that so few boats enjoyed it with us. A lot of fun for all though and the feeling on the day and in the bar was great.
Over the line: The First Jindarra , Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
PS. There's no truth to the rumour I'm running video cameras on Bills boat in order to catch a mast breaking. However, there is a statistical chance!
Where was everyone?
As I drove into the carpark at midday, I looked around. Not a soul in the place, instead of the normal throng of sailors, skippers and volunteers getting ready to party on the last day of the season. Had I made a mistake? Was closing day on Sunday for once? Down to the jetty and thank god; there's Lockie and Andy Bell. They've got the same question. " Where is everyone?" Its a sunny day and a breeze out of the nor west. Great sailing. Has the predicted bad weather scared them off? Has everyone given up on the club? Did the handicappers scare everyone with the fall of numbers offered on the run sheets for the day?
Even amongst the regulars, one or two boats were missing in action and it would have been great to have Nerrima and Alma out on the water. even Mariner and Aloha would have been good to have on the start line. Still we had as many boats in our fleet as many of the others and Div one had only three boats.
Given a course four as the mandatory course despite a nor wester, we were confident of a reaching course with very little in the way of passing lanes, bar possibly the work to Hallmark from Deepwater on the first leg. But cunning has its way and boats were sliding past each other on the down winds and a classic case was the job that Andy Bell did on the first down wind to John Wright. Went low and caught Anna's stern wave. A bit of luck and a puff of wind was enough to get around her.
We got away on time with Bill running down the line and flicking over as the clock rolled down to 29. Reasonable speed and Lockie beside us to test us. Of course he'd push us, but the one to watch was the Jin.... Andy Bell was behind us, but he'd started at the box end and was coming down fast. Anna was on the same start time as Corella and Swiftsure so the three of us were in direct competition. Wynella, helmed by Ian Weaver was doing well, but had started low on the start line and simply fell off the line, necessitating a tack from down near Como jetty to make Sampson. And then had a bad moment or two on the way to Hallmark from Deepwater. Just not quick. However Wynella did well and recovered to be a chaser for the fleet.
Making Deepwater for the first of three times we bent over to Hallmark and found ourselves on a near work as the breeze shifted into the nnw. A chance for Andy Bell to sneak past us. Now we have two boats in front of us. Anna and Jindarra. So up to Armstrong and away on a reach to Print with Lockie on our tail. Hard work and all he did was nibble, nibble, nibble. Down to Print and back up again to Deepwater and still on our tail. This time he went high above us in an effort to get around us. In front, as mentioned previously, Andy Bell had got past John Wright and Anna was now falling back into our territory. So side by side the three boats ran down to Dolphin East and then to Addison. Andrew had clean air and was beginning to get ahead. But not by too much, no one had kites.
On our way back up for the last time to Deepwater and eventually David Locke found a way past us, but at the same time John Wright let us through so we maintained our position, just changed our immediate competitor. Anna kept on nagging at us and managed to get past us on the last down wind, but ran into a bunch of SS22's and was stymied at the last mark. Hooray for us. We got around the corner and shot off to the start line, just to have Lockie try to take us up on the line. Never, ever, lets up that fellow.
A great day on the water and disappointing that so few boats enjoyed it with us. A lot of fun for all though and the feeling on the day and in the bar was great.
Over the line: The First Jindarra , Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
PS. There's no truth to the rumour I'm running video cameras on Bills boat in order to catch a mast breaking. However, there is a statistical chance!
Wednesday the 18th of April Closing of the summer season.
A dirty job, but he'll only do it once.
and It wasn't Alma's turn.
and Shut your eyes and tack.
Poor Geoff. Every time I get down there, he's down in the bottom of the boat grinding away furiously. But the cupboards are out and the new bulkheads are in place, with the shrouds moved appropriately. As Geoff said.. "At last, no gear floating on the floor when we go about." But its; a dirty job and he's pleased he'll only do it once. Then maybe the cabin gets shortened a little as well to make some more room in the cockpit.
What was I thinking about when I declared Alma winner last week. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Circumstances had Lockie close enough to put the wood on the rest of the fleet and despite a really good job of sailing by Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga two up with John Pierzak, Lockie was able to wear down Bill and get past him by about half way. And of course there were enough boats on the fleet today to make the numbers work for the young fellow. By half a point. Otherwise a tie would have come into play and Alma would have taken the series on count back.
So off on a course 4 with about 10 to 14 knots that was dying out as we came home. Off to Martin - Weaver and instead of the best of starts, we were a little behind the eight-ball. Fortunately everyone had to tack and the lead boats incurred a certain amount of discussion at Martin.
Away to Robins and we managed to cross the start line (sail inside the pin) while battling with Alma. The skipper thought it was ok to do so. So further on and around Sampson with the chance to improve, but all that happened was we lost another boat while working our way up there. You're right, it was Anna and he sailed well all day. But our day wasn't done yet and after having to tack again to make Robins, we two-sail reached across to Dolphin East with a gybe to set us up for the run to Como. Quite effective, but Alma got through us at this point. Bugger, all we had left was Wynella under Ian Weavers care and she was doing fine. Andy Bell was quietly chipping away at the lead that Bill and Lockie had and once Lockie had passed Bill, Andy set his sights on Swiftsure Saga to Bill's eventual sorrow. Did I mention that C fleet is full of SS27's? By the time we were on our run to the outer start line mark, the 27's had caught up on such a soft day and were giving us grief. Nearly didn't make the outer startline.
Around the mark and off to Sampson and then to Foam. Apparently Bill Richards had a moment that he'd rather not remember, as he met a fleet of six or more Div one boats coming down on Starboard and of course he was on port. Lockie looked back at the event and his comment was that he could have sworn that Bill simply closed his eyes as he swung through the tack and prayed a little. He made it. By this time it was a follow me procedure and the only thing that annoyed us was another of the SS27's that decided to sit on us on the way to Thelma.
And then to the finish to pick up a sixth across the line.
Over the line: Corella, the First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga
On Handicap: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and The first Jindarra
For the season.
Corella by half a point to Alma and Mariner 8.5 points behind Alma. Honourable mention to the First Jindarra one point behind Mariner.
A dirty job, but he'll only do it once.
and It wasn't Alma's turn.
and Shut your eyes and tack.
Poor Geoff. Every time I get down there, he's down in the bottom of the boat grinding away furiously. But the cupboards are out and the new bulkheads are in place, with the shrouds moved appropriately. As Geoff said.. "At last, no gear floating on the floor when we go about." But its; a dirty job and he's pleased he'll only do it once. Then maybe the cabin gets shortened a little as well to make some more room in the cockpit.
What was I thinking about when I declared Alma winner last week. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Circumstances had Lockie close enough to put the wood on the rest of the fleet and despite a really good job of sailing by Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga two up with John Pierzak, Lockie was able to wear down Bill and get past him by about half way. And of course there were enough boats on the fleet today to make the numbers work for the young fellow. By half a point. Otherwise a tie would have come into play and Alma would have taken the series on count back.
So off on a course 4 with about 10 to 14 knots that was dying out as we came home. Off to Martin - Weaver and instead of the best of starts, we were a little behind the eight-ball. Fortunately everyone had to tack and the lead boats incurred a certain amount of discussion at Martin.
Away to Robins and we managed to cross the start line (sail inside the pin) while battling with Alma. The skipper thought it was ok to do so. So further on and around Sampson with the chance to improve, but all that happened was we lost another boat while working our way up there. You're right, it was Anna and he sailed well all day. But our day wasn't done yet and after having to tack again to make Robins, we two-sail reached across to Dolphin East with a gybe to set us up for the run to Como. Quite effective, but Alma got through us at this point. Bugger, all we had left was Wynella under Ian Weavers care and she was doing fine. Andy Bell was quietly chipping away at the lead that Bill and Lockie had and once Lockie had passed Bill, Andy set his sights on Swiftsure Saga to Bill's eventual sorrow. Did I mention that C fleet is full of SS27's? By the time we were on our run to the outer start line mark, the 27's had caught up on such a soft day and were giving us grief. Nearly didn't make the outer startline.
Around the mark and off to Sampson and then to Foam. Apparently Bill Richards had a moment that he'd rather not remember, as he met a fleet of six or more Div one boats coming down on Starboard and of course he was on port. Lockie looked back at the event and his comment was that he could have sworn that Bill simply closed his eyes as he swung through the tack and prayed a little. He made it. By this time it was a follow me procedure and the only thing that annoyed us was another of the SS27's that decided to sit on us on the way to Thelma.
And then to the finish to pick up a sixth across the line.
Over the line: Corella, the First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga
On Handicap: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and The first Jindarra
For the season.
Corella by half a point to Alma and Mariner 8.5 points behind Alma. Honourable mention to the First Jindarra one point behind Mariner.
Saturday the 14th of April The Seventh and final Championship
The little boat that should have.
Here I am a day late in getting this up, but with good reason. I've been over at Royal Perth for the inter clubs watching and photographing some great sailing. Some of the Lazarus recoveries were mindful of the run between Thelma and the finish line. This is where heroes are found.
NB. Lockie was testing a new spinnaker rig today. Have a look at the photos of how he sets it up. I believe he may have got the idea from the TP 52 set up, but it bears a question to Mr Locke.
Anyway back to the race with seven boats out on the water and Aloha showing us why she's a little slow. Time to get her up on the slips fellas.
The starters gave us a course one and with the new format course we only had to go to Brickies once. But as we were one of two boats not putting up a kite it was up to us to get a cracking start. The first attempt had the starters throw up an AP with a minute to go, so Les Brooker was saved from a shocker start. Then the next time around we got the thin edge of the wedge and had to go up and around. So stone motherless last again. But we had hopes and a wooden mast. Maybe this time.
By the time we had got up to Robins we had two boats behind us and we were looking at the leaders. Perfect breeze for us and the newly checked shrouds were swaying on the lee side. The 14 to 17 knots out of the sou west still had big holes in it but the boat was responding to it and the test was going to be the down wind. So to Brickies and made it in one go as we watched Anna have to go again. We'd used the theory of speed gives you height and across the bay up to Brickies we soared up to A and B and in fact we were laying off before the first mark.
Then down the wind and watch the boats with kites draw away and see John Wright on Anna make her way past us. All that hard work. Oh well. More alarmingly the boys behind us were closing up. So around at West Dolphin across to Foam and up to Sanders. Another work. Good for us as we can do well on the up wind. The two lead boats were engaged in a spirited exchange on the down wind and perhaps a bit of match racing crept in. No room for that please.
So we find Sanders and were grateful to do so as the bloody things out in the middle of nowhere. Get around it and then the dreaded down wind again. The front runners were doing well with pretty specy hoists and boat dodging, but we were doing a little better on the down and the boats behind us stayed there. Down to Como and the last run up the breeze commences. We watched as the two lead boats overstood Robins and we hoped... maybe they'll forget as Andrew did a race or so ago? But no, they tacked and away they went. We had gone in deeper and passed with Robins to starboard and bending the boat up to Deepwater past Applecross Spit. Nice one and again we caught up with the lead again. But to no avail. The next run was to Addison via Dolphin East and thence to Thelma almost on the breeze. Nerrima had done well and was panting on our heels, but we found ourselves an extra knot and kept him off our transom.
To the line and it was the First Jindarra to the line and the 2018 Championship with David Locke playing a good game and providing that challenge that Andrew needed. The veteran John Wright kept his promise and got third over the line and a very good sail with the crew he had. John W and Les Brooker shared 18 points apiece for third place but on countback John took third place while Les took a creditable fourth.
On handicap Anna, Alma and Nerrima with Les Booker's Nerrima taking the season on consistency.
It looks like a wet closing day on Saturday.. bring your wellies!
The little boat that should have.
Here I am a day late in getting this up, but with good reason. I've been over at Royal Perth for the inter clubs watching and photographing some great sailing. Some of the Lazarus recoveries were mindful of the run between Thelma and the finish line. This is where heroes are found.
NB. Lockie was testing a new spinnaker rig today. Have a look at the photos of how he sets it up. I believe he may have got the idea from the TP 52 set up, but it bears a question to Mr Locke.
Anyway back to the race with seven boats out on the water and Aloha showing us why she's a little slow. Time to get her up on the slips fellas.
The starters gave us a course one and with the new format course we only had to go to Brickies once. But as we were one of two boats not putting up a kite it was up to us to get a cracking start. The first attempt had the starters throw up an AP with a minute to go, so Les Brooker was saved from a shocker start. Then the next time around we got the thin edge of the wedge and had to go up and around. So stone motherless last again. But we had hopes and a wooden mast. Maybe this time.
By the time we had got up to Robins we had two boats behind us and we were looking at the leaders. Perfect breeze for us and the newly checked shrouds were swaying on the lee side. The 14 to 17 knots out of the sou west still had big holes in it but the boat was responding to it and the test was going to be the down wind. So to Brickies and made it in one go as we watched Anna have to go again. We'd used the theory of speed gives you height and across the bay up to Brickies we soared up to A and B and in fact we were laying off before the first mark.
Then down the wind and watch the boats with kites draw away and see John Wright on Anna make her way past us. All that hard work. Oh well. More alarmingly the boys behind us were closing up. So around at West Dolphin across to Foam and up to Sanders. Another work. Good for us as we can do well on the up wind. The two lead boats were engaged in a spirited exchange on the down wind and perhaps a bit of match racing crept in. No room for that please.
So we find Sanders and were grateful to do so as the bloody things out in the middle of nowhere. Get around it and then the dreaded down wind again. The front runners were doing well with pretty specy hoists and boat dodging, but we were doing a little better on the down and the boats behind us stayed there. Down to Como and the last run up the breeze commences. We watched as the two lead boats overstood Robins and we hoped... maybe they'll forget as Andrew did a race or so ago? But no, they tacked and away they went. We had gone in deeper and passed with Robins to starboard and bending the boat up to Deepwater past Applecross Spit. Nice one and again we caught up with the lead again. But to no avail. The next run was to Addison via Dolphin East and thence to Thelma almost on the breeze. Nerrima had done well and was panting on our heels, but we found ourselves an extra knot and kept him off our transom.
To the line and it was the First Jindarra to the line and the 2018 Championship with David Locke playing a good game and providing that challenge that Andrew needed. The veteran John Wright kept his promise and got third over the line and a very good sail with the crew he had. John W and Les Brooker shared 18 points apiece for third place but on countback John took third place while Les took a creditable fourth.
On handicap Anna, Alma and Nerrima with Les Booker's Nerrima taking the season on consistency.
It looks like a wet closing day on Saturday.. bring your wellies!
The second last Summer Wednesday the 11th of April
Alma's got this in spades!
Doesn't really matter what happens on the water next week. Alma put in a great performance to take a third over the line and topped the handicap scores. Judith has had a remarkable season with two fine helms who have kept she and her boat right up there. Welcome Judith to the H28's, you are a great replacement for Kate Lammonby and her bunch of girls.
Seven H28s hit the line today with six making it over the line on the way home. Ian Weaver had been given the option to drive Wynella while Glen and Joss take a break. Unfortunately Ian's knowledge of this end of the river was a little shaky and he found some mud and had to be towed off. Oh well. And Andy Bells boat has taken up smoking and refused to start today. So they joined Mariner in sailing out with no engine available to her either. Talking of hard luck, we'd managed to wrap the topping lift around the headsail halyard and the main halyard. Go figure the problems we had putting up the sails. Oh well, as we got out of the pens, we thought that all of our problems were over and done with.
We hit the line just in time with speed and found ourselves in the lead. Bugger me! The skipper got it right. So take the boat down to Martin and across to Weaver and still in the front. Around the mark and then Anna started to pull us in. Nothing we could do to stop her and we were rolled and the rest of the fleet was getting closer. Down to Sampson on a light sou wester with a course four to keep us rolling. We knew that we'd have a battle and sure enough by the time we'd found our way to Robins we were stone motherless. Everyone bar Wynella had got past us and little to our knowledge she'd found some mud and was working out how to get out of it.
So a run down the wind to Dolphin East and a gybe to Como with a little do-si-do involving Swiftsure Saga who we had let through at Robins and then managed to chase down on the way to Como. Nice manners that fellow. Then the skipper looked up and there was a definite sag in the main... ah ha that's what has been causing the grief with our speed. Take it up to our usual 4 and all of a sudden we are pointing and looking better all the time. Around the outer startline and away. This time we have the small triangle and finding Foam in the distance is a bugger, but with luck we could get to it and we took a chance to cross the river earlier than usual . Much to our benefit and we caught up heaps. We managed to get around in front of Bill again, he'd done a fine job as well and the battle up front had been resolved with Lockie and Geoff on Corella slipping past Anna as did Judith on Alma. But not a problem really as John took a very handy second on handicap.
