On the Water and in the bar.
The stories of the H28's on the Swan River in 2020
The stories of the H28's on the Swan River in 2020
The Frank Sampson Pursuit Race 19th of December 2020
Traditionally the last race of the pre Christmas season, it was going to be a bit lean as we wandered down to the jetty and noted the lack of action around the pens. Sure.. plenty of power boaties getting their boats ready for the run to Rotto and everyone loading up for a little Christmas spirit. But the yachties were thin on the ground and of the boats available to sail ( some 87 yachts ) only 32 ventured out on the water. Sure it was a little blowy and possibly that was enough to put them off their game, but for those of us who went out it was a hoot of a day and sailing with John Wright on Anna meant that we were to battle with Glen and his team on Wynella. They were off a minute earlier than us.
The track was simple. Up to Brickies A and B, down to Dolphin West and back up to Brickies again. Then all the way down to Como and turn right to the finish line. Simple... well not exactly.
A building Sou Wester with a bit of westerly influence that had us lifting as we crossed the creek into Waylen Bay and lifting again as we headed back out. By this time we were nearly up to Wynella, but she was coming back at us all the time and there wasn't much between us by the time we reached the top. The breeze was rolling off the top of the low hills around the river and had us being periodically slammed by gusts that had me reaching first for the traveller and eventually for the main sheet to ease the load on the helm. But we had 6.5 knots on the gps in those gusts and it was fast. We made it around in front of a couple of slower boats and then prepared for the gybe after Brickies B. It was fast though. A comfortable gybe with Wynella right in front of us and we set off for Dolphin West. (recently replaced after an errant boat took it out last week)
Surge and get past Wynella then set up for the corner at Dolphin West preparing to head across to Deepwater and further afield. Only to run into a mob of boats just as determined to find a ley line and they just sat on us till they were ready. Too damn late we cried... we were over standing the mark by a long way and the chances of catching Wynella were slim indeed. She had not been caught by the mob and Glen was already aiming at the mark. We could use the extra speed from easing the sheets a little, but again the gusts rolling over the hills behind Brickies had the boat almost on her ear occasionally. Just grin and bear it. Make the mark, get around with a controlled gybe and then the breeze really kicked in.
We had a number two up and even then the run was nothing short of spectacular. We had boats around us putting up spinnakers and getting into trouble, but once they were up away they went. Both Fair Game and Colusion flew kites and had trouble initially, but they did well once they had their spinnakers drawing. On Anna we had the best speeds of 8.5 knots downwind and putting up a kite would have been an interesting proposition. Maybe not was the call. But over the run down to Como, the only trouble we had was with the occasional boat coming up from the deeps of Melville Water East probably from Dolphin East or Print, but they were dodgeable.
Around Como and just try to keep the boat above the outer start line, so we didn't have to tack again. Over the line as the 6th boat across, one minute behind Wynella in 5th. Not a bad day on the water. Congratulations to the lads on Wynella they certainly earned their 5th spot.
Meanwhile Lockie and Brian have been working on Bills boat patiently and she will be ready to go back in by the middle of the week. Good news for all concerned. Rupert is stripping back his boat and discovering how much he will have to do this summer. Brave fellow. Give him a hand if you can. Andrews boat will go down to the shipwrights at Freo shortly and his mast will arrive god knows when, but he hopes it will be done before the next championship.
Till next year. Please have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year from the WA H28 fleet.
Traditionally the last race of the pre Christmas season, it was going to be a bit lean as we wandered down to the jetty and noted the lack of action around the pens. Sure.. plenty of power boaties getting their boats ready for the run to Rotto and everyone loading up for a little Christmas spirit. But the yachties were thin on the ground and of the boats available to sail ( some 87 yachts ) only 32 ventured out on the water. Sure it was a little blowy and possibly that was enough to put them off their game, but for those of us who went out it was a hoot of a day and sailing with John Wright on Anna meant that we were to battle with Glen and his team on Wynella. They were off a minute earlier than us.
The track was simple. Up to Brickies A and B, down to Dolphin West and back up to Brickies again. Then all the way down to Como and turn right to the finish line. Simple... well not exactly.
A building Sou Wester with a bit of westerly influence that had us lifting as we crossed the creek into Waylen Bay and lifting again as we headed back out. By this time we were nearly up to Wynella, but she was coming back at us all the time and there wasn't much between us by the time we reached the top. The breeze was rolling off the top of the low hills around the river and had us being periodically slammed by gusts that had me reaching first for the traveller and eventually for the main sheet to ease the load on the helm. But we had 6.5 knots on the gps in those gusts and it was fast. We made it around in front of a couple of slower boats and then prepared for the gybe after Brickies B. It was fast though. A comfortable gybe with Wynella right in front of us and we set off for Dolphin West. (recently replaced after an errant boat took it out last week)
Surge and get past Wynella then set up for the corner at Dolphin West preparing to head across to Deepwater and further afield. Only to run into a mob of boats just as determined to find a ley line and they just sat on us till they were ready. Too damn late we cried... we were over standing the mark by a long way and the chances of catching Wynella were slim indeed. She had not been caught by the mob and Glen was already aiming at the mark. We could use the extra speed from easing the sheets a little, but again the gusts rolling over the hills behind Brickies had the boat almost on her ear occasionally. Just grin and bear it. Make the mark, get around with a controlled gybe and then the breeze really kicked in.
We had a number two up and even then the run was nothing short of spectacular. We had boats around us putting up spinnakers and getting into trouble, but once they were up away they went. Both Fair Game and Colusion flew kites and had trouble initially, but they did well once they had their spinnakers drawing. On Anna we had the best speeds of 8.5 knots downwind and putting up a kite would have been an interesting proposition. Maybe not was the call. But over the run down to Como, the only trouble we had was with the occasional boat coming up from the deeps of Melville Water East probably from Dolphin East or Print, but they were dodgeable.
Around Como and just try to keep the boat above the outer start line, so we didn't have to tack again. Over the line as the 6th boat across, one minute behind Wynella in 5th. Not a bad day on the water. Congratulations to the lads on Wynella they certainly earned their 5th spot.
Meanwhile Lockie and Brian have been working on Bills boat patiently and she will be ready to go back in by the middle of the week. Good news for all concerned. Rupert is stripping back his boat and discovering how much he will have to do this summer. Brave fellow. Give him a hand if you can. Andrews boat will go down to the shipwrights at Freo shortly and his mast will arrive god knows when, but he hopes it will be done before the next championship.
Till next year. Please have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year from the WA H28 fleet.
A Friday Christmas gathering. 18th of December
It was 5 o'clock and the seabreeze was whistling in the rigging. Above 20 knots again and all thoughts of having a quiet yacht and then settling into a festive moment on Herreshoff Hill went out the door. We settled for the festive moment instead and by the time I arrived at 5 pm there were already a good number of H28 sailors and their partners installed and more pouring in all the time.
And the spread of food was breathtaking. Everyone brought lots and the trestle table was groaning. In fact, trying to sample everything was going to be hard work. But we were ready to give it a try and once most of us had assembled, then the table was attacked from all sides and we all had our evening meal in the company of good folk with like minds. The visit down to TCYC at Rockingham was mentioned and several of us will meet on the day after Boxing day to compare our Christmas presents and discuss the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. You too can come, midday in the bar and we'll eat whatever they are prepared to offer. (It hasn't changed for about 4 years)
Chairman Glen asked me to take a quick photo and fortunately I had my phone with me so most of the gang will be recognisable, but the chance for a better camera shot went begging. Next time perhaps. It was delightful to see Judith and Neil about with Judith slowly recovering from the radiotherapy. We were delighted to have the Commodore John Midolo and Rose along for the evening and they too relaxed into the evening and the general chatter of the day.
We all parted amicably and by 1930 hrs most were on their way with the thought of the next days sailing upmost in our minds. The pursuit race. If its over twenty knots again, then we probably wont bother, too easy to break a boat or send someone overboard.
It was 5 o'clock and the seabreeze was whistling in the rigging. Above 20 knots again and all thoughts of having a quiet yacht and then settling into a festive moment on Herreshoff Hill went out the door. We settled for the festive moment instead and by the time I arrived at 5 pm there were already a good number of H28 sailors and their partners installed and more pouring in all the time.
And the spread of food was breathtaking. Everyone brought lots and the trestle table was groaning. In fact, trying to sample everything was going to be hard work. But we were ready to give it a try and once most of us had assembled, then the table was attacked from all sides and we all had our evening meal in the company of good folk with like minds. The visit down to TCYC at Rockingham was mentioned and several of us will meet on the day after Boxing day to compare our Christmas presents and discuss the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. You too can come, midday in the bar and we'll eat whatever they are prepared to offer. (It hasn't changed for about 4 years)
Chairman Glen asked me to take a quick photo and fortunately I had my phone with me so most of the gang will be recognisable, but the chance for a better camera shot went begging. Next time perhaps. It was delightful to see Judith and Neil about with Judith slowly recovering from the radiotherapy. We were delighted to have the Commodore John Midolo and Rose along for the evening and they too relaxed into the evening and the general chatter of the day.
We all parted amicably and by 1930 hrs most were on their way with the thought of the next days sailing upmost in our minds. The pursuit race. If its over twenty knots again, then we probably wont bother, too easy to break a boat or send someone overboard.
Wednesday Sailing The last of the "spring" sailing. 16th of December
A crazy day to go sailing &
Well done to Swiftsure Saga.
"You've got to be crazy. It's blowing 20 knots on the bottom and gusting officially up to 27 knots."
These words were presented to us as we readied the boat. Sure, we strapped on the number two and girded our loins metaphorically. It was going to be a wild and wet day. Only three boats sallied out onto the water and Mariner, Wynella and Aloha were their names. Their crew all deserve certifying as mad, bad and totally trustworthy of sailing in anything. Not to run the other boats down but some wiser heads decided that it was a gear breaker of a day and simply didn't start. In fact our skipper offered us the chance to bail out, but we were on the water by then and a certain fatalism had settled in.
A course 4 was on offer with a work up to Martin and all the boats were late on the line, no one taking the risk of a gust taking the other out. Steady sailing got us to Martin with Wynella on our tail and Aloha plugging along behind us. No risks to be taken and even at the top of the Canning river, the gybe was the first of several that was going to swing the boat around. But we made it and we settled into a broad reach down to Sampson. By midway we had left the shelter of the hill behind the club and the wind and waves had built into a rolling beam sea. Short and with a fair chop we realised that we were going to get wet.
We looked down the river and sure enough there was a gap to aim for between the first two fleets from Royal Perth. So up the breeze we went and flicked over to find ourselves in front of the second wave of RP. Great, now if we can make it into Waylen Bay we'll be alright. Traditionally when you cross the seabreeze, going into the bay you knock down and only occasionally will you lift. Well we got our lift at the right time and made it in far enough to have a look at Robins, only to be bowled over by another RP boat who was still coming at us on starboard. Tack again and this time we had enough room to go into the bay a bit. He tacked and we followed suit and it was then a case of riding the lifts all the way to Robins, trying to keep ahead of Wynella who was doing very well.
Around Robins and then into a broad reach across the river to Dolphin East. There was no way we were planning on a pole for the next leg so getting past the mark on the first horrendous gybe of the day was achieved with a supernatural calmness. Nothing went pop and apart from a brief lurch as the boat recovered, we settled into another reach that had the boat howling down the breeze, playing hard to catch with a 30 foot Farr speedster known as "Problem Child". Fortunately they went away, but not without a bit of fun with the main sheet man dressed as Santa. And down to Como and around the corner with Mistress Quickly losing their jib halyard at a critical moment. They slowed until they could get the spare halyard into play and the jib re hoisted. But that left us free to make the Outer start line.
Around we went, another ginormous gybe and off to Sampson again. Despite almost running by the lee, we made the mark with a good rounding and we then headed off up to a lay line for King with a 40 foot Elan making their way past us and eventually tacking off before we did. Around King we went and off to Print. (once we had found it) By this time we were almost inured to the beam sea and the occasional chunk of green water being thrown at us, so it was a surprising yelp from the skipper as the meat of a wave slapped into the transom creating a very solid thump. My comment was that it felt as though we had hit a buoy or similar. A passing moment and we made Print with the last gybe of the day with Wynella stuck like the proverbial dog doodoo on our transom, we then headed off to Thelma on yet another screamer of a reach. Then along the beach and a tack to make the finish line with Wynella tacking on our line as well. Mustn't have been much room after that as Wynella is known to go where angels fear to tread. Over the line and Wynella shortly after. Aloha finished 10 minutes after Wynella, but no shame to her, she sailed well and it was an honour to have her out with us as well as Andrew Minto's son, Drew at the helm.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Aloha.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Aloha.
The Spring sailing results. 1st Swiftsure Saga, 2nd Wynella and 3rd Mariner. Well sailed Swiftsure Saga with her crew and a fitting reward for the spring sailing season. It's such a pity that she was hit amidships in the penultimate race.
Otherwise, Rupert is tearing into his boat with abandon and is discovering what lies below the decking. A brave man indeed.
We have one more sailing day on Saturday and that will summarise the 2020 season. The Frank Sampson pursuit race is to come.
A crazy day to go sailing &
Well done to Swiftsure Saga.
"You've got to be crazy. It's blowing 20 knots on the bottom and gusting officially up to 27 knots."
These words were presented to us as we readied the boat. Sure, we strapped on the number two and girded our loins metaphorically. It was going to be a wild and wet day. Only three boats sallied out onto the water and Mariner, Wynella and Aloha were their names. Their crew all deserve certifying as mad, bad and totally trustworthy of sailing in anything. Not to run the other boats down but some wiser heads decided that it was a gear breaker of a day and simply didn't start. In fact our skipper offered us the chance to bail out, but we were on the water by then and a certain fatalism had settled in.
A course 4 was on offer with a work up to Martin and all the boats were late on the line, no one taking the risk of a gust taking the other out. Steady sailing got us to Martin with Wynella on our tail and Aloha plugging along behind us. No risks to be taken and even at the top of the Canning river, the gybe was the first of several that was going to swing the boat around. But we made it and we settled into a broad reach down to Sampson. By midway we had left the shelter of the hill behind the club and the wind and waves had built into a rolling beam sea. Short and with a fair chop we realised that we were going to get wet.
We looked down the river and sure enough there was a gap to aim for between the first two fleets from Royal Perth. So up the breeze we went and flicked over to find ourselves in front of the second wave of RP. Great, now if we can make it into Waylen Bay we'll be alright. Traditionally when you cross the seabreeze, going into the bay you knock down and only occasionally will you lift. Well we got our lift at the right time and made it in far enough to have a look at Robins, only to be bowled over by another RP boat who was still coming at us on starboard. Tack again and this time we had enough room to go into the bay a bit. He tacked and we followed suit and it was then a case of riding the lifts all the way to Robins, trying to keep ahead of Wynella who was doing very well.
Around Robins and then into a broad reach across the river to Dolphin East. There was no way we were planning on a pole for the next leg so getting past the mark on the first horrendous gybe of the day was achieved with a supernatural calmness. Nothing went pop and apart from a brief lurch as the boat recovered, we settled into another reach that had the boat howling down the breeze, playing hard to catch with a 30 foot Farr speedster known as "Problem Child". Fortunately they went away, but not without a bit of fun with the main sheet man dressed as Santa. And down to Como and around the corner with Mistress Quickly losing their jib halyard at a critical moment. They slowed until they could get the spare halyard into play and the jib re hoisted. But that left us free to make the Outer start line.
Around we went, another ginormous gybe and off to Sampson again. Despite almost running by the lee, we made the mark with a good rounding and we then headed off up to a lay line for King with a 40 foot Elan making their way past us and eventually tacking off before we did. Around King we went and off to Print. (once we had found it) By this time we were almost inured to the beam sea and the occasional chunk of green water being thrown at us, so it was a surprising yelp from the skipper as the meat of a wave slapped into the transom creating a very solid thump. My comment was that it felt as though we had hit a buoy or similar. A passing moment and we made Print with the last gybe of the day with Wynella stuck like the proverbial dog doodoo on our transom, we then headed off to Thelma on yet another screamer of a reach. Then along the beach and a tack to make the finish line with Wynella tacking on our line as well. Mustn't have been much room after that as Wynella is known to go where angels fear to tread. Over the line and Wynella shortly after. Aloha finished 10 minutes after Wynella, but no shame to her, she sailed well and it was an honour to have her out with us as well as Andrew Minto's son, Drew at the helm.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Aloha.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Aloha.
The Spring sailing results. 1st Swiftsure Saga, 2nd Wynella and 3rd Mariner. Well sailed Swiftsure Saga with her crew and a fitting reward for the spring sailing season. It's such a pity that she was hit amidships in the penultimate race.
Otherwise, Rupert is tearing into his boat with abandon and is discovering what lies below the decking. A brave man indeed.
We have one more sailing day on Saturday and that will summarise the 2020 season. The Frank Sampson pursuit race is to come.
Summer Saturday Sailing 12th of December
Just another day on the river &
Vale Tony Coddington ( Georgina )
I'll be brief today as there isn't much to sing and dance about.
We learnt on Saturday morning that PC Tony Coddington passed away on Friday. The family made a simple announcement in the West and it was picked up by some of us who read the West Australian on a Saturday morning along with their cornflakes. Apart from being an H28 sailor, Tony was Commodore between 1993 to 1995 and leaves behind his wife Jan and a host of children, grand children and great grand children. He was also an excellent artist in his spare time and created a number of watercolours, some of which can be found around the club. He suffered a stroke about 10 years ago and was unfortunate in that he just couldn't be part of the club he had put so much time into. He will be remembered as a cheerful presence and a damned good sailor in the H28 community. The club was gracious at announcements on Saturday and Vice Commodore Michael Cook requested a minutes silence to mark his passing.
The attrition rate has been dreadful of late and to get three boats on the line this Saturday was a minor miracle. Karoleeya, Wynella and Anna made the line on a medium soft day out of the west south west and despite a dreadful start for Anna we found ourselves working our way up the river to Brickies A and B in front of the mob. Rounding Brickies B we attempted a hoist on the spinnaker only to find that we had a wrap around on the spinnaker halyard. Down it came again and wasn't hoisted for the rest of the day. We were in front and despite the loss of time while trying the hoist we were still in front, though marginally as Wynella had caught up under a poled out jib.
Around Dolphin West with the Dragons on our right, down to Foam and back up to Sanders with the GPS pointing the way. Fantastic to know where the wretched thing is. At the same time we had a bunch of Farrs coming down under spinnakers looking quite good. We made Sanders well and again a poled out jib got us to Como with the usual pointing and screaming as we each had our favourite mark despite the indications from the GPS. Again on our way up and a chance to capture some photos of a red witch full of potential foredeck sailors and the new (old) spinnaker on Karoleeya ( I seem to remember it on Jindarra back in 2010) No matter, it still works. This time we were on our way to Deepwater via Robins and then away to Dolphin East with a pole after DE. No problems so far, but behind us Wynella was in difficulty, they had blown the rather elderly jib into ribbons and Russell was elected to go forward and do the change. Which he did and more power to him as its not the job that we all want to do in 15 knots let alone 25.
To Addison from Dolphin East and the usual tight reach to Thelma with Wynella relaunching their attack on our transom albeit from a fair distance. From Thelma to the line, but the run along the freeway was fantastic as we were running parallel to the shore line. A simple flick and we were at the line. Over all time, 2 hours and 45 minutes. Not too bad for the day.
Over the line: Anna, Wynella and Karoleeya.
On handicap: Wynella, Karoleeya and Anna.
Meanwhile on a different note:
Bill is already working on the repairs on Swiftsure Saga and he hopes to have the internal repairs done in the next week with the boat coming up to have the externals done in the Christmas period. Rupert on the other hand, now has the mast off Georgina and all the trim and mechanical gear coming off with a few mates helping him do so. I don't know where he put the mast, but I'm sure he has asked before doing so. He's also discovering just what condition the boat is in. There will be more to learn I'm sure.
There will be a visit to the TCYC post Xmas regatta by a few of the faithful who are going down to do lunch and next Fridays social sail and nibbles will be held on Herreshoff hill at 1600 hrs.
Just another day on the river &
Vale Tony Coddington ( Georgina )
I'll be brief today as there isn't much to sing and dance about.
We learnt on Saturday morning that PC Tony Coddington passed away on Friday. The family made a simple announcement in the West and it was picked up by some of us who read the West Australian on a Saturday morning along with their cornflakes. Apart from being an H28 sailor, Tony was Commodore between 1993 to 1995 and leaves behind his wife Jan and a host of children, grand children and great grand children. He was also an excellent artist in his spare time and created a number of watercolours, some of which can be found around the club. He suffered a stroke about 10 years ago and was unfortunate in that he just couldn't be part of the club he had put so much time into. He will be remembered as a cheerful presence and a damned good sailor in the H28 community. The club was gracious at announcements on Saturday and Vice Commodore Michael Cook requested a minutes silence to mark his passing.
The attrition rate has been dreadful of late and to get three boats on the line this Saturday was a minor miracle. Karoleeya, Wynella and Anna made the line on a medium soft day out of the west south west and despite a dreadful start for Anna we found ourselves working our way up the river to Brickies A and B in front of the mob. Rounding Brickies B we attempted a hoist on the spinnaker only to find that we had a wrap around on the spinnaker halyard. Down it came again and wasn't hoisted for the rest of the day. We were in front and despite the loss of time while trying the hoist we were still in front, though marginally as Wynella had caught up under a poled out jib.
Around Dolphin West with the Dragons on our right, down to Foam and back up to Sanders with the GPS pointing the way. Fantastic to know where the wretched thing is. At the same time we had a bunch of Farrs coming down under spinnakers looking quite good. We made Sanders well and again a poled out jib got us to Como with the usual pointing and screaming as we each had our favourite mark despite the indications from the GPS. Again on our way up and a chance to capture some photos of a red witch full of potential foredeck sailors and the new (old) spinnaker on Karoleeya ( I seem to remember it on Jindarra back in 2010) No matter, it still works. This time we were on our way to Deepwater via Robins and then away to Dolphin East with a pole after DE. No problems so far, but behind us Wynella was in difficulty, they had blown the rather elderly jib into ribbons and Russell was elected to go forward and do the change. Which he did and more power to him as its not the job that we all want to do in 15 knots let alone 25.
To Addison from Dolphin East and the usual tight reach to Thelma with Wynella relaunching their attack on our transom albeit from a fair distance. From Thelma to the line, but the run along the freeway was fantastic as we were running parallel to the shore line. A simple flick and we were at the line. Over all time, 2 hours and 45 minutes. Not too bad for the day.
Over the line: Anna, Wynella and Karoleeya.
On handicap: Wynella, Karoleeya and Anna.
Meanwhile on a different note:
Bill is already working on the repairs on Swiftsure Saga and he hopes to have the internal repairs done in the next week with the boat coming up to have the externals done in the Christmas period. Rupert on the other hand, now has the mast off Georgina and all the trim and mechanical gear coming off with a few mates helping him do so. I don't know where he put the mast, but I'm sure he has asked before doing so. He's also discovering just what condition the boat is in. There will be more to learn I'm sure.
There will be a visit to the TCYC post Xmas regatta by a few of the faithful who are going down to do lunch and next Fridays social sail and nibbles will be held on Herreshoff hill at 1600 hrs.
Spring Wednesday Sailing 9th of December
A damned pity and they all need hearing aids &
The Pest returns
Once again, the afternoon dealt up a ride with consequences that are going to go deep into the fleet for the next few weeks. Bill is out of action with a hole punched in his port side amidships and Rupert looking at a stem that is parting company with the rest of the boat. If the fleet can work together, then possibly the repairs on Bills boat can be moved forward to ensure that he's sailing next year, but short of nailing ply over the hole and continuing on, the structural damage has to be considered and with damage to a ring beam and a cracked stringer, he needs to ensure that the boat is sound before he takes the boat out for a big day on the water. Rupert is due to take the top off the boat this Christmas and begin the repairs he needs to do. He may find he is sharing the available work force with Bill.
A course one on a southerly that moved into the sou west and PFD's requested. 6 boats on the water and about 15 to 20 knots. For once the start was to the north and the skipper had another idea and decided to start at the bottom of the line in clear air. And it worked. Sure it was a reach, but everyone else was battling to be the closest to the wind and Lockie was the clear winner there with Georgina a little back and John W. and Glen flanking them. Bill had gone a little further down the line with the same idea.. separation and clean air. Kate Lammonby was to have sailed with Mariner, but noting that David Locke was short crewed, elected to jump ship and help them. Rupert had accepted the offer of extra crew from Andrew Bells the First Jindarra and put AB on the main with Mark R doing the foresail.
By Sampson it was an all out race with our skipper electing to go around the fleet rather than push in aggressively, but while Corella and Swiftsure Saga were first to the mark, Georgina thought that they might fit in the gap between the post and Swiftsure. Unfortunately Bill closed the door (hardened up on the mark) and Georgina had nowhere to go. Bang. In retrospect going around the two leaders would have been the right choice. A lesson learned. The rest of the fleet flowed around the two boats and its was clear from the photos that Bill had taken a big hit. They retired and Georgina withdrew from racing. A damned pity with three boats out of action now.
The rest of the race was fairly calm, if you can accept the usual challenge of threading our way through the Royal Perth fleet and then screaming imprecations at them when they tossed onto port and thought they still had right of way. Starboard, starboard, starboard and then they put someone down to look and swung down accusing us of not calling sooner. They all need hearing aids.
Around Deepwater with Lockie well away and our need was to chase him down, while keeping Wynella who was sailing very well, off our tail. The distances didn't vary much, but it was clear that only a bad mistake would re arrange the positions of the fleet. Away to Print under a starboard pole with a zero beer under our belts. Much enjoyed except for the gassy feeling. Around Print and back up to Robins with a clear race track and dang it, we tacked on what looked to be a ley line and both the skipper and the main sheet managed to get the boat up to Robins in one tack. Brilliant and still in front of Wynella and Anna, who had gone further in but not any faster as it turned out. A reach to Dolphin East and then a gybe to Como with another pole set to starboard. We could catch up with Lockie on the down winds thanks to the larger (we think) headsail, but his upwind was strong.
To the outer startline on a slightly cracked work and around we went with another reach to Sampson. The breeze was supposed to be a sou wester, but it wasn't giving us the usual pattern. No matter, around Sampson and then the dash to King where we found ourselves on another good line. Around the mark and off to Print where lay our next problem. Serial Pest numero uno. The skipper said ok, we'll give him room, allow him through and then try to get him on the way down. If we can establish an overlap, we've got him. So we had our mission and we sailed accordingly. No cameras being used during this period, trimming was all important. Up, down, around and then finally on his starboard quarter with an half a boat overlap. Less than 50 meters and we were maintaining the overlap, easing our sheets to keep the speed up. The other skipper wasn't looking back regularly.
Three boat lengths by my call (both boats being 28 ft) and the skipper was advised. He then told the skipper of the other boat that he had an overlap and required room on the mark. Ignored. Again he called the overlap and for room on the mark. The other skipper then called no overlap without really checking the fact and closed the door. Too late, we were already half way past his cockpit and the skipper had no choice but to let the bow gently push against the hull of the other boat as he turned at the mark. This rounded him up severely and we were able to slide off to port without causing damage to his superstructure. We then progressed to the next mark with the skipper flying a protest flag and ran down the freeway before tacking for the finish line. A quick flop over the line gave us second on the line and the results ensured that everyone got a flag.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Wynella.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Anna. (yes Lockie got a flag for fastest.)