However we still had Andrew in front of us and chasing him on our minds. We'd hit Thelma and the run along the beach was ok for most of us, but we got that magnificent lift that sometimes helps John Wright to the line. Great .. our turn. Tack and get inside Andrew and then just keep the boat going forward ready to roll over the line...... closer, closer and over we go. Tough for Andrew, but the number of tears that we've shed as others have done this to us. Then watch him sail in under full sail. We'd learnt our lesson from Geoff and his days sailing with Vic Court. Build up your speed and drop the jib. Then slide into the pens with enough way to get you there. The main is enough.
One more race I believe and they are looking at having pre and post Christmas racing periods to try and get more boats onto the water. That is to say, two championships in each season for Wednesdays. Well as I've mentioned before, Wednesday sailing is already pushing Saturday sailing for numbers. We put close to 40 boats on the water every week winter and summer. If you take in the fact that we sail approximately 48 weeks out of the year, not just the summer season; Wednesday sailing is a valuable contributor to the club over all.
Over the line: Corella, Alma and Anna.
On Handicap: Alma, Anna and Corella.
Alma's got this in spades!
Doesn't really matter what happens on the water next week. Alma put in a great performance to take a third over the line and topped the handicap scores. Judith has had a remarkable season with two fine helms who have kept she and her boat right up there. Welcome Judith to the H28's, you are a great replacement for Kate Lammonby and her bunch of girls.
Seven H28s hit the line today with six making it over the line on the way home. Ian Weaver had been given the option to drive Wynella while Glen and Joss take a break. Unfortunately Ian's knowledge of this end of the river was a little shaky and he found some mud and had to be towed off. Oh well. And Andy Bells boat has taken up smoking and refused to start today. So they joined Mariner in sailing out with no engine available to her either. Talking of hard luck, we'd managed to wrap the topping lift around the headsail halyard and the main halyard. Go figure the problems we had putting up the sails. Oh well, as we got out of the pens, we thought that all of our problems were over and done with.
We hit the line just in time with speed and found ourselves in the lead. Bugger me! The skipper got it right. So take the boat down to Martin and across to Weaver and still in the front. Around the mark and then Anna started to pull us in. Nothing we could do to stop her and we were rolled and the rest of the fleet was getting closer. Down to Sampson on a light sou wester with a course four to keep us rolling. We knew that we'd have a battle and sure enough by the time we'd found our way to Robins we were stone motherless. Everyone bar Wynella had got past us and little to our knowledge she'd found some mud and was working out how to get out of it.
So a run down the wind to Dolphin East and a gybe to Como with a little do-si-do involving Swiftsure Saga who we had let through at Robins and then managed to chase down on the way to Como. Nice manners that fellow. Then the skipper looked up and there was a definite sag in the main... ah ha that's what has been causing the grief with our speed. Take it up to our usual 4 and all of a sudden we are pointing and looking better all the time. Around the outer startline and away. This time we have the small triangle and finding Foam in the distance is a bugger, but with luck we could get to it and we took a chance to cross the river earlier than usual . Much to our benefit and we caught up heaps. We managed to get around in front of Bill again, he'd done a fine job as well and the battle up front had been resolved with Lockie and Geoff on Corella slipping past Anna as did Judith on Alma. But not a problem really as John took a very handy second on handicap.
However we still had Andrew in front of us and chasing him on our minds. We'd hit Thelma and the run along the beach was ok for most of us, but we got that magnificent lift that sometimes helps John Wright to the line. Great .. our turn. Tack and get inside Andrew and then just keep the boat going forward ready to roll over the line...... closer, closer and over we go. Tough for Andrew, but the number of tears that we've shed as others have done this to us. Then watch him sail in under full sail. We'd learnt our lesson from Geoff and his days sailing with Vic Court. Build up your speed and drop the jib. Then slide into the pens with enough way to get you there. The main is enough.
One more race I believe and they are looking at having pre and post Christmas racing periods to try and get more boats onto the water. That is to say, two championships in each season for Wednesdays. Well as I've mentioned before, Wednesday sailing is already pushing Saturday sailing for numbers. We put close to 40 boats on the water every week winter and summer. If you take in the fact that we sail approximately 48 weeks out of the year, not just the summer season; Wednesday sailing is a valuable contributor to the club over all.
Over the line: Corella, Alma and Anna.
On Handicap: Alma, Anna and Corella.
Summer Saturday Sailing 7th of April 2018
A bit light on for crew. & Well sailed Rita.
Five boats hit the water today on a breeze that surprised us. The BOM sites had called for a sleepy day with little breeze, but by the time I arrived it was frisky and out of the west sou west. We had a box start to make it easier and for once they didn't send us up to Martin-Weaver.
Just to catch up, I was originally to go out with Bill on Swiftsure Saga, two up mind you, but he cancelled out in the morning with a problem with the mast. Apparently the screws in the jumpers and shroud mountings had pulled through and the shrouds had gone loose on him on Wednesday. Just got home in one piece luckily, so a bit of work was required to examine the problem and come up with a solution. Fifteen minutes later a call came through... sail with me on Wynella from Glen. Ok I get a yot today. And we'll try a kite as well.
As the fleets made their way to the start line we had the company of the paddle steamer Decoy who decided to make her way up the Canning and then came back, crossing an active start line. I thought that the skippers of these boats had more water savvy than to do that. Apparently not. But it didn't interfere with what we wanted to do so away we went. But Alma was clever and ran down the line, turning left as the flag dropped. We were caught with no breeze in our sails and going slowly as a result. Ten seconds late at least and everyone else was in front of us.
Glen had requested a course four from the starters and we got one, so it was with only three of the five boats manned up to fly a kite, any boat who could fly a kite should get a place. Well no. We had a bad start and couldn't get it back. Thanks to a bit of luck on the run up to Armstrong after the reach across from Deepwater we found ourselves in fourth place as Rita had overlaid the mark. Great, but on the down wind run we had a kite to get up and took our time about it. Literally watched them sail past us and by the time the kite was up and the chase was on, it was time to drop the damn thing and head back up to Deepwater again.
Rita's next effort was to take on Alma and get past her and for a moment, we thought she was about to take on Les on Nerrima, but that turned out to be futile as Les did have a good gang on board and could get a kite up pretty quickly. No chance there. But our friends on Alma weren't taking that lying down and slipped past Rita, Jeff and Brian again and for a while all was as it should be as we worked our way up and down the river. The only boat who was doing a great job was John Wright and his melded team. Sailing well and putting a great race together they were just pulling away from the rest of the fleet. Heaven help us if we had had the long course ( course one). John would have been even further ahead.
The changes in the breeze were noticeable and on some down wind runs we found ourselves quite by the lee and this wasn't helped by the helms habit of wandering off course a little, following the boats in front who were under jib and main and thus far more manoeuvrable. By the time we were on the last run down the breeze from Deepwater to Dolphin East and then to Addison, the breeze had dropped off and it was only the odd puff that had us keeping up. A bit of good sailing had Rita on Corella slip past Alma again and then the reach across to Thelma and another tester in front of us as the breeze had us going way beyond the startline in order to get a lay line for the mark. We'd watched as Nerrima tacked off onto starboard and was seen heading off to the Heathcote Dolphin before he tacked back. But he made the startline in good time and despite our best efforts we couldn't beat Alma over the line. We were last.
Over the line: John and Anna, Les and Nerrima, Rita and Corella.
On handicap: Anna, Alma and Nerrima.
Both Alma and Corella were dealing with made up crews who both sailed JaM and did very well to stay in front of a kite carrying boat. To their credit both of the skippers were on the ball.
Consistency... it looks like Nerrima will take the cake. All he has to do is to have a halfway ok day next week. He's nine points ahead of the opposition at the moment.
The Championship: I hope Lockie's got a full crew for next week. He has to win this one to take the championship and Andy Bell would have to come in fourth or worse. Somehow I think it's highly unlikely. Unless of course Andrew's motor finally packs up, but something tells me that he would row the damn thing out onto the water if he had to.
A bit light on for crew. & Well sailed Rita.
Five boats hit the water today on a breeze that surprised us. The BOM sites had called for a sleepy day with little breeze, but by the time I arrived it was frisky and out of the west sou west. We had a box start to make it easier and for once they didn't send us up to Martin-Weaver.
Just to catch up, I was originally to go out with Bill on Swiftsure Saga, two up mind you, but he cancelled out in the morning with a problem with the mast. Apparently the screws in the jumpers and shroud mountings had pulled through and the shrouds had gone loose on him on Wednesday. Just got home in one piece luckily, so a bit of work was required to examine the problem and come up with a solution. Fifteen minutes later a call came through... sail with me on Wynella from Glen. Ok I get a yot today. And we'll try a kite as well.
As the fleets made their way to the start line we had the company of the paddle steamer Decoy who decided to make her way up the Canning and then came back, crossing an active start line. I thought that the skippers of these boats had more water savvy than to do that. Apparently not. But it didn't interfere with what we wanted to do so away we went. But Alma was clever and ran down the line, turning left as the flag dropped. We were caught with no breeze in our sails and going slowly as a result. Ten seconds late at least and everyone else was in front of us.
Glen had requested a course four from the starters and we got one, so it was with only three of the five boats manned up to fly a kite, any boat who could fly a kite should get a place. Well no. We had a bad start and couldn't get it back. Thanks to a bit of luck on the run up to Armstrong after the reach across from Deepwater we found ourselves in fourth place as Rita had overlaid the mark. Great, but on the down wind run we had a kite to get up and took our time about it. Literally watched them sail past us and by the time the kite was up and the chase was on, it was time to drop the damn thing and head back up to Deepwater again.
Rita's next effort was to take on Alma and get past her and for a moment, we thought she was about to take on Les on Nerrima, but that turned out to be futile as Les did have a good gang on board and could get a kite up pretty quickly. No chance there. But our friends on Alma weren't taking that lying down and slipped past Rita, Jeff and Brian again and for a while all was as it should be as we worked our way up and down the river. The only boat who was doing a great job was John Wright and his melded team. Sailing well and putting a great race together they were just pulling away from the rest of the fleet. Heaven help us if we had had the long course ( course one). John would have been even further ahead.
The changes in the breeze were noticeable and on some down wind runs we found ourselves quite by the lee and this wasn't helped by the helms habit of wandering off course a little, following the boats in front who were under jib and main and thus far more manoeuvrable. By the time we were on the last run down the breeze from Deepwater to Dolphin East and then to Addison, the breeze had dropped off and it was only the odd puff that had us keeping up. A bit of good sailing had Rita on Corella slip past Alma again and then the reach across to Thelma and another tester in front of us as the breeze had us going way beyond the startline in order to get a lay line for the mark. We'd watched as Nerrima tacked off onto starboard and was seen heading off to the Heathcote Dolphin before he tacked back. But he made the startline in good time and despite our best efforts we couldn't beat Alma over the line. We were last.
Over the line: John and Anna, Les and Nerrima, Rita and Corella.
On handicap: Anna, Alma and Nerrima.
Both Alma and Corella were dealing with made up crews who both sailed JaM and did very well to stay in front of a kite carrying boat. To their credit both of the skippers were on the ball.
Consistency... it looks like Nerrima will take the cake. All he has to do is to have a halfway ok day next week. He's nine points ahead of the opposition at the moment.
The Championship: I hope Lockie's got a full crew for next week. He has to win this one to take the championship and Andy Bell would have to come in fourth or worse. Somehow I think it's highly unlikely. Unless of course Andrew's motor finally packs up, but something tells me that he would row the damn thing out onto the water if he had to.
Wednesday Sailing Autumn Edition 4th of April 2018
The Wooden Mast continues to amaze and Geoff takes to Carina.
A little bit of action around the place and Geoff is up to his ears in sawdust. David Lockes been hard at work putting in a new bulkhead in Carina and the boat has had a fright. I think that by the time Geoff finishes, the old girl will be even quicker than before. He's already moved the inner shrouds close to the cabin and I'm pretty sure that the outers will move in as well. Geoff mentioned that they had a system that allowed them to bring the jib in closer, but it was a sod of a thing to manage on a busy day and even more so when they had new people on the boat. However Geoff's job at present is taking the boat's interior back to the bare wood and I guess he'll be fixing ribs and working on the inside of the boat. As to whether he's going to go with a full West system is a moot point. Wait and see.
Bill did it again, with a bit of help from a battle in the lead as on the run to Sampson, Mariner who was in the lead was challenged by The First Jindarra and the two wandered all the way up to Como on the way to Sampson. In fact one of the crew was wondering whether a new mark had been put into the course and rounding Como on the way to Sampson was part of the day. During this contest; Bill on Swiftsure Saga sailed a straight course and both he and David Locke rounded Sampson in front of the battling pair. Unfortunately The Jin managed to slip inside the mark on the rounding of Sampson despite claims of no overlap and took off into the distance. From first to fourth in one foul swoop. Oh well.
From this point, the race was on for us to try and get at least one place back and stay ahead of Alma and Wynella. We'd been given a course one and we had a tidy breeze to sail with of about 15 to 18 knots and the chance to get through the Royal Perth fleet was on offer with a gap opening up. We stayed out a little and avoided the melee in the bay, but had our own chances with a couple of S80's, just making it past one and dipping another. Around the top at Deepwater and away to Print on a starboard pole. No passing lanes here and a quick turn at Print had us heading up to Robins via a dip into Waylen Bay for the ride on the sou wester up to the mark. Bend around again and watch Bill hold his lead against Lockie who was doing a fine job three up (but then he had Rita on board).
Watch as Bill lifts up to Robins and makes it; Lockie puts in a funny sort of half tack to get around the mark and Andy on the Jin, gathered several yards on the boats ahead by having gone that extra metre or two as we had. Good value for us as we caught up as well, but were knocked down and had to put in a double tack to make the mark. Off on a two sail reach to Dolphin East and a gybe to follow with another run to Como. Then the fun started as we fell down, knocking continuously and made the outer start line with only a little to spare. Then away to Sampson again and watch as the boats up front separated, with Bill and Andy electing to head straight up to Print while Dave Locke headed off on a run out to the left (toward the club). Heroic stuff this.. either a feather duster or a rooster. Well it turned out that David was able to insert himself between the two boats he had left behind. Neither first or last and possibly a slight gain. Away they went and off to Print and down to Como with a reach to Thelma. We followed and we were fighting the clock by now to see if we could get a place on handicap.
Having made Thelma the choice was.. follow the boats along the shore and be assured of getting a fourth, or try something else so we turned right and to our horror found ourselves lifting as we went up to a lay line. Nothing else for it, but take the lifts and prepare for an interesting ride to the line. Just made it with the boat pinching every inch of the way. We might have lost 16 seconds then and that's all it would have taken to have grabbed a third from David Locke and Corella. On handicap, that's all it was.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella.
Many thanks to Andy Bell who had so many extra crew today that he was able to provide an entire crew inclusive of a skipper for Alma. (Judith was a bit skint of crew today) Well done to Pete Shepherd who seems to be able to jump ship onto the winner quite often. John was busy on repairs and Peter put his name forward. Bingo he got a ride on Swiftsure.
As to the summer season. The end is getting near and we have two more races to go. All the drops are in and there are four boats within four points of each other. Anything could happen.
The Wooden Mast continues to amaze and Geoff takes to Carina.
A little bit of action around the place and Geoff is up to his ears in sawdust. David Lockes been hard at work putting in a new bulkhead in Carina and the boat has had a fright. I think that by the time Geoff finishes, the old girl will be even quicker than before. He's already moved the inner shrouds close to the cabin and I'm pretty sure that the outers will move in as well. Geoff mentioned that they had a system that allowed them to bring the jib in closer, but it was a sod of a thing to manage on a busy day and even more so when they had new people on the boat. However Geoff's job at present is taking the boat's interior back to the bare wood and I guess he'll be fixing ribs and working on the inside of the boat. As to whether he's going to go with a full West system is a moot point. Wait and see.
Bill did it again, with a bit of help from a battle in the lead as on the run to Sampson, Mariner who was in the lead was challenged by The First Jindarra and the two wandered all the way up to Como on the way to Sampson. In fact one of the crew was wondering whether a new mark had been put into the course and rounding Como on the way to Sampson was part of the day. During this contest; Bill on Swiftsure Saga sailed a straight course and both he and David Locke rounded Sampson in front of the battling pair. Unfortunately The Jin managed to slip inside the mark on the rounding of Sampson despite claims of no overlap and took off into the distance. From first to fourth in one foul swoop. Oh well.
From this point, the race was on for us to try and get at least one place back and stay ahead of Alma and Wynella. We'd been given a course one and we had a tidy breeze to sail with of about 15 to 18 knots and the chance to get through the Royal Perth fleet was on offer with a gap opening up. We stayed out a little and avoided the melee in the bay, but had our own chances with a couple of S80's, just making it past one and dipping another. Around the top at Deepwater and away to Print on a starboard pole. No passing lanes here and a quick turn at Print had us heading up to Robins via a dip into Waylen Bay for the ride on the sou wester up to the mark. Bend around again and watch Bill hold his lead against Lockie who was doing a fine job three up (but then he had Rita on board).