Surprisingly the skipper of the other boat protested us first, but didn't know the rule under which he was protesting us. Ummmm!? So the hearing will be on Tuesday and one of the two boats will be penalised. An interesting afternoon.
A damned pity and they all need hearing aids &
The Pest returns
Once again, the afternoon dealt up a ride with consequences that are going to go deep into the fleet for the next few weeks. Bill is out of action with a hole punched in his port side amidships and Rupert looking at a stem that is parting company with the rest of the boat. If the fleet can work together, then possibly the repairs on Bills boat can be moved forward to ensure that he's sailing next year, but short of nailing ply over the hole and continuing on, the structural damage has to be considered and with damage to a ring beam and a cracked stringer, he needs to ensure that the boat is sound before he takes the boat out for a big day on the water. Rupert is due to take the top off the boat this Christmas and begin the repairs he needs to do. He may find he is sharing the available work force with Bill.
A course one on a southerly that moved into the sou west and PFD's requested. 6 boats on the water and about 15 to 20 knots. For once the start was to the north and the skipper had another idea and decided to start at the bottom of the line in clear air. And it worked. Sure it was a reach, but everyone else was battling to be the closest to the wind and Lockie was the clear winner there with Georgina a little back and John W. and Glen flanking them. Bill had gone a little further down the line with the same idea.. separation and clean air. Kate Lammonby was to have sailed with Mariner, but noting that David Locke was short crewed, elected to jump ship and help them. Rupert had accepted the offer of extra crew from Andrew Bells the First Jindarra and put AB on the main with Mark R doing the foresail.
By Sampson it was an all out race with our skipper electing to go around the fleet rather than push in aggressively, but while Corella and Swiftsure Saga were first to the mark, Georgina thought that they might fit in the gap between the post and Swiftsure. Unfortunately Bill closed the door (hardened up on the mark) and Georgina had nowhere to go. Bang. In retrospect going around the two leaders would have been the right choice. A lesson learned. The rest of the fleet flowed around the two boats and its was clear from the photos that Bill had taken a big hit. They retired and Georgina withdrew from racing. A damned pity with three boats out of action now.
The rest of the race was fairly calm, if you can accept the usual challenge of threading our way through the Royal Perth fleet and then screaming imprecations at them when they tossed onto port and thought they still had right of way. Starboard, starboard, starboard and then they put someone down to look and swung down accusing us of not calling sooner. They all need hearing aids.
Around Deepwater with Lockie well away and our need was to chase him down, while keeping Wynella who was sailing very well, off our tail. The distances didn't vary much, but it was clear that only a bad mistake would re arrange the positions of the fleet. Away to Print under a starboard pole with a zero beer under our belts. Much enjoyed except for the gassy feeling. Around Print and back up to Robins with a clear race track and dang it, we tacked on what looked to be a ley line and both the skipper and the main sheet managed to get the boat up to Robins in one tack. Brilliant and still in front of Wynella and Anna, who had gone further in but not any faster as it turned out. A reach to Dolphin East and then a gybe to Como with another pole set to starboard. We could catch up with Lockie on the down winds thanks to the larger (we think) headsail, but his upwind was strong.
To the outer startline on a slightly cracked work and around we went with another reach to Sampson. The breeze was supposed to be a sou wester, but it wasn't giving us the usual pattern. No matter, around Sampson and then the dash to King where we found ourselves on another good line. Around the mark and off to Print where lay our next problem. Serial Pest numero uno. The skipper said ok, we'll give him room, allow him through and then try to get him on the way down. If we can establish an overlap, we've got him. So we had our mission and we sailed accordingly. No cameras being used during this period, trimming was all important. Up, down, around and then finally on his starboard quarter with an half a boat overlap. Less than 50 meters and we were maintaining the overlap, easing our sheets to keep the speed up. The other skipper wasn't looking back regularly.
Three boat lengths by my call (both boats being 28 ft) and the skipper was advised. He then told the skipper of the other boat that he had an overlap and required room on the mark. Ignored. Again he called the overlap and for room on the mark. The other skipper then called no overlap without really checking the fact and closed the door. Too late, we were already half way past his cockpit and the skipper had no choice but to let the bow gently push against the hull of the other boat as he turned at the mark. This rounded him up severely and we were able to slide off to port without causing damage to his superstructure. We then progressed to the next mark with the skipper flying a protest flag and ran down the freeway before tacking for the finish line. A quick flop over the line gave us second on the line and the results ensured that everyone got a flag.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Wynella.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Anna. (yes Lockie got a flag for fastest.)
Surprisingly the skipper of the other boat protested us first, but didn't know the rule under which he was protesting us. Ummmm!? So the hearing will be on Tuesday and one of the two boats will be penalised. An interesting afternoon.
Summer Sailing Saturday 5th of December The Third Championship race
Relentless.
A broken mast spells the end of a championship run.
Another boomer of a day on the water with 4 boats this time. Namely, The First Jindarra, Wynella, Georgina and Karoleeya.
The sou wester was in and was in good and hard. The BOM site had it at 19 on the bottom and 24 on the top, but there were the odd soft spots and the occasional gust that had Wynella swallowing a few gallons of green over the gunnels before the traveller was dropped.
The starters gave us a course one with no dispute and we found ourselves hammering down the river with Georgina and Karoleeya on our tails. The run up to Brickies was going to be a little rough while I settled into a new boat, but it didn't take long and I fell into place with Russell on the winches. A number one and a half was strapped to the front and was flattened as far as possible as was the main. No extra power needed here. We found ourselves slipping behind The Jin as they powered up the breeze and by Brickies we were already a couple of hundred meters behind and Russ was in place to watch the hoist on The First Jindarra as they rounded Brickie B.
And the spinnaker went up and then continued to go forward. The back stay had broken and the mast descended onto the bow of the boat. The next few minutes were bedlam while they counted heads and went to get the various sails out of the water and attend to the recovery of the mast. We passed them and asked if they needed assistance, but they already had a Royal Perth safety boat in attendance, so we barrelled on to Brickies A where we had a private battle with Georgina who had been consistently sailing higher than us and was in a position to cause us grief if she got to the mark first. But we found ourselves ducking in between a Couta boat that had stalled on the mark and getting around in front of Georgina with howls of protest from her skipper as we slipped away. Around the second mark with the sails easing and we prepared for a gybe. A crash and a bang and a pole set shortly afterwards. We were on our way to Dolphin West and then down to Foam.
We passed The JIn, already packing sails away and brining the mast back to the boat. There was about 6 feet of the mast sitting proud of the boat and the rest was being hauled on board. We had our own problems as there were a cloud of Dragons around us on their way to Dolphin West as well. We had to get them over to our starboard side as we would otherwise be carted off by them as they rounded the mark. Our wish was to go further down to Foam. So we graciously beckoned them through and dealt with the need to keep Georgina at bay. They were poled out as well and they weren't a threat, but if they threw up a kite.... a different story.
Down to Foam and again the dip into the bay, trying to make it in one go and surprisingly getting a fair away under Heathcote before we had to tack. Done and done and our next task was to get around Applecross and start looking for Sanders. Meanwhile Georgina had elected to stay out in the middle, pushing his way through the waves which were slowing him down while we enjoyed the smoother water. He crossed into the next bay while we continued along after Deepwater, but we knew that we would have to go into the bay ourselves for a while. Which we did and then became a job for the rest of us to find Sanders. Once we had her, we waited to the ley line came and then headed over to her, ducking a rather large Freshy boat that had been shadowing us on the way up. But we got around and our next task was to get to Como and for a while we hunted till we found her and set the pole accordingly.
A kite went up behind us. By this time we knew that something was wrong on Georgina and we later found out that their traveller had parted company. But the boys had a fix in and they threw up a spinnaker to try to catch up. We were well away by now and despite Glens worried "over the shoulder" glances we were averaging 6 and half knots on the down wind and at least 5 and half, if not better on the up winds. A simple shift of the cars back a couple of slots opened up the sail for us and we were flying. Around Como and back up to Deepwater this time with Georgina sailing low on the breeze, just not pointing at all. A pity as they had really thrown it at us and deserved better. But maintenance is always an issue as Steve on Karoleeya was to find out. His tiller extension parted company from the tiller and I'm surprised he wasn't thrown off the boat when it went.
The run from Deepwater to Dolphin East was a little comedic as instead of throwing Russell to the wolves with a gybe at DE, we elected to fly the jib freehand on the other side of the mast with limited success. However it got us to a point where we could make the mark and once it was made, we gybed and Russell went forward to put the pole on. Again our only concern was the boats coming up on starboard from deep in Melville water east, no real problem as they were easy to duck. Get rid of the pole in plenty of time and then almost onto the breeze on the traditional howling reach to Thelma. The boat was balanced and the main was under control. Our only concern was the run to the line and even then a small dash along the freeway and a quick toss to head up to the line was all that was required. A brief moment of interest when a Farr 9 came lifting toward us on a "John Wright special" , but it turned into a giant knock for him. We took the lift and then tacked to aim for the line.
"Well, that's the first championship I've ever won" mused Glen. Happy to be aboard Glen, but I'll change my colours back to SSS when Bill hits the water next week.
Over the line: Wynella, Georgina and Karoleeya.
On handicap: Wynella, Georgina and Karoleeya.
The breeze today was one of the truer sou westers that I've experienced. Absolutely relentless... it tore though the boats today and we saw a lot of skippers who had elected not to pop up a kite. I believe that Andrews mast wasn't the only one today, but the attrition rate in a booming sou wester really pushes the line that you must keep up the maintenance of the boat. AB is yet to decide what he can do with the mast, but there is a chance that it might be sleeved, otherwise he's in the market for a new mast and a 6 month wait.
Relentless.
A broken mast spells the end of a championship run.
Another boomer of a day on the water with 4 boats this time. Namely, The First Jindarra, Wynella, Georgina and Karoleeya.
The sou wester was in and was in good and hard. The BOM site had it at 19 on the bottom and 24 on the top, but there were the odd soft spots and the occasional gust that had Wynella swallowing a few gallons of green over the gunnels before the traveller was dropped.
The starters gave us a course one with no dispute and we found ourselves hammering down the river with Georgina and Karoleeya on our tails. The run up to Brickies was going to be a little rough while I settled into a new boat, but it didn't take long and I fell into place with Russell on the winches. A number one and a half was strapped to the front and was flattened as far as possible as was the main. No extra power needed here. We found ourselves slipping behind The Jin as they powered up the breeze and by Brickies we were already a couple of hundred meters behind and Russ was in place to watch the hoist on The First Jindarra as they rounded Brickie B.
And the spinnaker went up and then continued to go forward. The back stay had broken and the mast descended onto the bow of the boat. The next few minutes were bedlam while they counted heads and went to get the various sails out of the water and attend to the recovery of the mast. We passed them and asked if they needed assistance, but they already had a Royal Perth safety boat in attendance, so we barrelled on to Brickies A where we had a private battle with Georgina who had been consistently sailing higher than us and was in a position to cause us grief if she got to the mark first. But we found ourselves ducking in between a Couta boat that had stalled on the mark and getting around in front of Georgina with howls of protest from her skipper as we slipped away. Around the second mark with the sails easing and we prepared for a gybe. A crash and a bang and a pole set shortly afterwards. We were on our way to Dolphin West and then down to Foam.
We passed The JIn, already packing sails away and brining the mast back to the boat. There was about 6 feet of the mast sitting proud of the boat and the rest was being hauled on board. We had our own problems as there were a cloud of Dragons around us on their way to Dolphin West as well. We had to get them over to our starboard side as we would otherwise be carted off by them as they rounded the mark. Our wish was to go further down to Foam. So we graciously beckoned them through and dealt with the need to keep Georgina at bay. They were poled out as well and they weren't a threat, but if they threw up a kite.... a different story.
Down to Foam and again the dip into the bay, trying to make it in one go and surprisingly getting a fair away under Heathcote before we had to tack. Done and done and our next task was to get around Applecross and start looking for Sanders. Meanwhile Georgina had elected to stay out in the middle, pushing his way through the waves which were slowing him down while we enjoyed the smoother water. He crossed into the next bay while we continued along after Deepwater, but we knew that we would have to go into the bay ourselves for a while. Which we did and then became a job for the rest of us to find Sanders. Once we had her, we waited to the ley line came and then headed over to her, ducking a rather large Freshy boat that had been shadowing us on the way up. But we got around and our next task was to get to Como and for a while we hunted till we found her and set the pole accordingly.
A kite went up behind us. By this time we knew that something was wrong on Georgina and we later found out that their traveller had parted company. But the boys had a fix in and they threw up a spinnaker to try to catch up. We were well away by now and despite Glens worried "over the shoulder" glances we were averaging 6 and half knots on the down wind and at least 5 and half, if not better on the up winds. A simple shift of the cars back a couple of slots opened up the sail for us and we were flying. Around Como and back up to Deepwater this time with Georgina sailing low on the breeze, just not pointing at all. A pity as they had really thrown it at us and deserved better. But maintenance is always an issue as Steve on Karoleeya was to find out. His tiller extension parted company from the tiller and I'm surprised he wasn't thrown off the boat when it went.
The run from Deepwater to Dolphin East was a little comedic as instead of throwing Russell to the wolves with a gybe at DE, we elected to fly the jib freehand on the other side of the mast with limited success. However it got us to a point where we could make the mark and once it was made, we gybed and Russell went forward to put the pole on. Again our only concern was the boats coming up on starboard from deep in Melville water east, no real problem as they were easy to duck. Get rid of the pole in plenty of time and then almost onto the breeze on the traditional howling reach to Thelma. The boat was balanced and the main was under control. Our only concern was the run to the line and even then a small dash along the freeway and a quick toss to head up to the line was all that was required. A brief moment of interest when a Farr 9 came lifting toward us on a "John Wright special" , but it turned into a giant knock for him. We took the lift and then tacked to aim for the line.
"Well, that's the first championship I've ever won" mused Glen. Happy to be aboard Glen, but I'll change my colours back to SSS when Bill hits the water next week.