Watch as Bill lifts up to Robins and makes it; Lockie puts in a funny sort of half tack to get around the mark and Andy on the Jin, gathered several yards on the boats ahead by having gone that extra metre or two as we had. Good value for us as we caught up as well, but were knocked down and had to put in a double tack to make the mark. Off on a two sail reach to Dolphin East and a gybe to follow with another run to Como. Then the fun started as we fell down, knocking continuously and made the outer start line with only a little to spare. Then away to Sampson again and watch as the boats up front separated, with Bill and Andy electing to head straight up to Print while Dave Locke headed off on a run out to the left (toward the club). Heroic stuff this.. either a feather duster or a rooster. Well it turned out that David was able to insert himself between the two boats he had left behind. Neither first or last and possibly a slight gain. Away they went and off to Print and down to Como with a reach to Thelma. We followed and we were fighting the clock by now to see if we could get a place on handicap.
Having made Thelma the choice was.. follow the boats along the shore and be assured of getting a fourth, or try something else so we turned right and to our horror found ourselves lifting as we went up to a lay line. Nothing else for it, but take the lifts and prepare for an interesting ride to the line. Just made it with the boat pinching every inch of the way. We might have lost 16 seconds then and that's all it would have taken to have grabbed a third from David Locke and Corella. On handicap, that's all it was.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella.
Many thanks to Andy Bell who had so many extra crew today that he was able to provide an entire crew inclusive of a skipper for Alma. (Judith was a bit skint of crew today) Well done to Pete Shepherd who seems to be able to jump ship onto the winner quite often. John was busy on repairs and Peter put his name forward. Bingo he got a ride on Swiftsure.
As to the summer season. The end is getting near and we have two more races to go. All the drops are in and there are four boats within four points of each other. Anything could happen.
Wednesday Sailing Autumn Edition 28th of March 2018
Three Cheers for the Wooden Mast.
On a sunny Tuesday morning, Bills new mast was put in place and with it, the hopes of quite a few of us. The mast had been sitting either outside the chandlers for quite a while, or ( slightly better ) sitting inside the chandlers for the same number of years. It had been sold off last year as the new owner of the chandlery took over and the mast disappeared from sight. Then suddenly, in the midst of the angst going on about replacing Bills broken aluminium mast, Bill got wind of a wooden mast he could buy. The price was right and it was in his hands shortly after. The history of the mast is a little vague and it was a little short, so it had to have approximately a metre or so added to it. This Bill could do himself as he has the requisite skills. Then he had to rig the mast with all the bits and pieces, after putting three coats of paint on it. Spars, jumpers, halyards and whatnot. Of course everything had to be in the right place as he was using the old rigging. Can't recut those shrouds.
The installation was successful and during the initial testing we had the mast arched like a bow as we pulled on the back stay. Interesting! But the true test was putting a reputed 70 year old mast ( as dry as a chip) through its paces on a day with 15 to 19 knots of Sou Wester. Either it would or it wouldn't. The first test run was getting the sails up and all was well. All the right height and yes there was going to be a problem with the roach of the main, but the head board stopped a good eighteen inches short of the crane at the top, that was a help. Then take her out for a spin and see what she was like. The photo I took as she came toward us up wind, down the river was enough. It worked and there were smiles on everyone's faces.
At the start line, we on Mariner were doing well, but a little early and as we slid over the line, it was a motzer that the horn would go. It did and we turned the boat around for another go at the start only to see Andy Bells Jindarra spinning around as well. So Alma and Swiftsure shared the lead and all else followed on a course three. Up to Martin and we were lucky enough to jag enough height to get around the mark and then away down to Weaver. Unfortunately Alma kissed the mark and let Bill into the lead and he wasn't crossed again for the rest of the day.
The dash to King was further compromised by Glen on Wynella and he decided to totally ignore it, taking off for Robins and we chased him for at least 10 minutes trying to let him know and eventually had to bail him up on a cross and explain to him what had happened. Hi ho. Cost us a minute or two but better that than Glen finding out at the other end. Meanwhile we had a series of crosses with most of the boats well in front of us on the way up, despite good speed on the boat. To be expected and we watched Andy Bell wander past us as well. Around Robins and away to Print with a couple of gybes on the way down. Everyone was close and watching over your shoulder was standard practice for the skippers. That and some close crosses as well. Back to Foam then up to Robins with the fleet remaining close together apart from Wynella who had successfully unwound their mistake, but were well out of contention. Reaching Robins we had to tack and retack for the second time, not making it successfully at either work up the river. Then away down breeze again to make our way to Como and the bend across to the outer startline. We were sitting below a row of H28's and watched as Alma sailed over the top of us ( is that a new mainsail I see on her). The result had us struggling to make the outer start line. But we did.
Around the corner again and away to Sampson with only Wynella behind us. Oh bother! But we were catching up and when we reached Sampson it was a quick decision to go left and see what we could do. Amazingly we caught up with John Wright and passed him on the leg, he had gone out to the right and it didn't pay. We had also made up a lot of ground on the rest of the fleet. Then away to Addison and leaving Como to starboard we headed for the finish line. Mind you there were a number of boats in front of us anyway and it was surprising to see how close the racing had been. In just over two minutes 6 boats crossed the line and if Wynella hadn't missed that mark, all the boats would have been within that time frame. Andy Bell was possibly the fellow with the biggest gain on the day. From dead last to third over the line isn't a bad job at all.
But Bill had a huge smile on his face and well he should. Sailed the race with the boat and mast working together. Stayed in front and was congratulated by every boat in the fleet as he made his way back to the pen. Pretty happy bunch of blokes on the boat too. They took the same risk as Bill did.. the mast could have exploded into a shower of splinters. Bill's now planning to build another wooden mast and was showing everyone cross sections he'd made.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra.
On Handicap: Alma , Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
Three Cheers for the Wooden Mast.
On a sunny Tuesday morning, Bills new mast was put in place and with it, the hopes of quite a few of us. The mast had been sitting either outside the chandlers for quite a while, or ( slightly better ) sitting inside the chandlers for the same number of years. It had been sold off last year as the new owner of the chandlery took over and the mast disappeared from sight. Then suddenly, in the midst of the angst going on about replacing Bills broken aluminium mast, Bill got wind of a wooden mast he could buy. The price was right and it was in his hands shortly after. The history of the mast is a little vague and it was a little short, so it had to have approximately a metre or so added to it. This Bill could do himself as he has the requisite skills. Then he had to rig the mast with all the bits and pieces, after putting three coats of paint on it. Spars, jumpers, halyards and whatnot. Of course everything had to be in the right place as he was using the old rigging. Can't recut those shrouds.
The installation was successful and during the initial testing we had the mast arched like a bow as we pulled on the back stay. Interesting! But the true test was putting a reputed 70 year old mast ( as dry as a chip) through its paces on a day with 15 to 19 knots of Sou Wester. Either it would or it wouldn't. The first test run was getting the sails up and all was well. All the right height and yes there was going to be a problem with the roach of the main, but the head board stopped a good eighteen inches short of the crane at the top, that was a help. Then take her out for a spin and see what she was like. The photo I took as she came toward us up wind, down the river was enough. It worked and there were smiles on everyone's faces.
At the start line, we on Mariner were doing well, but a little early and as we slid over the line, it was a motzer that the horn would go. It did and we turned the boat around for another go at the start only to see Andy Bells Jindarra spinning around as well. So Alma and Swiftsure shared the lead and all else followed on a course three. Up to Martin and we were lucky enough to jag enough height to get around the mark and then away down to Weaver. Unfortunately Alma kissed the mark and let Bill into the lead and he wasn't crossed again for the rest of the day.
The dash to King was further compromised by Glen on Wynella and he decided to totally ignore it, taking off for Robins and we chased him for at least 10 minutes trying to let him know and eventually had to bail him up on a cross and explain to him what had happened. Hi ho. Cost us a minute or two but better that than Glen finding out at the other end. Meanwhile we had a series of crosses with most of the boats well in front of us on the way up, despite good speed on the boat. To be expected and we watched Andy Bell wander past us as well. Around Robins and away to Print with a couple of gybes on the way down. Everyone was close and watching over your shoulder was standard practice for the skippers. That and some close crosses as well. Back to Foam then up to Robins with the fleet remaining close together apart from Wynella who had successfully unwound their mistake, but were well out of contention. Reaching Robins we had to tack and retack for the second time, not making it successfully at either work up the river. Then away down breeze again to make our way to Como and the bend across to the outer startline. We were sitting below a row of H28's and watched as Alma sailed over the top of us ( is that a new mainsail I see on her). The result had us struggling to make the outer start line. But we did.
Around the corner again and away to Sampson with only Wynella behind us. Oh bother! But we were catching up and when we reached Sampson it was a quick decision to go left and see what we could do. Amazingly we caught up with John Wright and passed him on the leg, he had gone out to the right and it didn't pay. We had also made up a lot of ground on the rest of the fleet. Then away to Addison and leaving Como to starboard we headed for the finish line. Mind you there were a number of boats in front of us anyway and it was surprising to see how close the racing had been. In just over two minutes 6 boats crossed the line and if Wynella hadn't missed that mark, all the boats would have been within that time frame. Andy Bell was possibly the fellow with the biggest gain on the day. From dead last to third over the line isn't a bad job at all.
But Bill had a huge smile on his face and well he should. Sailed the race with the boat and mast working together. Stayed in front and was congratulated by every boat in the fleet as he made his way back to the pen. Pretty happy bunch of blokes on the boat too. They took the same risk as Bill did.. the mast could have exploded into a shower of splinters. Bill's now planning to build another wooden mast and was showing everyone cross sections he'd made.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra.
On Handicap: Alma , Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
Saturday Sailing 25th of March 2018
Three blokes on a boat. Or We blew the start.
Les had had a bad day, in fact most of the fleet had had a bad week as trying to get crew was a little rough. Les knew that I was at a loose end and bagged me early on in the week. He was promising to find at least a couple more, but when I fronted on Saturday, it was Jim Spittle, Les and myself, so the jobs fell in a natural division. Mind you, of the other three boats in the fleet going out on the day Glen on Wynella was down to three with Bill Richards pinch hitting on the main, Anna and John Wright had five with a crack team on board and Lockie on Corella had four with Rita and Geoff. So two boats could definitely put up a kite and the other two might be able to do so. We discussed it for about five seconds and said ok. We'll do it on the square runs.
It wasn't the best start to be honest. With a day buoy set toward Como Jetty and the line out in the middle of the river, we should have aced the start, but somewhere our count was out and we plodded over the line about 45 seconds late. Even the starters were heard to say... "Hurry up Les." So tail end Charlie again and in a breeze that was beginning to correspond with what BOM had promised. A booming sou easter that rolled with the river, switching from side to side. It went from 5 knots to 20 knots within 10 minutes and it made the course on offer ( course 4 shortened ) an easy one as it was going to be a follow me course. Not too many passing lanes and a lot of tight reaching. So our task was set for us. Chase Glen.
Up to Deepwater and by now the breeze was bending into the south and the run up Waylen Bay was a cracker with Nerrima just slightly cracked and howling up toward Applecross Spit. I was busy, Jim on the jib was busy and Les was happy. Then the ease away at the top on the run across to Hallmark. We're square on the breeze and it's time to put up a kite. Done and done with Jim developing more hands and arms than an octopus as he got the spinnaker up, then raced back to trim while I wrestled with the pole and the tweekers. Les reported that we were by the lee so I had one eye on the main and the other on the pole for the trip across. Then remarkably the drop which was successful but we hadn't managed to catch Glen which was the purpose of putting up the kite. He hadn't put up a spinnaker and we thought we had a chance. But with a poled out jib he was just as fast. So bend around Hallmark and up to Armstrong on another reach.
Back down to Print and try to get around Glen the first time, No he's not having it and it's decided to get around Print and then tackle him on the way up to Deepwater again. Still on a southerly and reaching up the bay again, we have the speed to get past Glen. Don't know what's happening on Wynella, but Les was in the groove and the boat was flying. By the time we made Deepwater we had Glen behind us and the job was to keep the lead and chase the two up front. From now on, it's time that matters as we needed to be in front of Glen by at least a minute to take third place. The first two could sort themselves out but in the overall consistency, third is better than fourth. Particularly when Wynella is one of your chief competitors.
Down to Dolphin East on a two sail reach and harden up a little at the mark with Addison in our sights. A long run with the boat bending her way through the breeze. The next thought was the run along the freeway with a left turn on the lay line to Thelma. The only excitement we had then was SS22's who were on the same line for Thelma as us. We found a gap and went for it while Glen found two or three friends to make his trip to the mark interesting. Then a dash for the line and we crossed with a certain amount of satisfaction. Everyone happy with the day.
Over the Line: Corella, Anna and Nerrima
On Handicap: Anna, Corella and Nerrima
Bill has announced that the mast is going on, on Tuesday from 10. am. Be there or be square. Its all wood!
George (Georgina) took the old girl out for a run on Saturday and found out that his little outboard doesn't work. He's still chasing a decent diesel motor (well halfway decent). He also found out the hard way that if you pull up your main against the breeze you almost invariably get a lock in the slides on the main and the blasted thing won't come down when you want it to. So he sailed into his pen with the main up. Messy!
He also pulled the boat out of the water a month or so ago and she is reportedly a little over 4 tonne. Pity he can't remember exactly how much. Not many photos today. I was busy.
Only 38 boats in the entire SoPYC fleet today. We had 39 on the water on Wednesday. What's happening?
Thank god for the Red Witches there were seven of them.
Three blokes on a boat. Or We blew the start.
Les had had a bad day, in fact most of the fleet had had a bad week as trying to get crew was a little rough. Les knew that I was at a loose end and bagged me early on in the week. He was promising to find at least a couple more, but when I fronted on Saturday, it was Jim Spittle, Les and myself, so the jobs fell in a natural division. Mind you, of the other three boats in the fleet going out on the day Glen on Wynella was down to three with Bill Richards pinch hitting on the main, Anna and John Wright had five with a crack team on board and Lockie on Corella had four with Rita and Geoff. So two boats could definitely put up a kite and the other two might be able to do so. We discussed it for about five seconds and said ok. We'll do it on the square runs.
It wasn't the best start to be honest. With a day buoy set toward Como Jetty and the line out in the middle of the river, we should have aced the start, but somewhere our count was out and we plodded over the line about 45 seconds late. Even the starters were heard to say... "Hurry up Les." So tail end Charlie again and in a breeze that was beginning to correspond with what BOM had promised. A booming sou easter that rolled with the river, switching from side to side. It went from 5 knots to 20 knots within 10 minutes and it made the course on offer ( course 4 shortened ) an easy one as it was going to be a follow me course. Not too many passing lanes and a lot of tight reaching. So our task was set for us. Chase Glen.
Up to Deepwater and by now the breeze was bending into the south and the run up Waylen Bay was a cracker with Nerrima just slightly cracked and howling up toward Applecross Spit. I was busy, Jim on the jib was busy and Les was happy. Then the ease away at the top on the run across to Hallmark. We're square on the breeze and it's time to put up a kite. Done and done with Jim developing more hands and arms than an octopus as he got the spinnaker up, then raced back to trim while I wrestled with the pole and the tweekers. Les reported that we were by the lee so I had one eye on the main and the other on the pole for the trip across. Then remarkably the drop which was successful but we hadn't managed to catch Glen which was the purpose of putting up the kite. He hadn't put up a spinnaker and we thought we had a chance. But with a poled out jib he was just as fast. So bend around Hallmark and up to Armstrong on another reach.
Back down to Print and try to get around Glen the first time, No he's not having it and it's decided to get around Print and then tackle him on the way up to Deepwater again. Still on a southerly and reaching up the bay again, we have the speed to get past Glen. Don't know what's happening on Wynella, but Les was in the groove and the boat was flying. By the time we made Deepwater we had Glen behind us and the job was to keep the lead and chase the two up front. From now on, it's time that matters as we needed to be in front of Glen by at least a minute to take third place. The first two could sort themselves out but in the overall consistency, third is better than fourth. Particularly when Wynella is one of your chief competitors.
Down to Dolphin East on a two sail reach and harden up a little at the mark with Addison in our sights. A long run with the boat bending her way through the breeze. The next thought was the run along the freeway with a left turn on the lay line to Thelma. The only excitement we had then was SS22's who were on the same line for Thelma as us. We found a gap and went for it while Glen found two or three friends to make his trip to the mark interesting. Then a dash for the line and we crossed with a certain amount of satisfaction. Everyone happy with the day.
Over the Line: Corella, Anna and Nerrima
On Handicap: Anna, Corella and Nerrima
Bill has announced that the mast is going on, on Tuesday from 10. am. Be there or be square. Its all wood!
George (Georgina) took the old girl out for a run on Saturday and found out that his little outboard doesn't work. He's still chasing a decent diesel motor (well halfway decent). He also found out the hard way that if you pull up your main against the breeze you almost invariably get a lock in the slides on the main and the blasted thing won't come down when you want it to. So he sailed into his pen with the main up. Messy!
He also pulled the boat out of the water a month or so ago and she is reportedly a little over 4 tonne. Pity he can't remember exactly how much. Not many photos today. I was busy.
Only 38 boats in the entire SoPYC fleet today. We had 39 on the water on Wednesday. What's happening?
Thank god for the Red Witches there were seven of them.
Wednesday sailing 22nd March 2018
Gone for all the money!
On another sultry day, we watched as the seabreeze began to lift the flags and we went from a miserable 38 degrees to about 30 degrees and 10 knots out of the WSW. But the starters gave us a course two. No one complained really as we had a bit to do today.
Once again, Lockie took off at the start line and wasn't seen for the rest of the day. We had pooched our start and were out the back. Right out the back. But it wasn't a bad day and with the sails working well, we were in on a chance. Just had to pass the other 4 boats in front of us.
On the way to Sampson the usual battle began with AB taking Glen up, but for some reason Glen was still hot enough to get around the corner first and drop dirty air on everyone else. AB took off to the left as did Alma, but the rest of us took the middle as the westerly was still holding. Through the Royal Perth fleet and away up toward Hallmark with the usual swerve to take Inner Dolphin into play. But it wasn't a help for us as although we had managed to get in front of AB on the way up, he got back and only Alma remained behind us. Then up to Armstrong and the down wind drag race began.
Following the breeze down, we gybed a couple of times and managed to catch up with the rest of the fleet. Then off to the outer startline and they sent us around again. (More about that later)
Again the drag race around the marks, but the breeze was dropping and we opted to go right while Glen went left. He appeared to be in light air, but he had a constant forward motion, so we were not surprised when he came up to us and managed to scoop the pool again rounding just behind Andy Bell who had modelled himself into a Mr. consistency. That left us working hard to stay in front of John Wright who had been our constant shadow since the second rounding of Sampson. The down wind was noted by a two pole reach on our behalf and it gave us that little bit more speed down the breeze. We cheered as AB ran into Di Dunbar at Como and despite a spirited chat, Di managed to cause a certain amount of discomfort to him. But she tacked off and we were that little bit closer. Glen by this time had managed to get in front again and was causing injury for all of us. And then to Thelma.
The classic thought.. three boats in front of us and a very light breeze. Nothing to lose and a puff out of the sou west came down toward us. "Make it your best tack," he said. And it was, we just climbed up toward the line as everyone else was sitting below us. Only Glen had tacked in time and was able to give us a run at the line, but we managed to stay in front. Just. Of course Lockie had hit the line 9 minutes ago and was already installed in the pen with a beer in hand. Good on him. But we had a satisfying win. Rather poignantly, soon after Mariner and Wynella crossed the line, the racing flag was struck and the line closed. The next three H28's missed their chance to score.
On handicap: Corella, Wynella and then Mariner.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and then Wynella.
Addendum.
Bill's still working on that wooden mast and despite the length issues should have it under way. Looking forward to a frostbite season with a wooden pole aloft.
Gone for all the money!
On another sultry day, we watched as the seabreeze began to lift the flags and we went from a miserable 38 degrees to about 30 degrees and 10 knots out of the WSW. But the starters gave us a course two. No one complained really as we had a bit to do today.
Once again, Lockie took off at the start line and wasn't seen for the rest of the day. We had pooched our start and were out the back. Right out the back. But it wasn't a bad day and with the sails working well, we were in on a chance. Just had to pass the other 4 boats in front of us.
On the way to Sampson the usual battle began with AB taking Glen up, but for some reason Glen was still hot enough to get around the corner first and drop dirty air on everyone else. AB took off to the left as did Alma, but the rest of us took the middle as the westerly was still holding. Through the Royal Perth fleet and away up toward Hallmark with the usual swerve to take Inner Dolphin into play. But it wasn't a help for us as although we had managed to get in front of AB on the way up, he got back and only Alma remained behind us. Then up to Armstrong and the down wind drag race began.
Following the breeze down, we gybed a couple of times and managed to catch up with the rest of the fleet. Then off to the outer startline and they sent us around again. (More about that later)
Again the drag race around the marks, but the breeze was dropping and we opted to go right while Glen went left. He appeared to be in light air, but he had a constant forward motion, so we were not surprised when he came up to us and managed to scoop the pool again rounding just behind Andy Bell who had modelled himself into a Mr. consistency. That left us working hard to stay in front of John Wright who had been our constant shadow since the second rounding of Sampson. The down wind was noted by a two pole reach on our behalf and it gave us that little bit more speed down the breeze. We cheered as AB ran into Di Dunbar at Como and despite a spirited chat, Di managed to cause a certain amount of discomfort to him. But she tacked off and we were that little bit closer. Glen by this time had managed to get in front again and was causing injury for all of us. And then to Thelma.
The classic thought.. three boats in front of us and a very light breeze. Nothing to lose and a puff out of the sou west came down toward us. "Make it your best tack," he said. And it was, we just climbed up toward the line as everyone else was sitting below us. Only Glen had tacked in time and was able to give us a run at the line, but we managed to stay in front. Just. Of course Lockie had hit the line 9 minutes ago and was already installed in the pen with a beer in hand. Good on him. But we had a satisfying win. Rather poignantly, soon after Mariner and Wynella crossed the line, the racing flag was struck and the line closed. The next three H28's missed their chance to score.
On handicap: Corella, Wynella and then Mariner.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and then Wynella.
Addendum.
Bill's still working on that wooden mast and despite the length issues should have it under way. Looking forward to a frostbite season with a wooden pole aloft.
Wednesday Sailing 14th of March 2018
Sultry day and no one hanging around on the Startline!
A course 2 with the breeze out of the west and sou west at about 8 to 12 knots. It was a fair choice and I think we were all happy that we didn't go down to Martin- Weaver with little breeze on offer down there. But it had rained earlier in the day and the humidity was high and we had seven boats lining up on the river ready to dash down to Sampson. Hitting the start line was going to be a problem as everyone was spread across the line with Vic sitting right at the top hoping to get the drop on us all. Well he blew it and in front of us was Jindarra, he appeared to be well over the line too. Umm look right and Corella was suspiciously forward as well.
Over the line and up went the X flag. Individual recall. Vic was already returning. The flag stayed up. Andrew circled back having to dodge Alma on the way through. And we looked over to Lockie. He was already well down the track and by the time that Andrew had crossed the line, Corella would have had to sail 1/2 the length of the first leg to Sampson, just to get back. Didn't happen. But we had our hands full anyway as the rest of us were booming along quite well and staying in front of Wynella was going to be a problem and even John Dennis with Alma was a challenge for a while. Not to mention Vic ( having a two Geoff day ) and John Wright, both renown light winds sailors.
Most of the work was up to Hallmark with decisions being made to keep clear of the Royal Perth fleet. Either dodge or go around them.. which is what we decided to do. Go further up on the north side and then out to a lay line to Hallmark. Hooray, managed to get the jump on Anna and Wynella having swapped spots with them on the tacks up the river. But as usual it wasn't by much and David Locke was still in front of us. Down to Como and turn right with a number of gybes as the boats worked the breeze on the way down. Enough already. A good tight reach across to the start line with all the boats holding their places... no chance to improve positions.
Around the outside finish line mark and back to Sampson again with a run up to Dolphin East on the books. By this time David had a fishing line over the back, but I'd suggest that he's probably going too fast if he was trolling....and I'd be delighted if he caught one. Keep on going, as frankly the further we can get in front of Wynella the better as his handicap will give him the win and we're going to get a fastest and that's all.
Up to Dolphin East and around, just making it in front of Wynella who had some luck on the way up. He picked a blinder of a lift and we were well off the mark and had to throw in a couple of extra tacks. But fortune favours the brave and the SS 27's from C fleet were catching up with us by now and they were happy to involve Glen in their sailing strategy.
Then to the line via Print and Thelma with the fleet tailing out behind us. Parking was a bit of fun with only sails to help us in, but fair enough the starter motor was in for new brushes.
Over the line. Strictly speaking Lockie got the moral victory, but actually Brian Cross and Mariner, followed by Glen Stanley on Wynella with John Wright and Anna sailing to his handicap.
On handicap: Wynella, Vic Court driving Geoff Reasons Carina and then third.. Anna.
NB: Bill took the remnants of the mast off Swiftsure today and it was taken down to the work area where he has the new wooden mast. Watch this space.
Took a look at the consistency for Wednesdays and its a close thing. 5 boats within 6 points and all the drops are in now. Alma and The first Jindarra are separated by one point and Wynella, Corella and Mariner have a one point split as well.
Sultry day and no one hanging around on the Startline!
A course 2 with the breeze out of the west and sou west at about 8 to 12 knots. It was a fair choice and I think we were all happy that we didn't go down to Martin- Weaver with little breeze on offer down there. But it had rained earlier in the day and the humidity was high and we had seven boats lining up on the river ready to dash down to Sampson. Hitting the start line was going to be a problem as everyone was spread across the line with Vic sitting right at the top hoping to get the drop on us all. Well he blew it and in front of us was Jindarra, he appeared to be well over the line too. Umm look right and Corella was suspiciously forward as well.
Over the line and up went the X flag. Individual recall. Vic was already returning. The flag stayed up. Andrew circled back having to dodge Alma on the way through. And we looked over to Lockie. He was already well down the track and by the time that Andrew had crossed the line, Corella would have had to sail 1/2 the length of the first leg to Sampson, just to get back. Didn't happen. But we had our hands full anyway as the rest of us were booming along quite well and staying in front of Wynella was going to be a problem and even John Dennis with Alma was a challenge for a while. Not to mention Vic ( having a two Geoff day ) and John Wright, both renown light winds sailors.
Most of the work was up to Hallmark with decisions being made to keep clear of the Royal Perth fleet. Either dodge or go around them.. which is what we decided to do. Go further up on the north side and then out to a lay line to Hallmark. Hooray, managed to get the jump on Anna and Wynella having swapped spots with them on the tacks up the river. But as usual it wasn't by much and David Locke was still in front of us. Down to Como and turn right with a number of gybes as the boats worked the breeze on the way down. Enough already. A good tight reach across to the start line with all the boats holding their places... no chance to improve positions.
Around the outside finish line mark and back to Sampson again with a run up to Dolphin East on the books. By this time David had a fishing line over the back, but I'd suggest that he's probably going too fast if he was trolling....and I'd be delighted if he caught one. Keep on going, as frankly the further we can get in front of Wynella the better as his handicap will give him the win and we're going to get a fastest and that's all.
Up to Dolphin East and around, just making it in front of Wynella who had some luck on the way up. He picked a blinder of a lift and we were well off the mark and had to throw in a couple of extra tacks. But fortune favours the brave and the SS 27's from C fleet were catching up with us by now and they were happy to involve Glen in their sailing strategy.
Then to the line via Print and Thelma with the fleet tailing out behind us. Parking was a bit of fun with only sails to help us in, but fair enough the starter motor was in for new brushes.
Over the line. Strictly speaking Lockie got the moral victory, but actually Brian Cross and Mariner, followed by Glen Stanley on Wynella with John Wright and Anna sailing to his handicap.
On handicap: Wynella, Vic Court driving Geoff Reasons Carina and then third.. Anna.
NB: Bill took the remnants of the mast off Swiftsure today and it was taken down to the work area where he has the new wooden mast. Watch this space.
Took a look at the consistency for Wednesdays and its a close thing. 5 boats within 6 points and all the drops are in now. Alma and The first Jindarra are separated by one point and Wynella, Corella and Mariner have a one point split as well.
Sailing on a Sunday.... The Retro Race at Freshie. 11th March 2018
What a start line!
I don't think that the RFBYC people were really aware of how aggressive the H28 start line can be and on a day where we were supposed to be going out for a genteel yacht and a bit of a chase around the river, the air at the line was blue with curses. Would have made great photos but I didn't have the time. Too busy calling the countdown and swinging on a winch.
As Bill is still working on a new mast (wooden) and wondering how to extend it by a meter or so, I was happy to take an offer from Les to join him on Nerrima and work a winch. And I got to do foredeck as well. Don't know how that happened but I took it on good grace. The mission was to get down to Dome.. off Tawarri ( a bit further south of PFSYC ) by 1300 hrs and set sail. Well the start line was way down, almost at Point Walter and not that far away from Point Resolution. Ok, here we are.
Div. one was fired off and we watched as Eun Na Mara glided away on a good 15 knot easterly and she was surrounded by another 10 or so yachts. Beauty...our turn. Of the 19 boats in Div. two, no fewer than 10 H28's fronted on the line and 9 were regulars with Mark Walters Koomela joining us (she normally sails Frostbites ). The clock ticked away and it was a case of calling the boats under us and powering up as required. The last 30 seconds became hectic as the H28's bludgeoned their way onto the startline (maybe it was a little short) and in the madness at least three boats were pushed up and over, causing the starters to send up a general recall flag. But we were busy.. beat that boat below/above/beside us. It was only once the blood-haze had dropped from our eyes that we notice the rest of the fleet turning around and so we followed suit. The last fleet was quietly taking off from the start line and we reassembled below the line again. Not such a big start this time with a black flag in evidence. No stuff ups allowed. I would have thought that a U flag would have sufficed.
Once away it was a case of chase the boats around what was really a reaching and running course. Sure the first leg out to Sanders was a work and made everyone guess what would help them. We went into the middle thinking that we would get the most advantage of the breeze in clear air, others went over to the northern shore and picked up the benefit of the lifts we didn't know of. However I have seen boats stick in the mud over there and I guess you take the risk. Back toward Freshwater Bay from Sanders and a scurrying easterly following us. By this time we'd settled into a follow me with Jindarra, Mariner and Corella out front. Nerrima was next and we had Wynella and occasionally Anna snapping at our heels. Alma and Carina weren't that far away and Napier of Carrick was doing very well thank you with the flash of the SP144 seen moving through the pack, particularly in the later stages of the race. Koomela was lurking at the back of the pack and Ian Weaver with family in tow was aboard his wonderful yacht Robin Hood II. Ian was more than just along for the ride, he was pushing us and frankly it would have been great to see him do even better. The boat was handling well and it was a pleasure to see her on the water.
A moment of puzzlement for Steve Grover and I as we looked for the mark known as Suicide where it should have been, near the sand bar at Point Walter, but it's been moved and should be called a Failed Attempt. Suicide was renown for the narrow gap between the mark and the bar earning the name Suicide as that was what could happen if you went more than two boats wide. So around we went and back into the bay again for another go at the start line.
A few convivial ales on the garden at Freshie, results and small prizes awarded to the ongoing contestants. Three of our fleet were called up with Glen and Wynella taking first on handicap, Brian of Mariner taking a second for his trouble and Ian Weaver was made merry with. Andy Bell was brought up for third and surprisingly was also third over the line. Well sailed Andrew when you're sailing against boats that know the track better than we do. Fastest boat was Aeolus driven by J Fitzhardinge of RFBYC. Thanks to Manfred Speicher and the Retro mob for the day on the water.
A good day out and perhaps we should have had radios with us to hear the general recall.
Enjoy the images.
Two camera's were used by the way.
What a start line!
I don't think that the RFBYC people were really aware of how aggressive the H28 start line can be and on a day where we were supposed to be going out for a genteel yacht and a bit of a chase around the river, the air at the line was blue with curses. Would have made great photos but I didn't have the time. Too busy calling the countdown and swinging on a winch.
As Bill is still working on a new mast (wooden) and wondering how to extend it by a meter or so, I was happy to take an offer from Les to join him on Nerrima and work a winch. And I got to do foredeck as well. Don't know how that happened but I took it on good grace. The mission was to get down to Dome.. off Tawarri ( a bit further south of PFSYC ) by 1300 hrs and set sail. Well the start line was way down, almost at Point Walter and not that far away from Point Resolution. Ok, here we are.
Div. one was fired off and we watched as Eun Na Mara glided away on a good 15 knot easterly and she was surrounded by another 10 or so yachts. Beauty...our turn. Of the 19 boats in Div. two, no fewer than 10 H28's fronted on the line and 9 were regulars with Mark Walters Koomela joining us (she normally sails Frostbites ). The clock ticked away and it was a case of calling the boats under us and powering up as required. The last 30 seconds became hectic as the H28's bludgeoned their way onto the startline (maybe it was a little short) and in the madness at least three boats were pushed up and over, causing the starters to send up a general recall flag. But we were busy.. beat that boat below/above/beside us. It was only once the blood-haze had dropped from our eyes that we notice the rest of the fleet turning around and so we followed suit. The last fleet was quietly taking off from the start line and we reassembled below the line again. Not such a big start this time with a black flag in evidence. No stuff ups allowed. I would have thought that a U flag would have sufficed.