Over the line: Wynella, Georgina and Karoleeya.
On handicap: Wynella, Georgina and Karoleeya.
The breeze today was one of the truer sou westers that I've experienced. Absolutely relentless... it tore though the boats today and we saw a lot of skippers who had elected not to pop up a kite. I believe that Andrews mast wasn't the only one today, but the attrition rate in a booming sou wester really pushes the line that you must keep up the maintenance of the boat. AB is yet to decide what he can do with the mast, but there is a chance that it might be sleeved, otherwise he's in the market for a new mast and a 6 month wait.
Summer Sailing Saturday 28th of November. The Don Bourne Memorial
Dancing with water &
Nancy came along.
The snap of the flags as I drove into the club alerted me to the fact that the breeze was in. Big time. Not a day for the faint hearted and three up we were going to be working very hard. Only three boats and I was a little disappointed (again) at the numbers. However we had to get going and Bills kick start motor was working despite the fact that he'd forgotten to put the boat on the charger till this morning. :-( Our competitors were Wynella sailing 4 up with no spinnaker and Steve with Karoleeya also 4 up and no spinnaker.
This time said Bill, we'll go underneath them and try to be the top boat on the line. Didn't work and we found ourselves skimming along the line with way too much power (well we did have the number one on the front). Everything was on flat and once we had the boat balanced then it was a series of works up the breeze toward Deepwater.. We'd been given a course 4 ( surprisingly ) but we were grateful for something different than the inevitable run to Brickies A& B on a course one. Surprisingly we found ourselves in the lead and the approach to Deepwater was interesting as Wynella with a one and a half jib on was pointing very well. In fact she was in the position to steal the lead at the first rounding coming on starboard and then Bill tried something that made me think he was on mood enhancers and we dived into a hole left by Glen as he swung around the mark and found ourselves in the lead again with a dash to Hallmark and then up to Armstrong where Wynella took a different line and got away from us.
Trying to find Print was fun and we eventually nailed it, but we were now facing the boats fired off by the RFBYC start line .. this time it was a bunch of Etchells and we made our way through them comfortably and down to Print and away to Foam. Into the bay and out again with Deepwater once again on the cards. Steve on Karoleeya was dropping back by now and the battle was between Wynella and Swiftsure Saga. We had made our ground on Wynella going into the bay and with a modified tactic made Deepwater reasonably well with a number of Red Witches around us.. and they were doing well as can be expected and flying kites where reasonable men feared to do so. Then the radio crackled .. A boat with a broken mast requiring assistance at the top of the channel and then shortly after, a SS27 with someone on board injured by the boom. We all winced with that one.
On our way to Dolphin East and the usual argument as to where it was we had to cross another start line with Royal Perth firing off their mixed fleet of Div one. Big boats and we were windward to all of them and on port. A series of zig zags had us dancing our way on the water as we slipped through the oncoming fleet with Wynella, our reluctant partner, glued to our side as we did so. All of us had our hearts in our mouths on that one. Then down to Addison with another crash gybe (we'd done a few by now) and off to Deepwater there after. Only one problem.. the out-haul had gone and the main was a power machine. Attempts to fix it were made, but it was going to be a wild ride. So we didn't have height and we were going sideways. Situation normal today.
All the way up we were looking back and the lead we had built was being whittled away. Wynella was pointing well above us and despite our speed he was going to be on our tail by Deepwater. Around we went with perhaps 50 meters lead, but in the end that was enough, as the down wind leg began and it was a repeat of the last run, without the Royal Perth Fleet in our road. Crash gybe at Dolphin East and aim at Addison with a pole taking us all the way to Thelma where we successfully got the pole in and the jib around while Wynella dealt with a headsail wrap on the forestay. Almost on the nose as we roared down to Thelma and then commonsense got us to the line a minute in front of Wynella. But they had sailed well and could have had us if things had been different.
Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Karoleeya.
On handicap. Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Karoleeya.
My apologies for the lack of relevant photos today. I was busy.
However the presence of Nancy Bourne with her son Ian and his son was a pleasant surprise and they were there for the presentations as well. The link with one of the best sailors on the river, Don Bourne, has been maintained and it would be wonderful if their presence was to remain for a while yet.
Dancing with water &
Nancy came along.
The snap of the flags as I drove into the club alerted me to the fact that the breeze was in. Big time. Not a day for the faint hearted and three up we were going to be working very hard. Only three boats and I was a little disappointed (again) at the numbers. However we had to get going and Bills kick start motor was working despite the fact that he'd forgotten to put the boat on the charger till this morning. :-( Our competitors were Wynella sailing 4 up with no spinnaker and Steve with Karoleeya also 4 up and no spinnaker.
This time said Bill, we'll go underneath them and try to be the top boat on the line. Didn't work and we found ourselves skimming along the line with way too much power (well we did have the number one on the front). Everything was on flat and once we had the boat balanced then it was a series of works up the breeze toward Deepwater.. We'd been given a course 4 ( surprisingly ) but we were grateful for something different than the inevitable run to Brickies A& B on a course one. Surprisingly we found ourselves in the lead and the approach to Deepwater was interesting as Wynella with a one and a half jib on was pointing very well. In fact she was in the position to steal the lead at the first rounding coming on starboard and then Bill tried something that made me think he was on mood enhancers and we dived into a hole left by Glen as he swung around the mark and found ourselves in the lead again with a dash to Hallmark and then up to Armstrong where Wynella took a different line and got away from us.
Trying to find Print was fun and we eventually nailed it, but we were now facing the boats fired off by the RFBYC start line .. this time it was a bunch of Etchells and we made our way through them comfortably and down to Print and away to Foam. Into the bay and out again with Deepwater once again on the cards. Steve on Karoleeya was dropping back by now and the battle was between Wynella and Swiftsure Saga. We had made our ground on Wynella going into the bay and with a modified tactic made Deepwater reasonably well with a number of Red Witches around us.. and they were doing well as can be expected and flying kites where reasonable men feared to do so. Then the radio crackled .. A boat with a broken mast requiring assistance at the top of the channel and then shortly after, a SS27 with someone on board injured by the boom. We all winced with that one.
On our way to Dolphin East and the usual argument as to where it was we had to cross another start line with Royal Perth firing off their mixed fleet of Div one. Big boats and we were windward to all of them and on port. A series of zig zags had us dancing our way on the water as we slipped through the oncoming fleet with Wynella, our reluctant partner, glued to our side as we did so. All of us had our hearts in our mouths on that one. Then down to Addison with another crash gybe (we'd done a few by now) and off to Deepwater there after. Only one problem.. the out-haul had gone and the main was a power machine. Attempts to fix it were made, but it was going to be a wild ride. So we didn't have height and we were going sideways. Situation normal today.
All the way up we were looking back and the lead we had built was being whittled away. Wynella was pointing well above us and despite our speed he was going to be on our tail by Deepwater. Around we went with perhaps 50 meters lead, but in the end that was enough, as the down wind leg began and it was a repeat of the last run, without the Royal Perth Fleet in our road. Crash gybe at Dolphin East and aim at Addison with a pole taking us all the way to Thelma where we successfully got the pole in and the jib around while Wynella dealt with a headsail wrap on the forestay. Almost on the nose as we roared down to Thelma and then commonsense got us to the line a minute in front of Wynella. But they had sailed well and could have had us if things had been different.
Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Karoleeya.
On handicap. Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Karoleeya.
My apologies for the lack of relevant photos today. I was busy.
However the presence of Nancy Bourne with her son Ian and his son was a pleasant surprise and they were there for the presentations as well. The link with one of the best sailors on the river, Don Bourne, has been maintained and it would be wonderful if their presence was to remain for a while yet.
Spring Wednesday Sailing 25th of November
When the breeze came in &
Here's one for Dacron.
Starting the boats up to Martin / Weaver on a sloppy southerly that was flipping in and out of the east, creating havoc for div one as they fought their way up the Canning. Tack and Tack again and there were a lot of big boats whirling around on the lacklustre breeze. Div two learnt from that mistake and everyone went left and tried to get past the pens on the second tack. Pot luck for some, but if you caught the breeze on the right side you won. So away we went and followed the formula described above. Luck got us almost there but we couldn't make it past the pens. So tack again and this time we got a lucky break and shot past Martin in third place with Lockie on Corella out front and The First Jindarra on his tail.
But the breeze began to falter and the run down to Sampson was a brute. Further down the river you could see the merry sparkle of a sou wester with the assembled S80 legends fleet rolling around the river in great time. But where we were, it was still an easterly. Then the first sign of the sou wester licked on our sails and the first three boats lifted and ran. By the time we had made Sampson it was on for young and old. But Wynella and Anna were stuck.. still no luck and too far away from the tongue of breeze that had licked down the river to carry us off.
The Royal Perth Fleet was well gone by this time so it was a pleasurable run up the river and we took the opportunity to stay out rather than go in chasing the other two as they had their own battle.. doing something different was the idea. We didn't lose anything on the process and possibly closed up on them. Hard to tell as we were enveloped by the S80 fleet by now and avoiding them was part of the deal. But around we went and shot off to Print with Graham doing the pole on Swiftsure Saga (I sailed on Bills boat today). Making Print was relatively easy and the next step was to take us well into the bay with the idea of avoiding the RP fleet who had decided to mix it with us. Some seriously good young sailors went whizzing past us on the Foundation 36's and with them out of the way we were able to flip and then point up to Robins.
We made it easily, noting that we had caught up with the pair up front. We must doing something right or they had messed up a little, But Lockie was still in front and surprisingly John Wright and Anna had caught up with Wynella and got past him. Something had happened. (Gear failure as it turned out). The next trick was a reach across to Dolphin East and a poled run to Como prior to making the outer start line. There was a suspicion that they might close the race early and yes there was a flag up, but it only related to C Fleet. Making the outer start line was the next problem as we were watching the boats in front and sure enough The Jin fell below the pin and had to tack. Bad luck really but we took the lesson and stayed up as far as possible. We made it and we were that little bit closer to them.
Then onto the small triangle and away to Sampson we went on a reach again. Harden up and then wait for the right moment to tack. Cross Andy Bells line and watch him knock down on his journey to King, cross Lockie's line and observe him.. he was holding a fair line, but we went that bit further and pointed at the mark. And stayed on it. The Jin tacked too early and had to re tack to make the mark, Lockie fell down, but not as badly as The Jin and he made the mark cleanly. Again he was well ahead in the lead. So we all roared off to Print with the seabreeze pumping through with a good 18 to 20 knots. Reaching again, but it was quick. A gybe at Print and an open reach to Como with div one boats around us and then off to Thelma on a quartering breeze with 7 knots on the GPS.
Now do we run down the freeway? There's a big boat in front of us (a Cole 32) taking a hell of a risk running the freeway, so we reckoned that we would tack when he hit the bank. Eventually we tacked off as he didn't hit the bank at all and tacked for the line looking good. Lockie was right in front of him and did a fine job of hitting the line as number one boat and sailing with Dacron.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra.
The AGM was held on Tuesday and amongst other items the present office holders were re- elected. Notably long time member David Locke, H28 club sail measurer, tabled the new sail measuring methods that he proposed. They were accepted and seconded by the members present and are reproduced below. There is also the concept of an H28 Logo for our sails with an H over 28 being put forward. All were in favour of the idea.
When the breeze came in &
Here's one for Dacron.
Starting the boats up to Martin / Weaver on a sloppy southerly that was flipping in and out of the east, creating havoc for div one as they fought their way up the Canning. Tack and Tack again and there were a lot of big boats whirling around on the lacklustre breeze. Div two learnt from that mistake and everyone went left and tried to get past the pens on the second tack. Pot luck for some, but if you caught the breeze on the right side you won. So away we went and followed the formula described above. Luck got us almost there but we couldn't make it past the pens. So tack again and this time we got a lucky break and shot past Martin in third place with Lockie on Corella out front and The First Jindarra on his tail.
But the breeze began to falter and the run down to Sampson was a brute. Further down the river you could see the merry sparkle of a sou wester with the assembled S80 legends fleet rolling around the river in great time. But where we were, it was still an easterly. Then the first sign of the sou wester licked on our sails and the first three boats lifted and ran. By the time we had made Sampson it was on for young and old. But Wynella and Anna were stuck.. still no luck and too far away from the tongue of breeze that had licked down the river to carry us off.
The Royal Perth Fleet was well gone by this time so it was a pleasurable run up the river and we took the opportunity to stay out rather than go in chasing the other two as they had their own battle.. doing something different was the idea. We didn't lose anything on the process and possibly closed up on them. Hard to tell as we were enveloped by the S80 fleet by now and avoiding them was part of the deal. But around we went and shot off to Print with Graham doing the pole on Swiftsure Saga (I sailed on Bills boat today). Making Print was relatively easy and the next step was to take us well into the bay with the idea of avoiding the RP fleet who had decided to mix it with us. Some seriously good young sailors went whizzing past us on the Foundation 36's and with them out of the way we were able to flip and then point up to Robins.
We made it easily, noting that we had caught up with the pair up front. We must doing something right or they had messed up a little, But Lockie was still in front and surprisingly John Wright and Anna had caught up with Wynella and got past him. Something had happened. (Gear failure as it turned out). The next trick was a reach across to Dolphin East and a poled run to Como prior to making the outer start line. There was a suspicion that they might close the race early and yes there was a flag up, but it only related to C Fleet. Making the outer start line was the next problem as we were watching the boats in front and sure enough The Jin fell below the pin and had to tack. Bad luck really but we took the lesson and stayed up as far as possible. We made it and we were that little bit closer to them.