Once away it was a case of chase the boats around what was really a reaching and running course. Sure the first leg out to Sanders was a work and made everyone guess what would help them. We went into the middle thinking that we would get the most advantage of the breeze in clear air, others went over to the northern shore and picked up the benefit of the lifts we didn't know of. However I have seen boats stick in the mud over there and I guess you take the risk. Back toward Freshwater Bay from Sanders and a scurrying easterly following us. By this time we'd settled into a follow me with Jindarra, Mariner and Corella out front. Nerrima was next and we had Wynella and occasionally Anna snapping at our heels. Alma and Carina weren't that far away and Napier of Carrick was doing very well thank you with the flash of the SP144 seen moving through the pack, particularly in the later stages of the race. Koomela was lurking at the back of the pack and Ian Weaver with family in tow was aboard his wonderful yacht Robin Hood II. Ian was more than just along for the ride, he was pushing us and frankly it would have been great to see him do even better. The boat was handling well and it was a pleasure to see her on the water.
A moment of puzzlement for Steve Grover and I as we looked for the mark known as Suicide where it should have been, near the sand bar at Point Walter, but it's been moved and should be called a Failed Attempt. Suicide was renown for the narrow gap between the mark and the bar earning the name Suicide as that was what could happen if you went more than two boats wide. So around we went and back into the bay again for another go at the start line.
A few convivial ales on the garden at Freshie, results and small prizes awarded to the ongoing contestants. Three of our fleet were called up with Glen and Wynella taking first on handicap, Brian of Mariner taking a second for his trouble and Ian Weaver was made merry with. Andy Bell was brought up for third and surprisingly was also third over the line. Well sailed Andrew when you're sailing against boats that know the track better than we do. Fastest boat was Aeolus driven by J Fitzhardinge of RFBYC. Thanks to Manfred Speicher and the Retro mob for the day on the water.
A good day out and perhaps we should have had radios with us to hear the general recall.
Enjoy the images.
Two camera's were used by the way.
Summer Wednesdays 28th of February 2018
The last day of Summer and the story of Geoff.
It's a hard ask to talk about a bloke you've known as the foredecky on the one boat for so long and then regard him pretty quickly as the helm on the same boat. Sure Glen did it with Wynella, but he worked his way back through the boats to become a sheet hand on John Wrights boat and then bought into Wynella. But this story is about a good day out for Carina.
John Wright was taking the day off as he had a graft on his leg to consider and Bob Motteram was driving for the day. Pete and I were ready and along came John Dennis to round up the crew. An exploratory dash up into the river told us we had a sou wester and of 15 knots to begin so course one was selected and with a dash to Martin / Weaver to boot. Sure enough six H28s lined up on the line with a few interesting crew combinations around the yachts. Locky and Ian Weaver made a last minute dash to get the boat going, while Brian Cross was running on one crew member and John P from Bills crew. Alma had a crew of champions (and sailed like it) with Andy Bell secure with Patto, Brad and a gorgeous blonde. (How does he get them?) Carina had a two Geoff day happening with Bruce on the main and Gary (Garfield) as a trimmer.
We blew it at the start and it was chase the rest of the fleet all day. It was with great pleasure I noted that Carina was well in the mix being 2nd or 3rd boat on the start line. It was only in the reach down to Sampson that she dropped back slightly as Geoff worked with being a helm. Passing lanes went out the door as we battled our way up toward Deepwater and crossed the RP fleet for once with the advantage of being the leeward boat on starboard. Into the bay and up to Deepwater with the boat bending a little at Applecross before we straightened up to get to Deepwater. Around the mark and then away to Print with Geoff looming in our sights. Closer and closer, but good trimming by Bruce and some judicious pumping of bilge water saw them slip away. Blast.
Ahead of us we had rest of the fleet with Alma swapping places with Mariner and swapping it back again and Corella trying very hard to catch up with The first Jindarra out at the front. But it was Geoff's day and no matter what we did, we couldn't get Anna past him and believe you me, we tried. We noticed that Carina was starting to close up a little and she wasn't as wet as she was to begin the day. It meant that Bruce could spare the time to look back at us and grin...
Around the second time and by now we had a good 20 knots and Carina was holding her own, with little being left out in her tacking and execution of gybes. Though I will wait to see who they get to fly their kites for them.. On a bad day I can see Geoff racing forward to fix a problem while Bruce drove the boat. Then down to the outer start line and Geoff did a fine job of a rough run down to the pin mark and made it with out too much of a problem. As we did and then the gybe and another reach back out to Sampson again. Follow me, it was for the rest of the race with no one deviating from the set pattern and therefore not offering a chance.
Over the line: The first Jindarra, Corella and Mariner
Handicap: Alma, The first Jindarra and Mariner.
Well sailed Geoff and crew.
The last day of Summer and the story of Geoff.
It's a hard ask to talk about a bloke you've known as the foredecky on the one boat for so long and then regard him pretty quickly as the helm on the same boat. Sure Glen did it with Wynella, but he worked his way back through the boats to become a sheet hand on John Wrights boat and then bought into Wynella. But this story is about a good day out for Carina.
John Wright was taking the day off as he had a graft on his leg to consider and Bob Motteram was driving for the day. Pete and I were ready and along came John Dennis to round up the crew. An exploratory dash up into the river told us we had a sou wester and of 15 knots to begin so course one was selected and with a dash to Martin / Weaver to boot. Sure enough six H28s lined up on the line with a few interesting crew combinations around the yachts. Locky and Ian Weaver made a last minute dash to get the boat going, while Brian Cross was running on one crew member and John P from Bills crew. Alma had a crew of champions (and sailed like it) with Andy Bell secure with Patto, Brad and a gorgeous blonde. (How does he get them?) Carina had a two Geoff day happening with Bruce on the main and Gary (Garfield) as a trimmer.
We blew it at the start and it was chase the rest of the fleet all day. It was with great pleasure I noted that Carina was well in the mix being 2nd or 3rd boat on the start line. It was only in the reach down to Sampson that she dropped back slightly as Geoff worked with being a helm. Passing lanes went out the door as we battled our way up toward Deepwater and crossed the RP fleet for once with the advantage of being the leeward boat on starboard. Into the bay and up to Deepwater with the boat bending a little at Applecross before we straightened up to get to Deepwater. Around the mark and then away to Print with Geoff looming in our sights. Closer and closer, but good trimming by Bruce and some judicious pumping of bilge water saw them slip away. Blast.
Ahead of us we had rest of the fleet with Alma swapping places with Mariner and swapping it back again and Corella trying very hard to catch up with The first Jindarra out at the front. But it was Geoff's day and no matter what we did, we couldn't get Anna past him and believe you me, we tried. We noticed that Carina was starting to close up a little and she wasn't as wet as she was to begin the day. It meant that Bruce could spare the time to look back at us and grin...
Around the second time and by now we had a good 20 knots and Carina was holding her own, with little being left out in her tacking and execution of gybes. Though I will wait to see who they get to fly their kites for them.. On a bad day I can see Geoff racing forward to fix a problem while Bruce drove the boat. Then down to the outer start line and Geoff did a fine job of a rough run down to the pin mark and made it with out too much of a problem. As we did and then the gybe and another reach back out to Sampson again. Follow me, it was for the rest of the race with no one deviating from the set pattern and therefore not offering a chance.
Over the line: The first Jindarra, Corella and Mariner
Handicap: Alma, The first Jindarra and Mariner.
Well sailed Geoff and crew.
Summer Saturday 17th of February 2018
Championship # 5
Retribution will be sweet.
It's no fun, when you ask the RP boat next to you where they are going and they indicate that they are turning at Dolphin West. You're inside them on a kite run to Print and there's another RP boat on the other side of you. Effectively we had no where to go and no chance was offered to let us get away. The afore mentioned RP boat then gybed from port onto starboard and then began to bear up on us forcing us around Dolphin West. The vocal accompaniment wasn't encouraging and having tied our spinnaker in knots, they then fled the scene.
Next time, the b@#tards will go with us all the way to Print.
It was a lovely summers afternoon with 8 to 12 knots out of the west - sou west and with 6 boats on the water, we got away with a nice run down the line gathering speed as we went. Shortly after the start, the First Jindarra tacked off with for a short while to get clean air as Lockie was giving him dirty air. We were doing fine and were starting to climb above Anna, but we were running close to the edge along the channel and a toss had us going above the Jin and the rest of the fleet and ducking Lockie on the way out. Our first run was to Deepwater on a course four, so the next section would be a cross to Hallmark.
Well, we zigged when we should have zagged and we lost our position very quickly. By the time we were looking at Deepwater, we were tail end Charlies with only Aloha behind us and we weren't going to get Nerrima back in a hurry either. In fact they had their first beers open by the run across to Hallmark. The work up to Armstrong was ok and getting around that, we watched as the Royal Perth fleets made their way down from Brickies; little knowing what the problems were going to be. But we had a fordeckie under training and Kieran had the L plates for the day. No huge problems and we had a spinnaker up and working. Thanks to Bob Mottram for his help. ( now read the opening paragraph again)
So eventually we found ourselves looking at Print with a chance of a clean drop and a work back up to Deepwater. In front of us Nerrima was well away and our chances of catching them were nil. As to Corella, they were showing a clean pair of heels to The 1st Jindarra and Andrew Bell was having troubles of his own with John Wright's Anna getting closer and closer. In fact John mentioned that Andrew was using tactics best suited to match racing in his efforts to keep him at bay. A pity, clean racing is always preferred.
So we continued on our merry way, with Kieran's training continuing on the spinnaker. After a particularly messy session where sheets, halyards and tweekers became extremely confused, Glen was seen glowering at the back of the boat and I'm glad he was internalising what he wanted to say because I'm sure that the paint on the cabin top would have blistered if he'd opened his mouth. But all became calm, we sorted out the problems and the next time all went well. On the next down wind we had the company of Jon Sanders on the boat next to us. He was hailed and waved back, so may be all the RP yachtsmen aren't B@#stards after all.
Eventually to the line and over the line we had Corella, The 1st Jindarra and Anna. On handicap: Corella, Nerrima and Anna (I think)
The club hasn't got the results up on line yet, so the handicap results given may vary.
It sound like Bill Richards has bitten the bullet and has ordered the new stick. Minimum of 6 weeks from Taskers and may be a little longer. He may be just ordering the blank and putting it together himself. Geoff Reason is trying to put a team together or so he says. Watch this space.
Championship # 5
Retribution will be sweet.
It's no fun, when you ask the RP boat next to you where they are going and they indicate that they are turning at Dolphin West. You're inside them on a kite run to Print and there's another RP boat on the other side of you. Effectively we had no where to go and no chance was offered to let us get away. The afore mentioned RP boat then gybed from port onto starboard and then began to bear up on us forcing us around Dolphin West. The vocal accompaniment wasn't encouraging and having tied our spinnaker in knots, they then fled the scene.
Next time, the b@#tards will go with us all the way to Print.
It was a lovely summers afternoon with 8 to 12 knots out of the west - sou west and with 6 boats on the water, we got away with a nice run down the line gathering speed as we went. Shortly after the start, the First Jindarra tacked off with for a short while to get clean air as Lockie was giving him dirty air. We were doing fine and were starting to climb above Anna, but we were running close to the edge along the channel and a toss had us going above the Jin and the rest of the fleet and ducking Lockie on the way out. Our first run was to Deepwater on a course four, so the next section would be a cross to Hallmark.
Well, we zigged when we should have zagged and we lost our position very quickly. By the time we were looking at Deepwater, we were tail end Charlies with only Aloha behind us and we weren't going to get Nerrima back in a hurry either. In fact they had their first beers open by the run across to Hallmark. The work up to Armstrong was ok and getting around that, we watched as the Royal Perth fleets made their way down from Brickies; little knowing what the problems were going to be. But we had a fordeckie under training and Kieran had the L plates for the day. No huge problems and we had a spinnaker up and working. Thanks to Bob Mottram for his help. ( now read the opening paragraph again)
So eventually we found ourselves looking at Print with a chance of a clean drop and a work back up to Deepwater. In front of us Nerrima was well away and our chances of catching them were nil. As to Corella, they were showing a clean pair of heels to The 1st Jindarra and Andrew Bell was having troubles of his own with John Wright's Anna getting closer and closer. In fact John mentioned that Andrew was using tactics best suited to match racing in his efforts to keep him at bay. A pity, clean racing is always preferred.
So we continued on our merry way, with Kieran's training continuing on the spinnaker. After a particularly messy session where sheets, halyards and tweekers became extremely confused, Glen was seen glowering at the back of the boat and I'm glad he was internalising what he wanted to say because I'm sure that the paint on the cabin top would have blistered if he'd opened his mouth. But all became calm, we sorted out the problems and the next time all went well. On the next down wind we had the company of Jon Sanders on the boat next to us. He was hailed and waved back, so may be all the RP yachtsmen aren't B@#stards after all.
Eventually to the line and over the line we had Corella, The 1st Jindarra and Anna. On handicap: Corella, Nerrima and Anna (I think)
The club hasn't got the results up on line yet, so the handicap results given may vary.
It sound like Bill Richards has bitten the bullet and has ordered the new stick. Minimum of 6 weeks from Taskers and may be a little longer. He may be just ordering the blank and putting it together himself. Geoff Reason is trying to put a team together or so he says. Watch this space.
Summer Wednesdays the 14th of February 2018
Maybe we should have tacked earlier.
In retrospect we should have gone earlier, but we were getting good lifts out on the right and we had a fair lead over the rest of the fleet bar Mariner who had sailed through us on the run to Sampson.
Once more sailing with Anna, the fun and games began at the start line with Wynella being taken up and over the line as a really pushy start from Alma forced him over. In fact we were lucky to come off scratch free as just a little twitch would have marked the rails on two boats. We had a great race southward to Martin to find ourselves tucked under Mariners transom as we bore down on Weaver, room was claimed and we took off to Sampson on a great days breeze of about 14 to 18 knots out of the sou west with a Course one.
Brian simply took Mariner up and sailed through us. We thought of taking him up further but we still had Corella and Alma on our tail with Wynella to follow. After Sampson it follow the breeze up the right hand side and all of a sudden we're the last boat on port going down the river. Oops. Turn left and get over to the other side. Of course, the advent of the RP fleet was a decider; there might have been better breeze on the other side of the fleet, but we didn't wait to find out.
By the time we had arrived over in Waylen Bay it was clear that we should have gone earlier. All bar Wynella were in front of us and it was going to be a torrid time as any or all of the three in front wouldn't give up a spot. Lockie was close on Mariners tail and whatever Brian did was under close scrutiny by the tribe on Corella. Reaching Deepwater we were in company from the Royal Perth mob and the gybe around the mark was the usual dodge and duck before making it onto starboard and safety. Then off to Print under a starboard pole and we had a chance to sort ourselves out. We were closer to Alma so we concentrated on catching up, but it was proving hard with the new jib. Wynella was still hampered by the restart.
Around Print and back into the bay again, the run was now just up to Robins and the breeze was definitely in the south as it bent us up to the mark. Around the mark and the reach to Dolphin East began with a fine reach across and a gybe at the mark. The next mark was a corner at Como and then the close reach/work to the outer startline. Lockie is really pushing Brian at this stage and it was along the run back from the outer startline that Brian missed a beat and passed the baton to Corella. Then the usual dash up to Print with no one prepared to take a chance by going early and picking up a change of breeze that would take you there faster. Back across to Foam and return to Print with the SoPYC A fleet barrelling through the line between Foam and Print and most of them on starboard as well. Reaching across to Como and hardening up a little to Thelma, grateful that the SS27's were far enough behind us still. A run along the beach and then a tack off to the line. No problems, but not the fastest in the fleet.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner, Alma
On handicap; Alma, Anna and Corella.
A comment.
Wouldn't it be great if Geoff Reason took out Carina. Vic's taking a bit of a break and I'm sure we could find the necessary crew considering that Swiftsure Saga is out of action. ( Three people available right there )
A rumour!
Will Phil Lammonby campaign Soraya this winter? He retires shortly and Kates waiting to go into hospital for her back to be done. It was mooted that he may be going to pick up the tiller again.
Maybe we should have tacked earlier.
In retrospect we should have gone earlier, but we were getting good lifts out on the right and we had a fair lead over the rest of the fleet bar Mariner who had sailed through us on the run to Sampson.
Once more sailing with Anna, the fun and games began at the start line with Wynella being taken up and over the line as a really pushy start from Alma forced him over. In fact we were lucky to come off scratch free as just a little twitch would have marked the rails on two boats. We had a great race southward to Martin to find ourselves tucked under Mariners transom as we bore down on Weaver, room was claimed and we took off to Sampson on a great days breeze of about 14 to 18 knots out of the sou west with a Course one.
Brian simply took Mariner up and sailed through us. We thought of taking him up further but we still had Corella and Alma on our tail with Wynella to follow. After Sampson it follow the breeze up the right hand side and all of a sudden we're the last boat on port going down the river. Oops. Turn left and get over to the other side. Of course, the advent of the RP fleet was a decider; there might have been better breeze on the other side of the fleet, but we didn't wait to find out.
By the time we had arrived over in Waylen Bay it was clear that we should have gone earlier. All bar Wynella were in front of us and it was going to be a torrid time as any or all of the three in front wouldn't give up a spot. Lockie was close on Mariners tail and whatever Brian did was under close scrutiny by the tribe on Corella. Reaching Deepwater we were in company from the Royal Perth mob and the gybe around the mark was the usual dodge and duck before making it onto starboard and safety. Then off to Print under a starboard pole and we had a chance to sort ourselves out. We were closer to Alma so we concentrated on catching up, but it was proving hard with the new jib. Wynella was still hampered by the restart.
Around Print and back into the bay again, the run was now just up to Robins and the breeze was definitely in the south as it bent us up to the mark. Around the mark and the reach to Dolphin East began with a fine reach across and a gybe at the mark. The next mark was a corner at Como and then the close reach/work to the outer startline. Lockie is really pushing Brian at this stage and it was along the run back from the outer startline that Brian missed a beat and passed the baton to Corella. Then the usual dash up to Print with no one prepared to take a chance by going early and picking up a change of breeze that would take you there faster. Back across to Foam and return to Print with the SoPYC A fleet barrelling through the line between Foam and Print and most of them on starboard as well. Reaching across to Como and hardening up a little to Thelma, grateful that the SS27's were far enough behind us still. A run along the beach and then a tack off to the line. No problems, but not the fastest in the fleet.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner, Alma
On handicap; Alma, Anna and Corella.
A comment.
Wouldn't it be great if Geoff Reason took out Carina. Vic's taking a bit of a break and I'm sure we could find the necessary crew considering that Swiftsure Saga is out of action. ( Three people available right there )
A rumour!
Will Phil Lammonby campaign Soraya this winter? He retires shortly and Kates waiting to go into hospital for her back to be done. It was mooted that he may be going to pick up the tiller again.
Summer Saturdays the 10th of February 2018
A repeat performance. And playing with Bakewell eights.
What do you say to your wife of many years when you walk in the door and say.... I've broken the mast again dear.
This was the conundrum Bill faced when he arrived home last night.
We had sailed our socks off. Picked all the right shifts, driven the boat like a rocket ship, got in front of everyone on a shifty easterly on the way up to Martin / Weaver and found ourselves picking a ripsnorter of a first run up to Deepwater with Applecross Spit bending us around her with a little lift to get us to Deepwater. Ok we were short of the mark, but we had been swallowing the rubbish from a bunch of BW8's who had wrapped themselves around us and were causing everyone at the front a little trouble.
Starting from the start box we had been given a light winds course 4, a southerly start and to begin with, it was a good idea on the prevailing easterly. But getting there wasn't easy; as we approached Martin, we ran out of breeze and we could see the sou wester building on the water behind us. And the fleet was getting closer. But in front of us John P had seen the return of the easterly and we were closer to that than anyone else. Great - get into it and get cracking. Behind us, the doldrums had set in and only two boats got away, Anna and Alma. Hard yards for everyone else. Across to Weaver, turn the corner and prepare to set a pole: but no.... the breeze was as dodgy as a door to door salesman. And then we noticed that the boats behind us had moved further up into a breeze we weren't in. After some exhortation, Bill took the boat up and we kept our lead. Around the corner at Sampson and off to Deepwater.
By this time the fleet had sorted themselves out and welcome to Alma, Anna, Aloha, Wynella and Nerrima. And of course Swiftsure Saga.
Anna and Alma were in hot pursuit and Anna in particular had some highly skilled people on board with Rob Males crew jumping on board again and with regular crew Pete and Phil. A damn fine combination. Alma had a hard working crew again with John Dennis helming with Mark W, stepping down to run the main ( I think ). But they were sailing well and had Steve from Karoleeya on board. Nerrima had a standard crew on board with Jim up front and Les down the back. No sign of Nerrima's fordeckie from last week, I think he's trying to keep a low, low profile after last weeks effort. Wynella had her usual bunch of stars and well done the Minto family who took Aloha out and sailed creditably. If only they would come down earlier and visit the jetty. We had a couple of strays again and they could have sailed with Aloha.
Back to the story.
Down to Print via Hallmark and Armstrong with a kite rocking gently in the 15 to 18 knots out of the sou west we had by now. Anna was closing a little, but we were well away and rounding Print we shot into Waylen Bay dodging the Bakewell 8's again. My word they were becoming a problem and we had to tack away again to get clear air. But our course was set and it was a case of work the traveller to bend ourselves around Applecross again. Go into Deepwater on starboard and round the mark dodging the BW8's who were around us. Then to reach to Dolphin East and hoist a kite for the run to Addison. A good reaching kite leg with the boat heeling a little as we had a good 18 to 22 knots by now. A careful drop and a clean get away with the crew comfortable with the lead that was building.
Our next aim was to get into the bay again and to that effect we found the gates to the channel, tacked off and then began to set ourselves up for the run up under Heathcote toward a tacking point that would allow us to get into the bay for the run up the southerly lift. And then a crumpling sound, not a bang.
I looked up and as I did I saw the top of the mast disappear leeward on a port tack. Everyone looked around and counted heads; all still on the boat and no harm done. Bill was looking up and assessing the damage. We'd lost the mast above the new sleeve. Something had given way and the top had simply gone away.
In discussion with the boat following us, Phil the foredeck man on Anna had been watching. We had gone though some large waves and he had noticed the top of the mast wobbling, then it slowly dropped to the leeward side. He hadn't seen any shrouds go, but as he was over 200 yards away it's a moot point.
So pack up the boat and wait until we had secured the mast and boom. The foresail was packed away and as many ropes as we could clear were done. We then waved farewell to Anna and Alma who were still engaged in a great race and we made our way to the fuel jetty where we could bring the broken mast forward to the bow, secure it and check to see if there were any other problems. Then make our way back to the pen and secure the boat. The problems with the boat included the mainsail as it was still in the track and the main halyard was jammed under the boom. Bill called everything off and told us he was up for a new mast and (I presume) it was going to be left insitu until the insurance people had seen it. He called in on Sunday and removed the main, but the boat remains as is.
Meanwhile the race continued and Anna did a very good job of taking the win with Nerrima following along almost 2 and a half minutes later.
Alma had slowed a little, but still remained in front of Wynella and a very brave two up Aloha finished in fifth place.
However on Handicap; Alma took the cake, with Aloha second and Anna taking third.
For the record;
I'll report a little later as to the probable cause to the break, though I suspect something let go on the port side.
This is Bills fifth mast. One on his original wooden boat. (the name escapes me) One on Christa (Sundowner) and he's had three goes at the mast on Swiftsure Saga. John Pierzak has been on board for all three on SSS.
If any one is looking for crew on Saturday.............
And finally Craig Balmer is recovering from a triple bypass and will sail with us again in a few months time if all is well. He had the best chest man that he could get and can only look forward from this moment on. Fair winds.
A repeat performance. And playing with Bakewell eights.
What do you say to your wife of many years when you walk in the door and say.... I've broken the mast again dear.
This was the conundrum Bill faced when he arrived home last night.
We had sailed our socks off. Picked all the right shifts, driven the boat like a rocket ship, got in front of everyone on a shifty easterly on the way up to Martin / Weaver and found ourselves picking a ripsnorter of a first run up to Deepwater with Applecross Spit bending us around her with a little lift to get us to Deepwater. Ok we were short of the mark, but we had been swallowing the rubbish from a bunch of BW8's who had wrapped themselves around us and were causing everyone at the front a little trouble.
Starting from the start box we had been given a light winds course 4, a southerly start and to begin with, it was a good idea on the prevailing easterly. But getting there wasn't easy; as we approached Martin, we ran out of breeze and we could see the sou wester building on the water behind us. And the fleet was getting closer. But in front of us John P had seen the return of the easterly and we were closer to that than anyone else. Great - get into it and get cracking. Behind us, the doldrums had set in and only two boats got away, Anna and Alma. Hard yards for everyone else. Across to Weaver, turn the corner and prepare to set a pole: but no.... the breeze was as dodgy as a door to door salesman. And then we noticed that the boats behind us had moved further up into a breeze we weren't in. After some exhortation, Bill took the boat up and we kept our lead. Around the corner at Sampson and off to Deepwater.
By this time the fleet had sorted themselves out and welcome to Alma, Anna, Aloha, Wynella and Nerrima. And of course Swiftsure Saga.
Anna and Alma were in hot pursuit and Anna in particular had some highly skilled people on board with Rob Males crew jumping on board again and with regular crew Pete and Phil. A damn fine combination. Alma had a hard working crew again with John Dennis helming with Mark W, stepping down to run the main ( I think ). But they were sailing well and had Steve from Karoleeya on board. Nerrima had a standard crew on board with Jim up front and Les down the back. No sign of Nerrima's fordeckie from last week, I think he's trying to keep a low, low profile after last weeks effort. Wynella had her usual bunch of stars and well done the Minto family who took Aloha out and sailed creditably. If only they would come down earlier and visit the jetty. We had a couple of strays again and they could have sailed with Aloha.
Back to the story.
Down to Print via Hallmark and Armstrong with a kite rocking gently in the 15 to 18 knots out of the sou west we had by now. Anna was closing a little, but we were well away and rounding Print we shot into Waylen Bay dodging the Bakewell 8's again. My word they were becoming a problem and we had to tack away again to get clear air. But our course was set and it was a case of work the traveller to bend ourselves around Applecross again. Go into Deepwater on starboard and round the mark dodging the BW8's who were around us. Then to reach to Dolphin East and hoist a kite for the run to Addison. A good reaching kite leg with the boat heeling a little as we had a good 18 to 22 knots by now. A careful drop and a clean get away with the crew comfortable with the lead that was building.
Our next aim was to get into the bay again and to that effect we found the gates to the channel, tacked off and then began to set ourselves up for the run up under Heathcote toward a tacking point that would allow us to get into the bay for the run up the southerly lift. And then a crumpling sound, not a bang.
I looked up and as I did I saw the top of the mast disappear leeward on a port tack. Everyone looked around and counted heads; all still on the boat and no harm done. Bill was looking up and assessing the damage. We'd lost the mast above the new sleeve. Something had given way and the top had simply gone away.
In discussion with the boat following us, Phil the foredeck man on Anna had been watching. We had gone though some large waves and he had noticed the top of the mast wobbling, then it slowly dropped to the leeward side. He hadn't seen any shrouds go, but as he was over 200 yards away it's a moot point.
So pack up the boat and wait until we had secured the mast and boom. The foresail was packed away and as many ropes as we could clear were done. We then waved farewell to Anna and Alma who were still engaged in a great race and we made our way to the fuel jetty where we could bring the broken mast forward to the bow, secure it and check to see if there were any other problems. Then make our way back to the pen and secure the boat. The problems with the boat included the mainsail as it was still in the track and the main halyard was jammed under the boom. Bill called everything off and told us he was up for a new mast and (I presume) it was going to be left insitu until the insurance people had seen it. He called in on Sunday and removed the main, but the boat remains as is.
Meanwhile the race continued and Anna did a very good job of taking the win with Nerrima following along almost 2 and a half minutes later.
Alma had slowed a little, but still remained in front of Wynella and a very brave two up Aloha finished in fifth place.
However on Handicap; Alma took the cake, with Aloha second and Anna taking third.
For the record;
I'll report a little later as to the probable cause to the break, though I suspect something let go on the port side.
This is Bills fifth mast. One on his original wooden boat. (the name escapes me) One on Christa (Sundowner) and he's had three goes at the mast on Swiftsure Saga. John Pierzak has been on board for all three on SSS.
If any one is looking for crew on Saturday.............
And finally Craig Balmer is recovering from a triple bypass and will sail with us again in a few months time if all is well. He had the best chest man that he could get and can only look forward from this moment on. Fair winds.
Summer Wednesdays the 7th of February 2018
Great expectations and small disappointments. Still chasing Corella.
I took a week off to photograph the Warren Jones match racing and apparently missed a great race. (Well that's what Brian wants to say anyway) He did very well and took the win on the day. However today was today and on a miserable, shifting sou easter, the starters gave us a course four in the faint hope that the sea breeze might come in and make them look good. But no.. the breeze remained in the east sou east all day, dropping out and filling in.
Once over the start line, all seven H28s had a task on their hands as we sailed down to Martin and tried to stay high to minimise the expected knocks as we came closer to Martin. In they came and as we fell away, our tacking angle improved so that we could tack and try to keep up above the next mark, Weaver. As we didn't get a great start we found ourselves lurching along at the back, but we had hopes and with Bob Motteram on the main and Pete and I trimming, we had a fair speed and it was really a case of watch your backs as the boats behind us on the run to Sampson loomed up at us in the new pressure. Four in a row I believe at one point.
Arriving at Sampson, Wynella was tucked inside our transom and had rights on the two boats above him, so he could have closed the door on them. However, inexplicably he rounded so wide that you could have driven a Mack Truck through the gap and Alma and Swiftsure Saga were not slow to take the advantage, leaving us floundering in their wake.
It then turned into a reaching contest with the run to Robins at a slow pace with little pressure available. We managed to slip past Wynella and then started to look forward to Swiftsure and Alma. However the race up front was becoming interesting. We had Jindarra, Corella and Mariner as the front group with Corella and the Jin in close company. Mariner delights in light winds and was sliding around the stern of the 1st Jindarra for most of the afternoon. But Andrew Bell was looking at Lockie's transom just as interestedly and it was a case of when and how.
Down to Dolphin East, a gybe and off to Como on a tight reach with most of the fleet using this time to tidy boats and prepare to make the best of the small chances on offer. Going to the outer start line was fraught with danger. Go deep in toward the freeway and hope to lift up to the mark. Tack early and run the fine line along the mud banks and sneak around Heathcote Dolphin, giving yourself plenty of room to ease away in preparation to tack to the outer startline. Swiftsure and Alma went down to the freeway and apparently Bill on Swiftsure Saga had an overwind on the boat that had to be cut out. I hope they tried to take it out with the opposing winch. Alma on the other hand ran into slow air and twixt and tween the two that made us look good and we found ourselves rounding the mark in advance of Alma and Swiftsure Saga.
The devils triangle of Sampson, Foam, Print etc. was next and Mariner and the First Jindarra managed to swap spots toward the end of the run, but not before Andy Bell didn't have a good go at David Locke. We were more concerned with keeping our transom clear so what was happening up ahead was fine. The run to the finish line from Thelma was good and we actually picked up speed as we reached toward the line. We might have made up a few seconds on the other boats.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and the First Jindarra.
On Handicap: Anna, Corella, Swiftsure Saga
The 70th Anniversary of the Bunbury Return Race is coming up and several of our boats have participated. Amongst them are Georgina, Nerrima, Wynella and Anna (Lynda). Nova ( sailed by Loyal Weaver) and Yuna also sailed. RFBYC is having a Platinum Jubilee and are inviting participants and well-wishers to join in the celebrations at a cocktail party on the 17th of Feb at Freshie and the race start on the 23rd of February in the inner harbour at Fremantle at 1730 hrs.
Great expectations and small disappointments. Still chasing Corella.
I took a week off to photograph the Warren Jones match racing and apparently missed a great race. (Well that's what Brian wants to say anyway) He did very well and took the win on the day. However today was today and on a miserable, shifting sou easter, the starters gave us a course four in the faint hope that the sea breeze might come in and make them look good. But no.. the breeze remained in the east sou east all day, dropping out and filling in.
Once over the start line, all seven H28s had a task on their hands as we sailed down to Martin and tried to stay high to minimise the expected knocks as we came closer to Martin. In they came and as we fell away, our tacking angle improved so that we could tack and try to keep up above the next mark, Weaver. As we didn't get a great start we found ourselves lurching along at the back, but we had hopes and with Bob Motteram on the main and Pete and I trimming, we had a fair speed and it was really a case of watch your backs as the boats behind us on the run to Sampson loomed up at us in the new pressure. Four in a row I believe at one point.
Arriving at Sampson, Wynella was tucked inside our transom and had rights on the two boats above him, so he could have closed the door on them. However, inexplicably he rounded so wide that you could have driven a Mack Truck through the gap and Alma and Swiftsure Saga were not slow to take the advantage, leaving us floundering in their wake.