Then onto the small triangle and away to Sampson we went on a reach again. Harden up and then wait for the right moment to tack. Cross Andy Bells line and watch him knock down on his journey to King, cross Lockie's line and observe him.. he was holding a fair line, but we went that bit further and pointed at the mark. And stayed on it. The Jin tacked too early and had to re tack to make the mark, Lockie fell down, but not as badly as The Jin and he made the mark cleanly. Again he was well ahead in the lead. So we all roared off to Print with the seabreeze pumping through with a good 18 to 20 knots. Reaching again, but it was quick. A gybe at Print and an open reach to Como with div one boats around us and then off to Thelma on a quartering breeze with 7 knots on the GPS.
Now do we run down the freeway? There's a big boat in front of us (a Cole 32) taking a hell of a risk running the freeway, so we reckoned that we would tack when he hit the bank. Eventually we tacked off as he didn't hit the bank at all and tacked for the line looking good. Lockie was right in front of him and did a fine job of hitting the line as number one boat and sailing with Dacron.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra.
The AGM was held on Tuesday and amongst other items the present office holders were re- elected. Notably long time member David Locke, H28 club sail measurer, tabled the new sail measuring methods that he proposed. They were accepted and seconded by the members present and are reproduced below. There is also the concept of an H28 Logo for our sails with an H over 28 being put forward. All were in favour of the idea.
H28 Sail Specifications as proposed by D. Locke fleet sail measurer.
Summer Saturday Sailing 21st of November
Two boats is/are still a race &
One lousy second.
Two boats (collective noun) is, or two boats (descriptive noun) are; still a race.
With two boats on the start line and a rising seabreeze, we were set for a busy afternoon and with Wynella loaded with people to the max, we jumped on Andrew Minto's offsider Phil as he wandered the jetty looking for a ride after Andrew bailed out. Call him what you like; weight on the rail, an extra pair of hands, a bloke who wanted to go for a sail.. he was the fourth person on the boat. Glen by the way had two young ladies who were introduced by Yanus as wanting to go for a sail and then refused to be separated. So Glen got lucky.
A course one and 14 to 18 knots on the line and our new sails had us running away pretty quickly. We were handling the breeze pretty well, but Wynella was keeping up and wasn't looking like falling behind. Bill looked behind him and grimaced.." Shouldn't have sold him that foresail" he grunted. "He's sailing well and keeping good height." Never the matter, it was a long way to Brickies A and B and we took it simply, keeping an eye out on the mid river fleets firing off as we passed them by. Fortunately for us, the couta's decided that they could tack before we had to dip them. Good one, and we kept going up toward the water tower. Glen by this time was going out to the west and was preparing to come across.
Around Brickies A and B with a Spacey 22 on our tail. Safe enough to keep going as we got clear of them and popped up a pole with Phil learning how much effort is required to bring the sail back on the pole. Lots! Then away to Dolphin West and then try to carry the pole to Foam. It just wasn't going to happen and then Phil learnt how much effort is required to drag the headsail back onto the leeside and then tension it. A screaming reach and then a harden up at Foam to take us to into Heathcote in preparation to going out into the river again. More work for Phil. By this time Wynella was falling behind, but the boys had the company of the young female sailors and I'm sure they weren't troubled by the fact that they were slipping back.
The next leg was to take us up to Sanders (the lost mark) and we shot out of the bay and eventually came back on a lifting breeze in preparation to bend around Applecross and pick up our leads to find Sanders. "Bang" and the port sheet blew. A few minutes of pandemonium ensued while various " I'll fix its " were applied and eventually I took the helm while Bill went forward and tied it up. Job done, but valuable time had been lost and we could see the whites of Glens eyes as Wynella hove into sight. By this time we were well away from our leads and we were looking out for the lost mark. Eventually we found it and took off toward it with Glen on the other side of the bay and probably using us a reference point to ensure he could find it as well.
Around Sanders and a series of gybes of the main ensued as the breeze wandered up the river. About 18 to 22 knots by now and the new sails were really hitting well, though we did notice that the main had dropped appreciably and we took a second to readjust them. Down to Como and work our way back up to Robins, leaving it to starboard and then on to Applecross Spit where we aimed ourselves at Deepwater hoping for the best. A bit of avoidance procedure with a fast moving Farr was required, but once done we were on our course again. We made it around Deepwater, dodged another boat and then set off to Dolphin East. We were already approaching 4 pm by this stage so the days sailing had been pretty quick by most standards, but the general feeling was that it would have been nice to have had one or two more boats on the water to compare ourselves with.
Phil, by this stage had learnt what an override was and how not to have one, as well as how to adjust the pole on a two sail reach. And why the pole should be adjusted up and down when doing so. He had also learnt that its a lot easier to stand up and bring a sheet in than to sit down and try to bring it in. Rounding Dolphin East, the next leg took us to Addison with the wind switching around again. Hard work for all, but the run from Addison to Thelma had us humming and the boat had a nice heel on it, reminiscent of last Saturdays run to Foam from Hallmark, but with a lot more control in it. Then harden up and run along the freeway for a while, on a breeze that had gone south a bit more. Eventually we could see the finish line and a quick tack had us aiming at the line with Bill going that little bit further to allow a Red witch under us to also make the line on the one tack. It turns out that they were also going for the win as well, so it was a small smile on the skippers face as we began to drop the sails and a cheery wave from the Red Witch skipper as they made their way around to the Western hardstand.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga.
By one lousy second..... we looked at the result sheets in agony. Ifs and whens abounded.. that one second separating first from second. We actually crossed the line 4 minutes and 14 seconds in front. If the port sheet hadn't broken, if the Farr hadn't given us grief, if the overwind hadn't happened.
Oh, and Phil walked off the boat once everything was packed and covered. "I need to sit down", he announced. He was tired. Not surprisingly as sailing on Aloha would not be the same as sailing on Swiftsure Saga. I think all of us were pretty exhausted after a big day, but Herreshoff Hill was a welcome spot to stop and discuss the lunacy of the afternoon with our opponents.
One other comment. The bar ran out of light beer (our preference) and couldn't get it running again. Perhaps the new bar managers might like to learn how to get the system working in advance of a Saturday night. Not a good picture.
Two boats is/are still a race &
One lousy second.
Two boats (collective noun) is, or two boats (descriptive noun) are; still a race.
With two boats on the start line and a rising seabreeze, we were set for a busy afternoon and with Wynella loaded with people to the max, we jumped on Andrew Minto's offsider Phil as he wandered the jetty looking for a ride after Andrew bailed out. Call him what you like; weight on the rail, an extra pair of hands, a bloke who wanted to go for a sail.. he was the fourth person on the boat. Glen by the way had two young ladies who were introduced by Yanus as wanting to go for a sail and then refused to be separated. So Glen got lucky.
A course one and 14 to 18 knots on the line and our new sails had us running away pretty quickly. We were handling the breeze pretty well, but Wynella was keeping up and wasn't looking like falling behind. Bill looked behind him and grimaced.." Shouldn't have sold him that foresail" he grunted. "He's sailing well and keeping good height." Never the matter, it was a long way to Brickies A and B and we took it simply, keeping an eye out on the mid river fleets firing off as we passed them by. Fortunately for us, the couta's decided that they could tack before we had to dip them. Good one, and we kept going up toward the water tower. Glen by this time was going out to the west and was preparing to come across.
Around Brickies A and B with a Spacey 22 on our tail. Safe enough to keep going as we got clear of them and popped up a pole with Phil learning how much effort is required to bring the sail back on the pole. Lots! Then away to Dolphin West and then try to carry the pole to Foam. It just wasn't going to happen and then Phil learnt how much effort is required to drag the headsail back onto the leeside and then tension it. A screaming reach and then a harden up at Foam to take us to into Heathcote in preparation to going out into the river again. More work for Phil. By this time Wynella was falling behind, but the boys had the company of the young female sailors and I'm sure they weren't troubled by the fact that they were slipping back.
The next leg was to take us up to Sanders (the lost mark) and we shot out of the bay and eventually came back on a lifting breeze in preparation to bend around Applecross and pick up our leads to find Sanders. "Bang" and the port sheet blew. A few minutes of pandemonium ensued while various " I'll fix its " were applied and eventually I took the helm while Bill went forward and tied it up. Job done, but valuable time had been lost and we could see the whites of Glens eyes as Wynella hove into sight. By this time we were well away from our leads and we were looking out for the lost mark. Eventually we found it and took off toward it with Glen on the other side of the bay and probably using us a reference point to ensure he could find it as well.
Around Sanders and a series of gybes of the main ensued as the breeze wandered up the river. About 18 to 22 knots by now and the new sails were really hitting well, though we did notice that the main had dropped appreciably and we took a second to readjust them. Down to Como and work our way back up to Robins, leaving it to starboard and then on to Applecross Spit where we aimed ourselves at Deepwater hoping for the best. A bit of avoidance procedure with a fast moving Farr was required, but once done we were on our course again. We made it around Deepwater, dodged another boat and then set off to Dolphin East. We were already approaching 4 pm by this stage so the days sailing had been pretty quick by most standards, but the general feeling was that it would have been nice to have had one or two more boats on the water to compare ourselves with.
Phil, by this stage had learnt what an override was and how not to have one, as well as how to adjust the pole on a two sail reach. And why the pole should be adjusted up and down when doing so. He had also learnt that its a lot easier to stand up and bring a sheet in than to sit down and try to bring it in. Rounding Dolphin East, the next leg took us to Addison with the wind switching around again. Hard work for all, but the run from Addison to Thelma had us humming and the boat had a nice heel on it, reminiscent of last Saturdays run to Foam from Hallmark, but with a lot more control in it. Then harden up and run along the freeway for a while, on a breeze that had gone south a bit more. Eventually we could see the finish line and a quick tack had us aiming at the line with Bill going that little bit further to allow a Red witch under us to also make the line on the one tack. It turns out that they were also going for the win as well, so it was a small smile on the skippers face as we began to drop the sails and a cheery wave from the Red Witch skipper as they made their way around to the Western hardstand.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga.
By one lousy second..... we looked at the result sheets in agony. Ifs and whens abounded.. that one second separating first from second. We actually crossed the line 4 minutes and 14 seconds in front. If the port sheet hadn't broken, if the Farr hadn't given us grief, if the overwind hadn't happened.
Oh, and Phil walked off the boat once everything was packed and covered. "I need to sit down", he announced. He was tired. Not surprisingly as sailing on Aloha would not be the same as sailing on Swiftsure Saga. I think all of us were pretty exhausted after a big day, but Herreshoff Hill was a welcome spot to stop and discuss the lunacy of the afternoon with our opponents.
One other comment. The bar ran out of light beer (our preference) and couldn't get it running again. Perhaps the new bar managers might like to learn how to get the system working in advance of a Saturday night. Not a good picture.
Spring Wednesday Sailing 18th of November
Nothing like Gaffa Tape &
A Cole 32 that deserves to be on a mooring.
When you have the opportunity to get the fleet under way on what could have been a course two, you naturally put up a course four. This was the one course we had asked to be removed from our repertoire, but as we all know, promises were made to be broken. Half a dozen boats made it on to the water and believe it or not Andy Bell decided to repair the ding in his hull, filling it with bubble wrap and then yards of grey gaffa tape. Worked too, but someone forgot to tell Lockie and he took off after Sampson and had him cold by the time he hit Robins.
In the mean time Mariner was going from bad to worse as the hull probably needs a splash of anti foul and a dammed good scrubbing. However the day didn't improve but we can discuss that later on. There were a number of strays around the fleet and with Judith and her boat sidelined for a while as she goes into treatment, Mark and the team spread themselves around the fleet. Rupert was looking for a ride as well as he and Georgina were short staffed and he ended up on a plastic boat, not too far away.
To the racing and we had found ourselves slipping further and further back with the skippers temper getting worse as the day went on. The run down to Dolphin East was a reach and was fun (not) to watch as John Wright slipped past us, yet again, leaving us with Bill on Swiftsure Saga and Glen and Wynella chasing our tails. Down to Como with a pole and around the outer start line with our eventual nemesis joining us at Como.
It is generally accepted in fleet racing that you don't foul up another boats race line if they are not in your fleet/class. Let them go below you or if they are good enough, roll over you. You don't sit there dumping bad air on a boat that tries to avoid you by dipping down and then when they go up, calmly keep pouring bad air on him because your boat is faster than his. It's poor sportsmanship to say the least. The result was a thoroughly annoyed skipper and even Bill on Swiftsure managed to slip past with avoidance tactics being employed to change our sailing line completely. At least we wouldn't have to put up with him we thought, only to see him change his line and put himself in a spot where if he tried he could cause trouble again.
The wheels fell off and by King we were looking to go to Foam and trying to keep Wynella off our backsides. Our nemesis had finally realised that he was not on his proper course at all (funny that) and eventually headed off into the sunset. With a little good luck we were 5th over the line, but definitely last on handicap.
And just to mention … that Cole 32 was also the last boat in the Div. two fleet and was clearly out to amuse himself. He also has not sailed at all in the current Wednesday series. A very small man indeed.
Congratulations to David Locke and Rita for a very good job on the day. But he who was last was first. (the whole fleet finished inside 5 minutes and 5 seconds)
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Anna.
On handicap: Wynella, Corella and Anna.
Nothing like Gaffa Tape &
A Cole 32 that deserves to be on a mooring.
When you have the opportunity to get the fleet under way on what could have been a course two, you naturally put up a course four. This was the one course we had asked to be removed from our repertoire, but as we all know, promises were made to be broken. Half a dozen boats made it on to the water and believe it or not Andy Bell decided to repair the ding in his hull, filling it with bubble wrap and then yards of grey gaffa tape. Worked too, but someone forgot to tell Lockie and he took off after Sampson and had him cold by the time he hit Robins.
In the mean time Mariner was going from bad to worse as the hull probably needs a splash of anti foul and a dammed good scrubbing. However the day didn't improve but we can discuss that later on. There were a number of strays around the fleet and with Judith and her boat sidelined for a while as she goes into treatment, Mark and the team spread themselves around the fleet. Rupert was looking for a ride as well as he and Georgina were short staffed and he ended up on a plastic boat, not too far away.