It then turned into a reaching contest with the run to Robins at a slow pace with little pressure available. We managed to slip past Wynella and then started to look forward to Swiftsure and Alma. However the race up front was becoming interesting. We had Jindarra, Corella and Mariner as the front group with Corella and the Jin in close company. Mariner delights in light winds and was sliding around the stern of the 1st Jindarra for most of the afternoon. But Andrew Bell was looking at Lockie's transom just as interestedly and it was a case of when and how.
Down to Dolphin East, a gybe and off to Como on a tight reach with most of the fleet using this time to tidy boats and prepare to make the best of the small chances on offer. Going to the outer start line was fraught with danger. Go deep in toward the freeway and hope to lift up to the mark. Tack early and run the fine line along the mud banks and sneak around Heathcote Dolphin, giving yourself plenty of room to ease away in preparation to tack to the outer startline. Swiftsure and Alma went down to the freeway and apparently Bill on Swiftsure Saga had an overwind on the boat that had to be cut out. I hope they tried to take it out with the opposing winch. Alma on the other hand ran into slow air and twixt and tween the two that made us look good and we found ourselves rounding the mark in advance of Alma and Swiftsure Saga.
The devils triangle of Sampson, Foam, Print etc. was next and Mariner and the First Jindarra managed to swap spots toward the end of the run, but not before Andy Bell didn't have a good go at David Locke. We were more concerned with keeping our transom clear so what was happening up ahead was fine. The run to the finish line from Thelma was good and we actually picked up speed as we reached toward the line. We might have made up a few seconds on the other boats.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and the First Jindarra.
On Handicap: Anna, Corella, Swiftsure Saga
The 70th Anniversary of the Bunbury Return Race is coming up and several of our boats have participated. Amongst them are Georgina, Nerrima, Wynella and Anna (Lynda). Nova ( sailed by Loyal Weaver) and Yuna also sailed. RFBYC is having a Platinum Jubilee and are inviting participants and well-wishers to join in the celebrations at a cocktail party on the 17th of Feb at Freshie and the race start on the 23rd of February in the inner harbour at Fremantle at 1730 hrs.
Summer Wednesday the 24th of January 2018
Chasing Corella / a new sail for Alma / Napea of Carrick joins the fleet.
Gee whizz! Judith is spending up big. A new headsail on Alma and the sailmaker Geoff Bishop was there as well. Mark and Barbie were on board and Rob has made the shift across to Alma almost painlessly.
Jimmy Spittle finally managed to get his Wednesdays off and took the Carrick out onto the race track. Accompanied by various friends, they took the boat and performed creditably in the 19 to 24 knots out of the Sou West and weren't too far off the back of the fleet at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the administration side of things hadn't caught up and his name didn't appear in results. Nor is he in the registered list of Wednesday sailors. He does have to sail three races before he's given a handicap, so we'll see what happens. Welcome also to Aloha who joined us on the water.
Chasing Lockie.....that's all Andrew Bell did all day. Well almost; Glen got away to another of his amazing starts and was first around Martin and lead all the way to Sampson. In fact he was pushing along very nicely and Deepwater should have been his. But the battle between Jindarra and Corella was on in earnest. Andrew had done a fair job of getting around Weaver in front of David, but the mark jumped out in front of him and a red flag was waved at him by the following boat. Alma decided to do a 360 in sympathy and we at the back of the field were treated to the chance to get another boat behind us. Beauty.
As Mariner was still under repair I'd joined Anna in Craig's absence and Swiftsure Saga got Brian and Graham. Bill then decided to take Jindarra up on the way to Sampson and a spirited discussion may have broken out between the two boats. But Wynella still had the lead and Corella was stamping on his heels. The run up to Deepwater became the next section of the race and the cross over to the southern side of the river became a feature as all of us dropped down in the strong sou wester. Then the run up to Deepwater was made with the RP fleet interposing themselves across our fleet. We managed to duck between two boats and proceeded on. Others weren't so lucky and one boat was carried away in the rush of Royal Perth boats.
Around the top and by this time Alma was through us and was starting to push at Glen on Wynella. Lockie and Andrew were well away and it was a case of "Chase Corella". Our downwind runs were fine and it was only the number two we were carrying that held us back. Probably the right sail to use, but the new number ones seem to work in breeze up to 25 knots. Perhaps another man on the boat would have helped us to carry a number one, but you sail with what you have. The next beat was up to Robins and we found a perfect spot to tack under Heathcote and laid it in one go. I haven't sailed like that for a while and it was a pleasure. The next leg was a roaring reach to Dolphin East and a gybe with another reach to Como. All good fun and plenty of speed. By this time we had Glen on our tail and we were looking at Swiftsure and Alma deciding whether they should have a tussle too. But Alma was on fire and stayed in front.
The devils triangle had us up to Print and across to Foam, then doubling back to round Print and make our way to Thelma. Bill went early and tried to make Foam on one and had to tack, but Alma had held on a little further and made it in one on port.The run along the beach from Thelma had us looking at some shallow water, but we held out long enough to watch Lockie stay in front of Andrew Bell nicely, keeping his boat between the line and Andrew at all times. We then flipped and kept Glen behind us on the way to the line.
Over the line: Corella, the First Jindarra and Alma.
On handicap: Alma, Wynella and Corella.
Aloha retired during the race and Napea of Carrick is yet to get a handicap. Get going Jim and get nominated.
On other matters, Craig Balmer is looking at surgery shortly and everyone wishes him well.
Chasing Corella / a new sail for Alma / Napea of Carrick joins the fleet.
Gee whizz! Judith is spending up big. A new headsail on Alma and the sailmaker Geoff Bishop was there as well. Mark and Barbie were on board and Rob has made the shift across to Alma almost painlessly.
Jimmy Spittle finally managed to get his Wednesdays off and took the Carrick out onto the race track. Accompanied by various friends, they took the boat and performed creditably in the 19 to 24 knots out of the Sou West and weren't too far off the back of the fleet at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the administration side of things hadn't caught up and his name didn't appear in results. Nor is he in the registered list of Wednesday sailors. He does have to sail three races before he's given a handicap, so we'll see what happens. Welcome also to Aloha who joined us on the water.
Chasing Lockie.....that's all Andrew Bell did all day. Well almost; Glen got away to another of his amazing starts and was first around Martin and lead all the way to Sampson. In fact he was pushing along very nicely and Deepwater should have been his. But the battle between Jindarra and Corella was on in earnest. Andrew had done a fair job of getting around Weaver in front of David, but the mark jumped out in front of him and a red flag was waved at him by the following boat. Alma decided to do a 360 in sympathy and we at the back of the field were treated to the chance to get another boat behind us. Beauty.
As Mariner was still under repair I'd joined Anna in Craig's absence and Swiftsure Saga got Brian and Graham. Bill then decided to take Jindarra up on the way to Sampson and a spirited discussion may have broken out between the two boats. But Wynella still had the lead and Corella was stamping on his heels. The run up to Deepwater became the next section of the race and the cross over to the southern side of the river became a feature as all of us dropped down in the strong sou wester. Then the run up to Deepwater was made with the RP fleet interposing themselves across our fleet. We managed to duck between two boats and proceeded on. Others weren't so lucky and one boat was carried away in the rush of Royal Perth boats.
Around the top and by this time Alma was through us and was starting to push at Glen on Wynella. Lockie and Andrew were well away and it was a case of "Chase Corella". Our downwind runs were fine and it was only the number two we were carrying that held us back. Probably the right sail to use, but the new number ones seem to work in breeze up to 25 knots. Perhaps another man on the boat would have helped us to carry a number one, but you sail with what you have. The next beat was up to Robins and we found a perfect spot to tack under Heathcote and laid it in one go. I haven't sailed like that for a while and it was a pleasure. The next leg was a roaring reach to Dolphin East and a gybe with another reach to Como. All good fun and plenty of speed. By this time we had Glen on our tail and we were looking at Swiftsure and Alma deciding whether they should have a tussle too. But Alma was on fire and stayed in front.
The devils triangle had us up to Print and across to Foam, then doubling back to round Print and make our way to Thelma. Bill went early and tried to make Foam on one and had to tack, but Alma had held on a little further and made it in one on port.The run along the beach from Thelma had us looking at some shallow water, but we held out long enough to watch Lockie stay in front of Andrew Bell nicely, keeping his boat between the line and Andrew at all times. We then flipped and kept Glen behind us on the way to the line.
Over the line: Corella, the First Jindarra and Alma.
On handicap: Alma, Wynella and Corella.
Aloha retired during the race and Napea of Carrick is yet to get a handicap. Get going Jim and get nominated.
On other matters, Craig Balmer is looking at surgery shortly and everyone wishes him well.
Summer Saturday the 20th of January 2018
Sorry, I wasn't there!
Photographing regattas sometimes keeps me away from sailing. But this is what I do. However Bill and Brian took Swiftsure out and I'd guess Brian learnt what Swiftsure Saga could do two up. No Spinnaker required and they managed to follow Lockie on Corella home into second. I don't know who else flew spinnakers, but looking at the results I'd have to guess that at least three were capable, just depends on how many they had aboard. Also I'd be second guessing the starters and saying that they had a course 4 ( light sou westerly ) and about 12 knots on the water.
However the website has had enquiries from Brazil and New Zealand for copies of the plans we have on the website and with any luck they may start their own boats ( or models there of ) in the next few weeks. Also a call from Mark Holland who sailed frostbites on Swiftsure Saga last season. He's in Brisbane at the moment and his one year old daughter is due to go into hospital for open heart surgery. Please think well for Mark, Angie and their daughter Annie. As this is an open site, I will not post their email address. I may be contacted for an email address if required.
Sorry, I wasn't there!
Photographing regattas sometimes keeps me away from sailing. But this is what I do. However Bill and Brian took Swiftsure out and I'd guess Brian learnt what Swiftsure Saga could do two up. No Spinnaker required and they managed to follow Lockie on Corella home into second. I don't know who else flew spinnakers, but looking at the results I'd have to guess that at least three were capable, just depends on how many they had aboard. Also I'd be second guessing the starters and saying that they had a course 4 ( light sou westerly ) and about 12 knots on the water.
However the website has had enquiries from Brazil and New Zealand for copies of the plans we have on the website and with any luck they may start their own boats ( or models there of ) in the next few weeks. Also a call from Mark Holland who sailed frostbites on Swiftsure Saga last season. He's in Brisbane at the moment and his one year old daughter is due to go into hospital for open heart surgery. Please think well for Mark, Angie and their daughter Annie. As this is an open site, I will not post their email address. I may be contacted for an email address if required.
Summer Wednesday the 17th of January 2018
Welcome back the Williams family.
Learning to sail on a new headsail.
Both the Williams.. father and son strode down the jetty to jump on board their old boat and were heartily welcomed back into the community. Apparently Bob (Johns dad) has turned 100 and with that sort of longevity in the family we'll see them on the water for a while. Judith looked like a kitten that got the saucer of cream and with the addition of Graham from Mariner, Alma had a good team. As for myself, John Wright was short Craig, so I offered my services and was accepted onto the boat for the day.
We had 6 boats on the water and with a sou wester of 12 to 15 knots on offer the starters had no hesitation to send us up to Martin - Weaver on a course one. Mind you, the breeze did vary a little (or a lot). So a sou wester was a general statement not the truth. Sure enough, we found ourselves in a wonderful mess of boats going up to the line (box end) and even I could see we risked being taken up over the box end mark. Fortunately, Bill on Swiftsure let us in and with thanks, we charged forward only to watch Lockie and Andrew Bell chasing Glen who'd played smart, gone low and fast and was lifting with every puff on the water. We were running the edges of the jetties and the little puffs coming through were diabolical in trying to keep a constant pace. We managed to get past Bill who could be heard to say, "last again" and noticed Alma dropping back a little. So we were fourth and with Bill behind us, possibly a fifth.
Eventually Bill did get past us, but John was experimenting with a new headsail from a local manufacturer. We all know John has the uncanny knack of pinching and with previous foresails I've been able to watch him gauging the edge of the breeze on the luff of his foresail and you can watch it shiver, ready to lose power and then feel the boat ease slightly and speed up again, with that extra height gained. Time and again I watched him feeling for the edge of the breeze only to see the luff flick the wrong way and the boat judder as it slowed. Various settings were tried and even the suggestion of an inside track was brought up.
So we weren't as quick as we could be and ahead of us Wynella was trying to keep off the determined attack of Jindarra and Corella. He eventually succumbed and the First Jindarra eventually got in front and then stayed there. David Locke had Rob the boson's son on board as well as Rita and the young lad was seen all over the boat as he began to learn the ropes of a big boat.. Andrew had so many people on board, it may have been described as a floating party, but it didn't stop him from increasing his lead. Bill on Swiftsure had a couple of extras as well and really if we had had a spare skipper, another boat could have gone out. Bill, by the way, got through us and Wynella and was sailing quite well despite the extra load of people on the boat.
Over the line: The 1st Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga. On handicap: The 1st Jindarra, Wynella and Corella.
Now to the next mystery that has popped up on the start line.
Recently the change of start sequence had us going off last and then having to plough through the SS22 fleet with the usual consequences. The SS22's delighting in carting us up and away from the mark and then flicking down using their light weight to get to the mark well before us. This had serious consequence if you were engaged in a battle for line honours and another boat of your class could get past you. This was settled before the start of the new year. However the SS27's have taken to sailing in C division, claiming that because a number of slow div A boats have moved down into div B, there is too much competition and they would prefer to have their racing done in C division.
This caused a number of problems as they were a lot faster that the SS22's and ploughed into the back of our fleet causing grief to all. I wonder how long this will continue for? Whilst this is not the starters decision and is something that has come through sailing committee and was approved by the sailing captain it needs to be put back onto the chairman of our class to register a protest in the next sailing meeting.
And for those who didn't know it..... Last Wednesday ( the 10th ) was a non consistency and didn't count anyway.
Finally well done to Mark who was seen pulling local boat "Box of Tricks" a Bavaria 50, off the mud at Applecross Spit. Who ever it was driving mustn't know the river very well. I know she was up for sale so may be its the new owners exploring the river.. I wonder what the salvage fee's would be?
Not many photos I was busy.
Learning to sail on a new headsail.
Both the Williams.. father and son strode down the jetty to jump on board their old boat and were heartily welcomed back into the community. Apparently Bob (Johns dad) has turned 100 and with that sort of longevity in the family we'll see them on the water for a while. Judith looked like a kitten that got the saucer of cream and with the addition of Graham from Mariner, Alma had a good team. As for myself, John Wright was short Craig, so I offered my services and was accepted onto the boat for the day.
We had 6 boats on the water and with a sou wester of 12 to 15 knots on offer the starters had no hesitation to send us up to Martin - Weaver on a course one. Mind you, the breeze did vary a little (or a lot). So a sou wester was a general statement not the truth. Sure enough, we found ourselves in a wonderful mess of boats going up to the line (box end) and even I could see we risked being taken up over the box end mark. Fortunately, Bill on Swiftsure let us in and with thanks, we charged forward only to watch Lockie and Andrew Bell chasing Glen who'd played smart, gone low and fast and was lifting with every puff on the water. We were running the edges of the jetties and the little puffs coming through were diabolical in trying to keep a constant pace. We managed to get past Bill who could be heard to say, "last again" and noticed Alma dropping back a little. So we were fourth and with Bill behind us, possibly a fifth.
Eventually Bill did get past us, but John was experimenting with a new headsail from a local manufacturer. We all know John has the uncanny knack of pinching and with previous foresails I've been able to watch him gauging the edge of the breeze on the luff of his foresail and you can watch it shiver, ready to lose power and then feel the boat ease slightly and speed up again, with that extra height gained. Time and again I watched him feeling for the edge of the breeze only to see the luff flick the wrong way and the boat judder as it slowed. Various settings were tried and even the suggestion of an inside track was brought up.
So we weren't as quick as we could be and ahead of us Wynella was trying to keep off the determined attack of Jindarra and Corella. He eventually succumbed and the First Jindarra eventually got in front and then stayed there. David Locke had Rob the boson's son on board as well as Rita and the young lad was seen all over the boat as he began to learn the ropes of a big boat.. Andrew had so many people on board, it may have been described as a floating party, but it didn't stop him from increasing his lead. Bill on Swiftsure had a couple of extras as well and really if we had had a spare skipper, another boat could have gone out. Bill, by the way, got through us and Wynella and was sailing quite well despite the extra load of people on the boat.
Over the line: The 1st Jindarra, Corella and Swiftsure Saga. On handicap: The 1st Jindarra, Wynella and Corella.
Now to the next mystery that has popped up on the start line.
Recently the change of start sequence had us going off last and then having to plough through the SS22 fleet with the usual consequences. The SS22's delighting in carting us up and away from the mark and then flicking down using their light weight to get to the mark well before us. This had serious consequence if you were engaged in a battle for line honours and another boat of your class could get past you. This was settled before the start of the new year. However the SS27's have taken to sailing in C division, claiming that because a number of slow div A boats have moved down into div B, there is too much competition and they would prefer to have their racing done in C division.
This caused a number of problems as they were a lot faster that the SS22's and ploughed into the back of our fleet causing grief to all. I wonder how long this will continue for? Whilst this is not the starters decision and is something that has come through sailing committee and was approved by the sailing captain it needs to be put back onto the chairman of our class to register a protest in the next sailing meeting.
And for those who didn't know it..... Last Wednesday ( the 10th ) was a non consistency and didn't count anyway.
Finally well done to Mark who was seen pulling local boat "Box of Tricks" a Bavaria 50, off the mud at Applecross Spit. Who ever it was driving mustn't know the river very well. I know she was up for sale so may be its the new owners exploring the river.. I wonder what the salvage fee's would be?
Not many photos I was busy.
Summer Saturday the 13th of January 2018
The 4th Championship
The 4th Championship
Catastrophe, Chaos, Calamity..... You name it, we had it.
To be fair, it was a great day for Nerrima and with her spinnaker hoisted to the top of the mast as usual, she led for half the race and exhibited wonderful sailing for most of the day. Certainly improved her handicap as she took off the win on handicap and took a third on the championship. Welcome also to Andy Williams who poked his head over the gunnel and declared himself a starter. As we had four for the day we lent him to his old family boat Alma to help Judith and Steve (from Karoleeya) to make them a viable boat.
As for us, we'd run the start line a couple of times and decided that the boat end was the go. The easterly was swinging like pendulum on meths and what could have been a winner five seconds ago was a loser now. Off we went and by the time we reached the windward mark we thought we were in a good place. Stuffed up the rounding as we tried to fit into a place we couldn't and kissed the mark. Looked for clear water and did our first 360 of the day. Not an auspicious start.
On a course three, our trip was to Bartlett up near Nedlands YC and under our first spinnaker run of the day we were faring well. Sure we were even catching up and as we watched Lockie head off to Hallmark we realised that Rita had made her only mistake of the year; another chance presented to make up as we had profited by being closer to the breeze being the most easterly boat. A glance down the river told us of the arrival of the seabreeze and a hurried spinnaker drop had us rocketing into a shared lead with two others. Around Bartlett and then away under kite with a windward set to Dolphin East and a bend in course to take us to Thelma.
The lead four boats were within spitting distance and our challenge was with The First Jindarra on port to port. Les was behind us and John W on Anna was trying to stay clear. A series of challenges had us side by side with John Wright's Anna looming up at us as we swung his way. Nerrima then tried to make it fair by approaching us from behind and swinging us around into Anna. Andy Bell had gybed by this time and was using his rights to take the advantage in the melee.
Four boats under kites tangled in the middle of the river.
You wouldn't think it was possible. We were more concerned in retrieving our spinnaker pole from John W's back stays so that he wouldn't lose his mast and we wouldn't lose a forestay. In the process we apparently took his fleet flag off. A cheap loss considering the alternative. In the hurley burley caused by the 4 boat pile up, I lost the flow of things as we fought to extricate our selves from the mess, drop the spinnaker and tidy up the boat. By the time, I looked up every one was past us and Lockie ( well to the side ) was moving away into the lead. Two 360's later we started off to Thelma and tried a spinnaker lift that failed dismally. Oh well. By this time Glen was getting close and we could see Alma not that far away.
Back up to Deepwater with everyone heading over to the north, but our trip up the middle with a brief dip into the bay was giving us a chance, we'd got past Anna again and we had definitely closed on the leading three. Nerrima and Corella were busily engaged with The First Jindarra and the call was really the first around Deepwater. Well done Les as he took off to Bartlett again still in the lead. Heaven help us if he ever gets a decent mainsail. Away to Addison again with everyone swerving to go around Outer Dolphin. It was fun watching Andy Bell on the Jin really having to push the boat awayyyy up the hill to get there. in the mean time AB was still chasing Lockie and Les. But he was inside Lockie and had a chance at the bottom. At this stage we were battling with Anna who had managed to pas us and we really were looking at the bottom of the barrel.
The last triangle had us looking getting back Anna at least and in front of us, it was disaster for Les and Nerrima. Andrew had snuck past on the up hill. and once he was clear he was gone. No stopping him and to add insult to injury, Corella got past as well. Despite a monumental stuff up with the kite, we maintained our lead over Anna and watched the lead boats make it to the line. Well sailed Andrew Bell and David Locke who proved a point today. Keep out of trouble and sail a good line. You'll get there in the end. To Les a great sail and to us on Swiftsure Saga, our worries were not over yet. Oh no.
Headsail down, main down and tied off. Start the motor. Ooops; for the first time ever, one of the spinnaker sheets has wrapped around the prop. Screams from the foredeck.....who's responsible for the sheets? Well to tell the truth we all are and no one looked to see whether a sheet had gone into the water. Fortunately the foredeck was prepared to strip off and unwind the rope. Bringing him back onto the boat was a challenge but it was done and we retired to the jetty to put the boat away. A cold beer was had on the hill afterwards.
Over the line: Andy Bell and the First Jindarra, David Locke and Corella with Les Brooker and Nerrima third.
On handicap: A very happy Les Brooker, Glen Stanley and Wynella with David Locke third.
Boat weights.
For the last few weeks I've been gathering the weights of the boats as they have gone up on the lifters at the club.
They make no account of what was on board the boat when it went up and what it might have weighed, less all the dross that accumulates on a boat from time to time.
Boat Name Weight out of the water weight put back in Keel. Type of hull
Soraya 4.8 tonne Iron * Carvel
Mariner 4 tonne 3.7 ? Iron Carvel- west system
Corella 4 tonne Iron Carvel - modified west system
Wynella 4.3 tonne Iron Carvel
The 1st Jindarra 4 tonne Iron * Carvel
Swiftsure Saga 4.9 tonne Lead Cold ply and glassed
Anna 4.6 tonne Lead Carvel
Nerrima 4.2 tonne Lead Carvel
Napier of Carrick 4.8 tonne Iron ? Carvel
Alma 4.5 tonne Iron Cold ply and glassed
Karoleeya ??????? Iron Carvel
Georgina ?????? Lead? Carvel
Aloha ?????? Iron ? Carvel
Indicates a lead slipper on the keel.
Any help to clarify the questions marks would be appreciated.
To be fair, it was a great day for Nerrima and with her spinnaker hoisted to the top of the mast as usual, she led for half the race and exhibited wonderful sailing for most of the day. Certainly improved her handicap as she took off the win on handicap and took a third on the championship. Welcome also to Andy Williams who poked his head over the gunnel and declared himself a starter. As we had four for the day we lent him to his old family boat Alma to help Judith and Steve (from Karoleeya) to make them a viable boat.
As for us, we'd run the start line a couple of times and decided that the boat end was the go. The easterly was swinging like pendulum on meths and what could have been a winner five seconds ago was a loser now. Off we went and by the time we reached the windward mark we thought we were in a good place. Stuffed up the rounding as we tried to fit into a place we couldn't and kissed the mark. Looked for clear water and did our first 360 of the day. Not an auspicious start.
On a course three, our trip was to Bartlett up near Nedlands YC and under our first spinnaker run of the day we were faring well. Sure we were even catching up and as we watched Lockie head off to Hallmark we realised that Rita had made her only mistake of the year; another chance presented to make up as we had profited by being closer to the breeze being the most easterly boat. A glance down the river told us of the arrival of the seabreeze and a hurried spinnaker drop had us rocketing into a shared lead with two others. Around Bartlett and then away under kite with a windward set to Dolphin East and a bend in course to take us to Thelma.
The lead four boats were within spitting distance and our challenge was with The First Jindarra on port to port. Les was behind us and John W on Anna was trying to stay clear. A series of challenges had us side by side with John Wright's Anna looming up at us as we swung his way. Nerrima then tried to make it fair by approaching us from behind and swinging us around into Anna. Andy Bell had gybed by this time and was using his rights to take the advantage in the melee.
Four boats under kites tangled in the middle of the river.
You wouldn't think it was possible. We were more concerned in retrieving our spinnaker pole from John W's back stays so that he wouldn't lose his mast and we wouldn't lose a forestay. In the process we apparently took his fleet flag off. A cheap loss considering the alternative. In the hurley burley caused by the 4 boat pile up, I lost the flow of things as we fought to extricate our selves from the mess, drop the spinnaker and tidy up the boat. By the time, I looked up every one was past us and Lockie ( well to the side ) was moving away into the lead. Two 360's later we started off to Thelma and tried a spinnaker lift that failed dismally. Oh well. By this time Glen was getting close and we could see Alma not that far away.
Back up to Deepwater with everyone heading over to the north, but our trip up the middle with a brief dip into the bay was giving us a chance, we'd got past Anna again and we had definitely closed on the leading three. Nerrima and Corella were busily engaged with The First Jindarra and the call was really the first around Deepwater. Well done Les as he took off to Bartlett again still in the lead. Heaven help us if he ever gets a decent mainsail. Away to Addison again with everyone swerving to go around Outer Dolphin. It was fun watching Andy Bell on the Jin really having to push the boat awayyyy up the hill to get there. in the mean time AB was still chasing Lockie and Les. But he was inside Lockie and had a chance at the bottom. At this stage we were battling with Anna who had managed to pas us and we really were looking at the bottom of the barrel.
The last triangle had us looking getting back Anna at least and in front of us, it was disaster for Les and Nerrima. Andrew had snuck past on the up hill. and once he was clear he was gone. No stopping him and to add insult to injury, Corella got past as well. Despite a monumental stuff up with the kite, we maintained our lead over Anna and watched the lead boats make it to the line. Well sailed Andrew Bell and David Locke who proved a point today. Keep out of trouble and sail a good line. You'll get there in the end. To Les a great sail and to us on Swiftsure Saga, our worries were not over yet. Oh no.
Headsail down, main down and tied off. Start the motor. Ooops; for the first time ever, one of the spinnaker sheets has wrapped around the prop. Screams from the foredeck.....who's responsible for the sheets? Well to tell the truth we all are and no one looked to see whether a sheet had gone into the water. Fortunately the foredeck was prepared to strip off and unwind the rope. Bringing him back onto the boat was a challenge but it was done and we retired to the jetty to put the boat away. A cold beer was had on the hill afterwards.
Over the line: Andy Bell and the First Jindarra, David Locke and Corella with Les Brooker and Nerrima third.
On handicap: A very happy Les Brooker, Glen Stanley and Wynella with David Locke third.
Boat weights.
For the last few weeks I've been gathering the weights of the boats as they have gone up on the lifters at the club.
They make no account of what was on board the boat when it went up and what it might have weighed, less all the dross that accumulates on a boat from time to time.
Boat Name Weight out of the water weight put back in Keel. Type of hull
Soraya 4.8 tonne Iron * Carvel
Mariner 4 tonne 3.7 ? Iron Carvel- west system
Corella 4 tonne Iron Carvel - modified west system
Wynella 4.3 tonne Iron Carvel
The 1st Jindarra 4 tonne Iron * Carvel
Swiftsure Saga 4.9 tonne Lead Cold ply and glassed
Anna 4.6 tonne Lead Carvel
Nerrima 4.2 tonne Lead Carvel
Napier of Carrick 4.8 tonne Iron ? Carvel
Alma 4.5 tonne Iron Cold ply and glassed
Karoleeya ??????? Iron Carvel
Georgina ?????? Lead? Carvel
Aloha ?????? Iron ? Carvel
Indicates a lead slipper on the keel.
Any help to clarify the questions marks would be appreciated.
This is the 7th year of recounting the tales (not necessarily all true) and exploits of the H28s of the Swan River in Perth WA.
The tales are those that have been recounted to me; or I have experienced on the river. We've been on holiday over the last few weeks, so lets catch up a little shall we?
The tales are those that have been recounted to me; or I have experienced on the river. We've been on holiday over the last few weeks, so lets catch up a little shall we?
Prior to Wednesday the 10th of January 2018
After the end of the pre Christmas season, most of us fell into the usual round of Christmas and New Year commitments.
But not so the intrepid crew and owners of Karoleeya. After last years derring-do at the Rockingham regatta, they thought that they would do it again and John Wright was ready to go down as well, but pulled out in the last minute having exhausted himself preparing the boat for the trip. As he said afterwards, it was a good way to get the boat ready for the rest of summer.
However Karoleeya made the journey and nearly didn't start with a Freo boat trying to cut her off at the line. ( sorry read that as cut her in half ) Karoleeya finished the trip satisfactorily and moored up on the beach at Rockingham and then spent the rest of the event sailing mornings only as the weather was a little blustery in the afternoons. ( better than 30 knots ) As a matter of interest, she was one of the few boats that flew a spinnaker, the rest were J&M sailors. I managed to drop down there and get a photo of several interested parties and it was great to catch up. Have a look below.
After the end of the pre Christmas season, most of us fell into the usual round of Christmas and New Year commitments.
But not so the intrepid crew and owners of Karoleeya. After last years derring-do at the Rockingham regatta, they thought that they would do it again and John Wright was ready to go down as well, but pulled out in the last minute having exhausted himself preparing the boat for the trip. As he said afterwards, it was a good way to get the boat ready for the rest of summer.
However Karoleeya made the journey and nearly didn't start with a Freo boat trying to cut her off at the line. ( sorry read that as cut her in half ) Karoleeya finished the trip satisfactorily and moored up on the beach at Rockingham and then spent the rest of the event sailing mornings only as the weather was a little blustery in the afternoons. ( better than 30 knots ) As a matter of interest, she was one of the few boats that flew a spinnaker, the rest were J&M sailors. I managed to drop down there and get a photo of several interested parties and it was great to catch up. Have a look below.
The next visit to the club was post New Year and I had heard that there were a couple of boats that had come up since the slips had re opened. I'm still waiting for Les Brooker to get back to me about how much Nerrima weighed, but Jim Spittle has confirmed that Napier of Carrick weighed in at 4.8 tonnes. Dripping wet of course and Jim swears that she lost a lot of weight when his partner Jo took a lot of unwanted stuff off the boat. Hiho, still she's in the heavier class of boat but carries a lot of cruising stuff in her, rather like Wynella.
Brian has been busy between his annual sojourn at Rotto with crayfish as the main meal of the day and working inside Mariner. Surprisingly he managed to get the motor out in about an hour and it's sitting in the garage at home slowly leaking oil on the floor. Meanwhile the stern and cockpit are getting a good clean out, some coving done and a paint job below before Lockie comes in and redoes the cockpit floor etc. (oh yes and putting the motor back)
And wonder of wonders. The third bench chair for Herreshoff Hill has arrived.
Courtesy of a very large wedding last year. Apparently they threw the outside bench chair near jetty one into the water during the occasion and weeks later, the missing chair was seen on a low tide. It was brought up to the surface and the bosons ( mindful of a request I had put in months ago) relocated the chair to Herreshoff Hill. I wonder how long it will remain there?
Brian has been busy between his annual sojourn at Rotto with crayfish as the main meal of the day and working inside Mariner. Surprisingly he managed to get the motor out in about an hour and it's sitting in the garage at home slowly leaking oil on the floor. Meanwhile the stern and cockpit are getting a good clean out, some coving done and a paint job below before Lockie comes in and redoes the cockpit floor etc. (oh yes and putting the motor back)
And wonder of wonders. The third bench chair for Herreshoff Hill has arrived.
Courtesy of a very large wedding last year. Apparently they threw the outside bench chair near jetty one into the water during the occasion and weeks later, the missing chair was seen on a low tide. It was brought up to the surface and the bosons ( mindful of a request I had put in months ago) relocated the chair to Herreshoff Hill. I wonder how long it will remain there?
Wednesday Sailing
10th of January 2018
Well this was a day that wasn't. It was already blowing dogs off chains and several of the cleverer bodies had written off any chance of sailing, but the hardened types were ready to give it a bash. Bill and Glen had crews ready to go and it was up to the starters. With 25 knots on the bottom and 30 knots in the 2 pm read in Melville waters it was a good idea to hoist a "N over A" and send every one home for the day.
So we look forward to the 4th Championship race this week end.
10th of January 2018
Well this was a day that wasn't. It was already blowing dogs off chains and several of the cleverer bodies had written off any chance of sailing, but the hardened types were ready to give it a bash. Bill and Glen had crews ready to go and it was up to the starters. With 25 knots on the bottom and 30 knots in the 2 pm read in Melville waters it was a good idea to hoist a "N over A" and send every one home for the day.
So we look forward to the 4th Championship race this week end.