To the racing and we had found ourselves slipping further and further back with the skippers temper getting worse as the day went on. The run down to Dolphin East was a reach and was fun (not) to watch as John Wright slipped past us, yet again, leaving us with Bill on Swiftsure Saga and Glen and Wynella chasing our tails. Down to Como with a pole and around the outer start line with our eventual nemesis joining us at Como.
It is generally accepted in fleet racing that you don't foul up another boats race line if they are not in your fleet/class. Let them go below you or if they are good enough, roll over you. You don't sit there dumping bad air on a boat that tries to avoid you by dipping down and then when they go up, calmly keep pouring bad air on him because your boat is faster than his. It's poor sportsmanship to say the least. The result was a thoroughly annoyed skipper and even Bill on Swiftsure managed to slip past with avoidance tactics being employed to change our sailing line completely. At least we wouldn't have to put up with him we thought, only to see him change his line and put himself in a spot where if he tried he could cause trouble again.
The wheels fell off and by King we were looking to go to Foam and trying to keep Wynella off our backsides. Our nemesis had finally realised that he was not on his proper course at all (funny that) and eventually headed off into the sunset. With a little good luck we were 5th over the line, but definitely last on handicap.
And just to mention … that Cole 32 was also the last boat in the Div. two fleet and was clearly out to amuse himself. He also has not sailed at all in the current Wednesday series. A very small man indeed.
Congratulations to David Locke and Rita for a very good job on the day. But he who was last was first. (the whole fleet finished inside 5 minutes and 5 seconds)
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Anna.
On handicap: Wynella, Corella and Anna.
Summer Saturday Sailing 14th of November
Three boats on the water &
Then the wind blew.
As can be appreciated, three H28s went out on a day that some other sailors were looking sideways at us. But we knew the boat and had old rags on (no stretching the new sails). No problems. 12 to 18 knots out of the Nor west and we got a course two as expected.
Rolling up to the start line we had Georgina for company while Karoleeya had stepped out of the wind for a while to readjust her sails. Consequently she was late, but Rupert had placed himself above us and it was up to us to drive the boat forward. Which we were doing quite well on the old sails making our way up to Robins or thereabouts.
We found a reasonable ley across to Hallmark, keeping in mind that it was a port rounding and successfully managed the first test of the boat on a big tack. Reasonable, but we'd already shipped a bit of green on the way up to Hallmark on the gusts that were coming through. Running the traveller was more a matter of keeping the boat upright as between feathering the helm and dumping the main occasionally we were still going forward.
Then down the breeze we went, with a bit of south coming through. Over twenty five we thought and kept on going. Oops, first boat with a broken mast.. then a Couta boat de-masted and others dropping their jibs in preparation to retiring. We kept going and the down wind speed was hitting mid 9's with the boat rolling and coming up on the heavy swell behind us. Could we make King without a gybe (and then another to get back up to the mark?) Doubtful.. but we kept going until we had to judge where we were.. hopelessly above the mark and the gusts were solid, extremely solid.
A quick poll of the boat had us retiring and heading for the channel, which we could just make and behind us, Georgina who had stuck to us as well decided that if we slightly more experienced yachties were retiring, then they would too. Hells bells there were five of them on the boat. they could have gone on. But as Rupert explained.. the top of the port side of the cabin was letting water in and he's running on an old rig. Safety was his first concern. So we retired to the bar and a beer and hot chips. Karoleeya came in later and she too had retired. Steve was a little upset when he found out... all he had to do was to complete the course and naturally the breeze had dropped away to about half of what it was at the peak.
Results... there were none. No H28 completed the course. But we all started so may be 4's for all.
Three boats on the water &
Then the wind blew.
As can be appreciated, three H28s went out on a day that some other sailors were looking sideways at us. But we knew the boat and had old rags on (no stretching the new sails). No problems. 12 to 18 knots out of the Nor west and we got a course two as expected.
Rolling up to the start line we had Georgina for company while Karoleeya had stepped out of the wind for a while to readjust her sails. Consequently she was late, but Rupert had placed himself above us and it was up to us to drive the boat forward. Which we were doing quite well on the old sails making our way up to Robins or thereabouts.
We found a reasonable ley across to Hallmark, keeping in mind that it was a port rounding and successfully managed the first test of the boat on a big tack. Reasonable, but we'd already shipped a bit of green on the way up to Hallmark on the gusts that were coming through. Running the traveller was more a matter of keeping the boat upright as between feathering the helm and dumping the main occasionally we were still going forward.
Then down the breeze we went, with a bit of south coming through. Over twenty five we thought and kept on going. Oops, first boat with a broken mast.. then a Couta boat de-masted and others dropping their jibs in preparation to retiring. We kept going and the down wind speed was hitting mid 9's with the boat rolling and coming up on the heavy swell behind us. Could we make King without a gybe (and then another to get back up to the mark?) Doubtful.. but we kept going until we had to judge where we were.. hopelessly above the mark and the gusts were solid, extremely solid.
A quick poll of the boat had us retiring and heading for the channel, which we could just make and behind us, Georgina who had stuck to us as well decided that if we slightly more experienced yachties were retiring, then they would too. Hells bells there were five of them on the boat. they could have gone on. But as Rupert explained.. the top of the port side of the cabin was letting water in and he's running on an old rig. Safety was his first concern. So we retired to the bar and a beer and hot chips. Karoleeya came in later and she too had retired. Steve was a little upset when he found out... all he had to do was to complete the course and naturally the breeze had dropped away to about half of what it was at the peak.
Results... there were none. No H28 completed the course. But we all started so may be 4's for all.
Spring Sailing Wednesday 11th of November
A very pleasant day on the water. &
Oh no!
Oh no! Not another blasted hit from a plastic boat! The First Jindarra was hit by a classic port - starboard on Saturday and apparently finished the race despite the first two planks on the port side opposite the cabin entrance being crunched. The perpetrator was the same boat who took out Brian Cross and Mariner opening day before last. It is apparently the third stack that he has had and it's clear that it would be better for all that he stayed away from H28s. No one was keeping watch I believe, as Andrew Bell was adamant that they were calling from 100 yards away. The question will be can they get the boat repaired in time for the next champs in December and the odds are that they may not be able to. Despite all, the sight of anyone's boat damaged like this is gut wrenching and may cost Andrew his chance at the championships this year.
On another note, the breeze was just about right as four h28's made their way out today and did a quick dip into the small bay behind the start box to welcome the H28 ladies who were dining in the club today. They made their way out onto the lawn to watch us and it was great to have them acknowledge the fleet by doing so.
We had a course one offered to us with 8 to 12 knots and a Martin-Weaver start that had us battling to get up the river in a straight line. The gods were kind to us and a bit of luck had us rounding Martin first and a bit of smart thinking had us on the way at the front of the fleet all the way to Sampson. Then the wind gods threw fate at our faces and we had to work hard to stay in front of Anna and Swiftsure Saga as they were both on their game with Bill sporting new sails and a clean hull. Anna didn't need anything as we acknowledge John as a wizard in his own right. Wynella had the chance at the start and could have rolled the lot of us at Martin, but for some reason decided that today was to be a handicap improver and retired to the back to enjoy the day. But we did throw an awful lot of tacks in today and our novice crew on the headsail trim were certainly feeling it. But we were losing time on every tack and a dozen tacks on the way up will kill you.
To Deepwater and for once the Royal Perth fleet had gone away before us, but we still had to make our way back down to Print and it was my turn to do the front of the boat. So 4 gybes later and we were still with in cooee of Swiftsure Saga who had slipped past us on with a speedy hull. Down to Print, around the corner and off to Robins again. Tack and tack again, crickey we were giving away 40 meters with every tack. But I can only offer suggestions and surprisingly we came out on top of Bill and John at Robins. I duly acknowledged the skippers wisdom and shot up onto the fordeck to set a pole. which we didn't need. But I stayed there to put a starboard pole up and then we cursed as the two behind us, simply rolled over the top of us by reaching over us, as we had our pole already set.
Then the battle down breeze began with Bill already in front of us and John Wright on our heels as we all approached Como with poles set. The flags on the start box told us this was a race to the finish and the skipper was eager to get around and above John Wright who had the inside running on us at the mark. We blinked and John got above us on the rounding. There was nothing we could do except listen to the skipper exercising his right to curse his luck and our inability to get the boat round quickly enough. That's ok.
There are a lot of ifs when you go racing a boat and it's the skippers privilege to make the call.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Mariner.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Wynella.
Sorry about the lack of photos today. I was busy.
A very pleasant day on the water. &
Oh no!
Oh no! Not another blasted hit from a plastic boat! The First Jindarra was hit by a classic port - starboard on Saturday and apparently finished the race despite the first two planks on the port side opposite the cabin entrance being crunched. The perpetrator was the same boat who took out Brian Cross and Mariner opening day before last. It is apparently the third stack that he has had and it's clear that it would be better for all that he stayed away from H28s. No one was keeping watch I believe, as Andrew Bell was adamant that they were calling from 100 yards away. The question will be can they get the boat repaired in time for the next champs in December and the odds are that they may not be able to. Despite all, the sight of anyone's boat damaged like this is gut wrenching and may cost Andrew his chance at the championships this year.
On another note, the breeze was just about right as four h28's made their way out today and did a quick dip into the small bay behind the start box to welcome the H28 ladies who were dining in the club today. They made their way out onto the lawn to watch us and it was great to have them acknowledge the fleet by doing so.
We had a course one offered to us with 8 to 12 knots and a Martin-Weaver start that had us battling to get up the river in a straight line. The gods were kind to us and a bit of luck had us rounding Martin first and a bit of smart thinking had us on the way at the front of the fleet all the way to Sampson. Then the wind gods threw fate at our faces and we had to work hard to stay in front of Anna and Swiftsure Saga as they were both on their game with Bill sporting new sails and a clean hull. Anna didn't need anything as we acknowledge John as a wizard in his own right. Wynella had the chance at the start and could have rolled the lot of us at Martin, but for some reason decided that today was to be a handicap improver and retired to the back to enjoy the day. But we did throw an awful lot of tacks in today and our novice crew on the headsail trim were certainly feeling it. But we were losing time on every tack and a dozen tacks on the way up will kill you.
To Deepwater and for once the Royal Perth fleet had gone away before us, but we still had to make our way back down to Print and it was my turn to do the front of the boat. So 4 gybes later and we were still with in cooee of Swiftsure Saga who had slipped past us on with a speedy hull. Down to Print, around the corner and off to Robins again. Tack and tack again, crickey we were giving away 40 meters with every tack. But I can only offer suggestions and surprisingly we came out on top of Bill and John at Robins. I duly acknowledged the skippers wisdom and shot up onto the fordeck to set a pole. which we didn't need. But I stayed there to put a starboard pole up and then we cursed as the two behind us, simply rolled over the top of us by reaching over us, as we had our pole already set.
Then the battle down breeze began with Bill already in front of us and John Wright on our heels as we all approached Como with poles set. The flags on the start box told us this was a race to the finish and the skipper was eager to get around and above John Wright who had the inside running on us at the mark. We blinked and John got above us on the rounding. There was nothing we could do except listen to the skipper exercising his right to curse his luck and our inability to get the boat round quickly enough. That's ok.
There are a lot of ifs when you go racing a boat and it's the skippers privilege to make the call.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Mariner.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Wynella.
Sorry about the lack of photos today. I was busy.
Spring Sailing Wednesday 4th of November
Mixing it with C fleet. &
A narrow squeak at Foam.
For some unknown reason, C Fleet was on a handicap start and the H28's were on a course three with a start to Martin-Weaver. Well it was an easterly after all, however it had a fair chunk of south in it and swirled constantly between the two. About 8 to 15 knots and big holes as well. Get the picture?
Eight boats in the fleet and a number of boats were three up but it was a good day to be on the water. Until we ran into C fleet.
The starters had us running up to Martin and we were working to get the right angles on the way up to the top mark. Hard work, but a bit of patience has us there and in fourth spot. Not good, not bad, but we had a chance to get past Anna in third place on the varying breeze down to Sampson. We took the chance and then back to King cracked a little open, but we were constantly changing the trim as the breeze was fluctuating. Even now we were running into C Fleet as they had taken off 5 minutes after us but going into the North straight to Sampson. This meant they were right in the middle of our fleet. And everyone of them was determined to give us a hard time. Early reports had Andy Bell finally getting past a new SS27 that decided that they could take him up, just because they could. Apparently Andy is a convincing talker.
But we had our own share at Foam as the RP fleet came howling down to the mark. A red hot Melges 30 was aiming at getting around fast, so the skipper made sure we had given them enough room to round the mark. But they wanted more. Much calling and noise, but we held our line and they had to swing around the mark giving us the evil eye as they did so. However Anna behind us had two or three boats battling to make the mark and no one was giving room. Predictably they swung wide and John probably escaped by the skin of his teeth.
Away to Robins and around we went with the SS27 now beginning to trouble us. We managed to get past him, but he picked up a lucky puff and slid alongside us. Yup, we knew a couple of those faces with the former owner of Dr Feelgood sharing his knowledge and probably getting his own back on a number of old foes while mentoring on the new boat. The trip to Print was predictable and a reach. Not much of a chance to pull a camera out when you are constantly readjusting the sails. Harden up and swap tacks, we are off to Foam and then to Robins again. By this time we had slipped past the SS27, but other boats were having problems and poor old Glen on Wynella was having a cultural exchange with a dilapidated SS22 who refused to go away. Apparently he had him on tap for 4 or 5 legs of the race.
Up to Robins (on a reach) and then a new foe spread his wings and tried to give us grief. Nope, said the skipper, go low, sail through him and let him cause troubles to others. Which he seemed interested in doing. So this time to Print again and then to Como with the question being when to tack. Lockie went early we thought, but he made it. We went an extra 50 meters and got sat on by a C fleet boat. Choking on his breeze we could only fall below Como and consequently have to double tack to make the mark. Finally we were on a work that slipped in and out of a work to a tight reach with the crew having to work hard to reach the outer startline.
Around we went with Anna still breathing on our transom and we watched as Georgina retired with Rupert's dad struggling with a strained back. The rest of the race was reaching as the breeze was back in the south east again and down to Sampson, across to King and then off to Addison with a return to the outer startline via Como where we had troubles at getting around Como as the breeze had rotated yet again. More silly sailing with C fleet ensued as the plastic boat in front stubbornly refused to give us an inch.. well I know why.. he was going for the win. So a bit of pain, but it was easy enough forget with the third over the line. Thanks to Kate Lammonby who crewed with us today and kept us enlivened with her stories. Our other two crew are out of action for a while..
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: Anna, Corella and Mariner.
To answer the unwritten question from Saturday last. No the H28 fleet didn't get the T-Bone trophy.. the starters did. Which is only fitting considering the courses given to the fleets on the day.
And finally. Dabbles has left Swiftsure Saga to seek better accommodation, we think. The nest is empty and Bill can put the cover back on again.
Summer Saturday Sailing 31st of October.
A cacophony of errors &
A new chum no longer.
A decision by the boats sailing on Saturday led us to taking a course two rather than the offered course four shortened. For sure we shortened up the race, but as you will probably know, a short course two is not all that short. So we had Swiftsure Saga, Wynella, Georgiana, Aloha and Karoleeya to compete on the day. It would be nice to have others out on the track, but its a tight fleet and we are still prepared to fly kites when necessary. The reason for the course 2, well it was blowing out of the nor west. A clear course two. Why we were given a course four is beyond us.
In order to win a race, the less mistakes you make, the more chance you have of winning it. Swiftsure had the same three blokes who have been sailing her for the last 4 years. You really think that they don't make mistakes anymore. More later. The same could be said for Steve on Karoleeya who has been sailing that boat for a while now and knows that you don't go into Pelican Point on a low tide. And for all of those behind us who we managed to confuse on a mark.... read the sailing instructions. Leave the mark to either Port or Starboard and get it right. And forgetting a mark and sailing well past it can be disastrous to your place in the race.
We set off to Hallmark after a start that wasn't good for Karoleeya as Glen on Wynella dipped in and sent him around ( after we had given him the room ), so Steve was behind the 8 ball already. Our new sails probably helped as we moved forward into the lead, getting past Glen on a tight cross and then heading into Hallmark. Our mistake was to misread the instructions and go the wrong way around Hallmark. (How we did this, I don't know) Then we managed to confuse one or two boats behind us as to which way they should go and Georgina managed to recover after following us around. Wynella must have been laughing as they were launched into the lead. However the pain wasn't over yet for Karoleeya as going into Pelican Point for the long run up to Hallmark is fraught with danger on a low tide and Steve promptly stuck the boat on the mud. Fortunately he managed to get the boat off without help but valuable minutes were lost.
Recovering from our mistake we took up third place and took off to King on the longest down wind of the day. Wynella was doing a fine job and Georgina was getting closer by the minute. As they made King, it was pretty close and we had our hands full fending off Karoleeya who was doing a fine job. Around King and then away to Deepwater with very little gains made on the two in front. But once they had rounded Deepwater the people on Wynella must have had a brain fade similar to the one we had. They set their course for Thelma without putting Dolphin East into the mix. We were watching this in the background and only once Georgina had pretty much made their ground did Wynella realise their mistake and hurriedly adjust their angle. Too late. Rupert had the lead and a kite was thrown up. "Cant catch me" was the cry and away they went.
Down to Thelma and off to Robins with another run to Dolphin East to follow, but this time the last leg was a run to Addison from Dolphin East and the test was to see if they could hold the kite across to Thelma. The wind was already rotating into the north by now and this was going to help both Georgina and Wynella to do exactly that; the run down to Thelma was made with grace and a clear lead over Wynella that let Georgina do an early drop and then head for the line. A new chum no longer.
The chatter on the radio let us know that the starters were getting restless. Where are those H28's.. well it was Aloha who was enjoying a pleasant run at the back of the fleet and probably not in a huge hurry, but we were grateful for their presence never the less.
Over the line: Georgina, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Georgina, Wynella and Karoleeya.
On Herreshoff Hill, over a sherbet or two, it was decided that the fleet en mass would tender for the "T-Bone Award" for the number of stuff ups that occurred over the course of the race. Not sure whether it happened as I shot off early... but there was a chance we got it.
A cacophony of errors &
A new chum no longer.
A decision by the boats sailing on Saturday led us to taking a course two rather than the offered course four shortened. For sure we shortened up the race, but as you will probably know, a short course two is not all that short. So we had Swiftsure Saga, Wynella, Georgiana, Aloha and Karoleeya to compete on the day. It would be nice to have others out on the track, but its a tight fleet and we are still prepared to fly kites when necessary. The reason for the course 2, well it was blowing out of the nor west. A clear course two. Why we were given a course four is beyond us.
In order to win a race, the less mistakes you make, the more chance you have of winning it. Swiftsure had the same three blokes who have been sailing her for the last 4 years. You really think that they don't make mistakes anymore. More later. The same could be said for Steve on Karoleeya who has been sailing that boat for a while now and knows that you don't go into Pelican Point on a low tide. And for all of those behind us who we managed to confuse on a mark.... read the sailing instructions. Leave the mark to either Port or Starboard and get it right. And forgetting a mark and sailing well past it can be disastrous to your place in the race.
We set off to Hallmark after a start that wasn't good for Karoleeya as Glen on Wynella dipped in and sent him around ( after we had given him the room ), so Steve was behind the 8 ball already. Our new sails probably helped as we moved forward into the lead, getting past Glen on a tight cross and then heading into Hallmark. Our mistake was to misread the instructions and go the wrong way around Hallmark. (How we did this, I don't know) Then we managed to confuse one or two boats behind us as to which way they should go and Georgina managed to recover after following us around. Wynella must have been laughing as they were launched into the lead. However the pain wasn't over yet for Karoleeya as going into Pelican Point for the long run up to Hallmark is fraught with danger on a low tide and Steve promptly stuck the boat on the mud. Fortunately he managed to get the boat off without help but valuable minutes were lost.
Recovering from our mistake we took up third place and took off to King on the longest down wind of the day. Wynella was doing a fine job and Georgina was getting closer by the minute. As they made King, it was pretty close and we had our hands full fending off Karoleeya who was doing a fine job. Around King and then away to Deepwater with very little gains made on the two in front. But once they had rounded Deepwater the people on Wynella must have had a brain fade similar to the one we had. They set their course for Thelma without putting Dolphin East into the mix. We were watching this in the background and only once Georgina had pretty much made their ground did Wynella realise their mistake and hurriedly adjust their angle. Too late. Rupert had the lead and a kite was thrown up. "Cant catch me" was the cry and away they went.
Down to Thelma and off to Robins with another run to Dolphin East to follow, but this time the last leg was a run to Addison from Dolphin East and the test was to see if they could hold the kite across to Thelma. The wind was already rotating into the north by now and this was going to help both Georgina and Wynella to do exactly that; the run down to Thelma was made with grace and a clear lead over Wynella that let Georgina do an early drop and then head for the line. A new chum no longer.
The chatter on the radio let us know that the starters were getting restless. Where are those H28's.. well it was Aloha who was enjoying a pleasant run at the back of the fleet and probably not in a huge hurry, but we were grateful for their presence never the less.
Over the line: Georgina, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Georgina, Wynella and Karoleeya.
On Herreshoff Hill, over a sherbet or two, it was decided that the fleet en mass would tender for the "T-Bone Award" for the number of stuff ups that occurred over the course of the race. Not sure whether it happened as I shot off early... but there was a chance we got it.
Spring Sailing Wednesday The 28th of October.
A learning experience for Colin &
Don't go there!
Colin is a decent fellow, works the front of the boat and can trim nicely. He's been at a bit of a loss recently since Wynella now has the three owners and a spare and John Wright sails when it suits him. So he took the invitation to sail on Wicked a Div. 1 boat and found himself bounced onto an S80. Big learning experience... reportedly they lean a lot, they are a little skittish and tend to round up a lot. And Colin was on the front. He'll be back on the H28 jetty next week.
Setting out three up and with a reasonably new man on the boat, the skipper made the decision to put the number two on and then regretted it for the rest of the day. The mantra was to take it easy, not put any pressure on ourselves and enjoy the afternoon. Then we got a good start and the blood haze rose in his eyes. A course one, with a Martin/Weaver start and a great Sou Wester of 18 to 21 knots.
With the First Jindarra well away, the race was between Swiftsure Saga (new sails, a full crew and Paul Eldrid on board), Corella with a full crew of experienced woman sailors and ourselves with Wynella and Alma ready to duck in and cause trouble if possible. The start as mentioned was good and Lockie managed to hold up the boats behind him at Martin as he pinched around the mark. So we had Swiftsure on our tail with Corella recovering well to make the third in the battle we had going.
To be expected after Sampson, Lockie tacked away early to cross the creek, but despite his attempt he wasn't any quicker for it. Swiftsure followed us and similarly we all worked our way up and across the Royal Perth fleet coming across from Foam on their way into the bay. So we did what all H28's do, we went in further and just roared up the wind. At Applecross Spit I looked back across the transom and there was a wall of boats aimed at us. Making the tack onto starboard at Deepwater would have to be perfect. Screaming imprecations and starboards as well as threats to the impulsive RP boat who tried to "go in there" we rounded Deepwater, dodged a few oncoming yachts, gybed the main and set a starboard pole for the run down to Print.
I was over my nervousness about going forward again (its been a while) and an early drop had us making Print in front of the other two. But our time at the front of this pack was limited as the number two was ok up wind, but slow downwind. And we knew it.. Robins was on the cards and making our way into the bay, we set to lift out on the burgeoning sou wester. We made our way up to Robins and already Swiftsure had our measure. It was going to be a run across the breeze from Robins to Dolphin East with a leeward pole that would turn into a starboard pole at the mark. We had given way to Swiftsure Saga but we still had Dave Locke behind us. From there to Como and the Outer startline was our next mark to make with a nice run up the breeze to make the mark.
And then we just slowed down. To Sampson with a pole, bending out after the mark, waiting to pick the right time to tack away to King. Swiftsure was well past us by now and Corella was breathing on our transom. We tacked after a short while and immediately fell down on a bad knock. Sure enough, Lockie was on a good thing and the girls were pushing him hard. They had him around King in front of us and we were then fourth. And there we stayed as the rest of the race was a reach until the last work up from the freeway after leaving Thelma behind. And even then we nearly had Lockie on the finish line with a tack onto starboard on the line, but he slipped through.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Swiftsure Saga and Corella
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra and Wynella.
Rupert has Georgina up on the hard, giving her a coat of anti foul and busily fixing leaks that have been noted. He'll be back on the water for the weekend, or so he promises and he spent some time looking at Mariners interior after racing. He's looking at moving the shrouds in and wanted to know what Brian had done.
Summer Sailing Saturday The 24th of October.
Prawning &
An apology to a Cherub sailor.
With the arrival of Rupert to the marina we began to contemplate 4 boats on the water, but it wasn't to be and he was actually on his way to work. So three it was and Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Karoleeya set up their boats for a yot on a really bad day. The easterlies were in and the river was a swirling mess of contrary gusts. But the starters were confident.. they could see, or had a good guess that the seabreeze was at hand and they were just waiting. Eventually we took off all three of us, but Wynella tried to push/slide into a spot above Karoleeya and was promptly sent around by Steve who then threw away his great start by going head to wind next to the start boat and then spending some time going away from the rest of us. On the other hand we were low and slow, but it didn't matter as we were really there to test the new sails from Paul Eldrid.
But the competitive spirit kicks in and shortly after, we had the sails working more or less and we began to work our way down the river, having to regain the lost ground from our poor start. By Deepwater we were in front and heading to Brickies knowing full well that they would chase us down the breeze with kites on. We had to be quick on the up hills. So away we went and got around Brickies harassing a Space Sailor 22 who had the temerity to think he would fit in between us and the mark. Having passed him, we made our way around and then threw up a pole.
On the way down we made our way past a Cherub sailor who was in difficulty. He was hailed and politely asked whether he need assistance, with no reply coming. So our parting suggestion was "I think you need a bigger boat." That fired him up and his rely was impolite to say the least. But this set him up for Steve on Karoleeya who was next to sail past. Steve may have offered a passing comment and the fellow flew off his head at Steve. In the bar afterwards the topic came up and the situation was discussed with loud howls of laughter once Steve found out what had happened to set the fellow off. So our apologies to the Cherub sailor.
Around at Dolphin West with the pair close on our heels and that's the way it stayed all the way to Sanders, where we had a bit of luck with the Governors cup fleets blanketing the pair behind us and letting us get away a little. Not a lot, but enough. Then the next round and off to Deepwater digging into the bay a couple of times to ensure we had a good lift out up to Deepwater. Close enough to the mark for us and we set our sights on Dolphin East and then Addison with the thought in our minds that this would be the one where they could chase us down.
But no. The last we saw of Wynella was them head to wind and retrieving their spinnaker from the rear of the boat. Prawning anyone? Meanwhile Steve had his own problems with a bend in his pole. But he kept the spinnaker flying and well done for that. By this time we were at Thelma and heading for home. No risks to be taken and the only thing we were curious about was the amount of time we were in front, as we knew that Karoleeya had a low handicap.. enough to demolish anything we had up our sleeves.
It would have been nice to have some other H28's to sail against, but considering that only 19 boats fronted up on the startline today we were doing pretty well. Most of Divisions one and two were over at the Governors Cup.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Karoleeya and Wynella.
On handicap: Karoleeya, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella.
Incidentally, Wynella picked up the T Bone award for their prawning effort.
Prawning &
An apology to a Cherub sailor.
With the arrival of Rupert to the marina we began to contemplate 4 boats on the water, but it wasn't to be and he was actually on his way to work. So three it was and Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Karoleeya set up their boats for a yot on a really bad day. The easterlies were in and the river was a swirling mess of contrary gusts. But the starters were confident.. they could see, or had a good guess that the seabreeze was at hand and they were just waiting. Eventually we took off all three of us, but Wynella tried to push/slide into a spot above Karoleeya and was promptly sent around by Steve who then threw away his great start by going head to wind next to the start boat and then spending some time going away from the rest of us. On the other hand we were low and slow, but it didn't matter as we were really there to test the new sails from Paul Eldrid.
But the competitive spirit kicks in and shortly after, we had the sails working more or less and we began to work our way down the river, having to regain the lost ground from our poor start. By Deepwater we were in front and heading to Brickies knowing full well that they would chase us down the breeze with kites on. We had to be quick on the up hills. So away we went and got around Brickies harassing a Space Sailor 22 who had the temerity to think he would fit in between us and the mark. Having passed him, we made our way around and then threw up a pole.
On the way down we made our way past a Cherub sailor who was in difficulty. He was hailed and politely asked whether he need assistance, with no reply coming. So our parting suggestion was "I think you need a bigger boat." That fired him up and his rely was impolite to say the least. But this set him up for Steve on Karoleeya who was next to sail past. Steve may have offered a passing comment and the fellow flew off his head at Steve. In the bar afterwards the topic came up and the situation was discussed with loud howls of laughter once Steve found out what had happened to set the fellow off. So our apologies to the Cherub sailor.
Around at Dolphin West with the pair close on our heels and that's the way it stayed all the way to Sanders, where we had a bit of luck with the Governors cup fleets blanketing the pair behind us and letting us get away a little. Not a lot, but enough. Then the next round and off to Deepwater digging into the bay a couple of times to ensure we had a good lift out up to Deepwater. Close enough to the mark for us and we set our sights on Dolphin East and then Addison with the thought in our minds that this would be the one where they could chase us down.
But no. The last we saw of Wynella was them head to wind and retrieving their spinnaker from the rear of the boat. Prawning anyone? Meanwhile Steve had his own problems with a bend in his pole. But he kept the spinnaker flying and well done for that. By this time we were at Thelma and heading for home. No risks to be taken and the only thing we were curious about was the amount of time we were in front, as we knew that Karoleeya had a low handicap.. enough to demolish anything we had up our sleeves.
It would have been nice to have some other H28's to sail against, but considering that only 19 boats fronted up on the startline today we were doing pretty well. Most of Divisions one and two were over at the Governors Cup.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Karoleeya and Wynella.
On handicap: Karoleeya, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella.
Incidentally, Wynella picked up the T Bone award for their prawning effort.
Spring Sailing Wednesday The 21st of October.
The seabreeze is IN. &
You cant stop that bloke!
A wonderful day and everything working to make the day a good one. Half a dozen boats on the water and some good challengers to make the day worth while. Lockie, John W, Bill, Judith, Glen and Brian. A reasonable roll up to make the day interesting and a stiff seabreeze to put the shine on the day. Course one, PFD's and a trip to Martin / Weaver.
First boat over the line was going to get to Martin first and we did just that, but Swiftsure Saga was relishing the day, in fact all the h28s were.. just our sort of weather. Number ones were replaced with number twos and everything was pulled on flat. As can be expected, we were glad to get to Sampson in front of Swiftsure as they were on our hammer all the way. Corella was lurking below and were set to cause trouble when they climbed up to the mark. So around we went with the understanding that this was only the beginning of the race.
Over to Heathcote to get some flat water and then back out again while watching the Royal Perth fleet make their way across to Foam and then begin to climb into the bay to get the lift off the land. But we were in front of them .. just .. and watched as Alma had to do some serious dodging to avoid some of the RP Fleet. And then they disappeared from sight. We were concentrating on what was happing around us and later learnt that they had a problem with their sheets and retired. However we were heading to Deepwater by now and for once we were ahead of the entire fleet both RP and SoPYC. Hang onto your hats when we go around the mark, as they are all going to be coming our way with the same intention.
Around and a gybe, a pole and the run to Print commenced.. 7.5 knots. fascinating and then 8.2 even better, with a general discussion of hull speeds for the H28. We were still under fire from those behind us and Lockie had surrendered his second spot to Bill after fun and games at Deepwater. We made Print and bent back into the bay for the next round up to Robins with the boat lifting all the way in. We were still hoping to get the lift out of the sou wester and indeed we did. But for some reason Corella went all the way out into the North to come across and perhaps get us on starboard. A good try, though it was bound to fail on a sou wester..
Across to Dolphin East and well, you know the drill, a pole and another ride down to Como and then harden up to try and make the outer start line. Our luck was in and around we went, with the boat rolling in the slop from the waves as the wind continued to whistle through our rigging. Away to Sampson and then harden up as we had to make out way to King. But he breeze had shifted a little into the south and we were knocking off the breeze coming through from the Heathcote hill. Dropping, dropping .. eventually we tacked but Corella and Swiftsure made up a heap on that board, they were lifting nicely. Looking back Anna and Wynella weren't that far away either. It was still anyone's race on handicap but as Ron is want to say.. we're here for the win on the line, bugger the handicap.
The next part was relatively easy as all we had to do was get around Print with a gybe and a reach to Como, hot up to Thelma and then run along the beach until we could tack off for the line. Well we did, but we tacked for the line too early with Bill going all the way along the beach. He then took advantage of a John Wright effect and lifted into the line, tossed and matched us inch for inch to the line. But his bow was in front of ours. One second was the call, to me, it was probably a hands breadth. But that's enough and so it was.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner.
The first three boats hit the line in under 14 seconds, the fleet in 5 minutes and 27 seconds.
The seabreeze is IN. &
You cant stop that bloke!
A wonderful day and everything working to make the day a good one. Half a dozen boats on the water and some good challengers to make the day worth while. Lockie, John W, Bill, Judith, Glen and Brian. A reasonable roll up to make the day interesting and a stiff seabreeze to put the shine on the day. Course one, PFD's and a trip to Martin / Weaver.
First boat over the line was going to get to Martin first and we did just that, but Swiftsure Saga was relishing the day, in fact all the h28s were.. just our sort of weather. Number ones were replaced with number twos and everything was pulled on flat. As can be expected, we were glad to get to Sampson in front of Swiftsure as they were on our hammer all the way. Corella was lurking below and were set to cause trouble when they climbed up to the mark. So around we went with the understanding that this was only the beginning of the race.
Over to Heathcote to get some flat water and then back out again while watching the Royal Perth fleet make their way across to Foam and then begin to climb into the bay to get the lift off the land. But we were in front of them .. just .. and watched as Alma had to do some serious dodging to avoid some of the RP Fleet. And then they disappeared from sight. We were concentrating on what was happing around us and later learnt that they had a problem with their sheets and retired. However we were heading to Deepwater by now and for once we were ahead of the entire fleet both RP and SoPYC. Hang onto your hats when we go around the mark, as they are all going to be coming our way with the same intention.
Around and a gybe, a pole and the run to Print commenced.. 7.5 knots. fascinating and then 8.2 even better, with a general discussion of hull speeds for the H28. We were still under fire from those behind us and Lockie had surrendered his second spot to Bill after fun and games at Deepwater. We made Print and bent back into the bay for the next round up to Robins with the boat lifting all the way in. We were still hoping to get the lift out of the sou wester and indeed we did. But for some reason Corella went all the way out into the North to come across and perhaps get us on starboard. A good try, though it was bound to fail on a sou wester..
Across to Dolphin East and well, you know the drill, a pole and another ride down to Como and then harden up to try and make the outer start line. Our luck was in and around we went, with the boat rolling in the slop from the waves as the wind continued to whistle through our rigging. Away to Sampson and then harden up as we had to make out way to King. But he breeze had shifted a little into the south and we were knocking off the breeze coming through from the Heathcote hill. Dropping, dropping .. eventually we tacked but Corella and Swiftsure made up a heap on that board, they were lifting nicely. Looking back Anna and Wynella weren't that far away either. It was still anyone's race on handicap but as Ron is want to say.. we're here for the win on the line, bugger the handicap.
The next part was relatively easy as all we had to do was get around Print with a gybe and a reach to Como, hot up to Thelma and then run along the beach until we could tack off for the line. Well we did, but we tacked for the line too early with Bill going all the way along the beach. He then took advantage of a John Wright effect and lifted into the line, tossed and matched us inch for inch to the line. But his bow was in front of ours. One second was the call, to me, it was probably a hands breadth. But that's enough and so it was.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner.
The first three boats hit the line in under 14 seconds, the fleet in 5 minutes and 27 seconds.
Summer Sailing Saturday The 17th of October. The Jim Leach Memorial Trophy.
Course one on a South Easterly? &
Can't catch us. Reaching all day.
I guess the starters knew more than we did. They gave us a course one on a steady sou easter on the hope that it would rotate into the south west and provide a day as we'd had over the last four days with the booming seabreeze we had on Wednesday as an example. It was Freshies opening day and a number of boats were away, in fact the river was quieter than usual. None of the traffic jams that you used to get last decade. With David Locke and a dud motor in Corella and Judith and Alma not racing, the day was going to be slim as Nerrima is undergoing a make over on her top decks and John Wright took the opportunity to slip his Anna to giver her a tidy up. It would be nice if Jim could get Napea of Carrick out on the water though but I don't know what his crew situation is like.
However it was The Jim Leach Memorial trophy and four boats set out to race with two flying kites and two JaMing. Numbers on the boats did count with Swiftsure and Wynella each three up and Karoleeya and Georgina swarming with crew. Rupert was in luck with Rita joining him on the day to run the main and give advice in general. It was also the first time they had to get the boat out of their new pen (Number one on Jetty three) and they managed it rather well, but perhaps a slightly larger outboard motor might help next time. Glen had two seasoned men on the boat and knew that he could do well in a JaM but if we had enough breeze we could do it as well. All against all, anyone who flew a kite was going to whip us both. Steve knew he had the chance with Karoleeya and he wasn't scared about throwing up a shy kite. But it was a sou easter.
The start was all important with the fleet late to the line as the sou easter rotated into the east on the start and we were struggling to make the line. Finally we fell across the line and found ourselves out front. "Good" said the skipper, "first to the turning marks wins the lead" and so it was. Full marks to Steve when he tried to put the spinnaker up on the first run to Brickies as he'd watched us put out a pole to take advantage of the breeze rotating into the east, but sure enough the breeze came back and his kite turned inside out and he lost a lot of time and distance in the recovery and that let Rupert through. He's aggressive enough to take that for free and I'd imagine that Rita wasn't going to let him dilly- dally. Finally we stowed the pole before Brickies as it was clear that it wasn't needed.
Around Brickies and away to Dolphin West and bend down to Foam, pretty much on the breeze with another reach across the breeze out to Sanders. We watched as the boats behind us struggled to make Foam as the breeze changed on them. They lost time that would be hard to make up. In discussion on the way back up to Sanders, one of the topics was by how much did we have to win, as our handicap was well above the others. Surprisingly Karoleeya was in the hunt as she carried a very good handicap so we kept forging on. Around Sanders and away again to Como taking our Nav. marks from the bridges that cross the freeway. All straight sailing.
Make the mark and off to Robins, keeping it to starboard and then Deepwater with the next reach down to Dolphin East and a gybe to Addison. We were getting different breezes to the rest or perhaps we were searching diligently for each gust on the water. No matter, the only problem we were going to have for the afternoon after Addison, was the arrival of a SS27 by the name of Abeelas. Who simply sat on us until he could lee-bow us and we dropped away. Killed us effectively, but farewelling him we made Thelma on the next tack as we were hard on the breeze by then and we just tacked and eased the sails to get to the finish line. Packing up and powering in we discovered that we didn't have forward power as we tried to make it into the pen. No matter, we still had reverse so we over shot the pen and reversed in.
A harmonious gathering on Herreshoff Hill once everyone had tidied up and then we trouped in for results, which for once were early as I think the flags had been at various club openings during the afternoon and wanted nothing more than to go home and chill.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Georgina.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Karoleeya and Wynella. The Jim Leach Memorial was awarded to Swiftsure Saga.
Course one on a South Easterly? &
Can't catch us. Reaching all day.
I guess the starters knew more than we did. They gave us a course one on a steady sou easter on the hope that it would rotate into the south west and provide a day as we'd had over the last four days with the booming seabreeze we had on Wednesday as an example. It was Freshies opening day and a number of boats were away, in fact the river was quieter than usual. None of the traffic jams that you used to get last decade. With David Locke and a dud motor in Corella and Judith and Alma not racing, the day was going to be slim as Nerrima is undergoing a make over on her top decks and John Wright took the opportunity to slip his Anna to giver her a tidy up. It would be nice if Jim could get Napea of Carrick out on the water though but I don't know what his crew situation is like.
However it was The Jim Leach Memorial trophy and four boats set out to race with two flying kites and two JaMing. Numbers on the boats did count with Swiftsure and Wynella each three up and Karoleeya and Georgina swarming with crew. Rupert was in luck with Rita joining him on the day to run the main and give advice in general. It was also the first time they had to get the boat out of their new pen (Number one on Jetty three) and they managed it rather well, but perhaps a slightly larger outboard motor might help next time. Glen had two seasoned men on the boat and knew that he could do well in a JaM but if we had enough breeze we could do it as well. All against all, anyone who flew a kite was going to whip us both. Steve knew he had the chance with Karoleeya and he wasn't scared about throwing up a shy kite. But it was a sou easter.
The start was all important with the fleet late to the line as the sou easter rotated into the east on the start and we were struggling to make the line. Finally we fell across the line and found ourselves out front. "Good" said the skipper, "first to the turning marks wins the lead" and so it was. Full marks to Steve when he tried to put the spinnaker up on the first run to Brickies as he'd watched us put out a pole to take advantage of the breeze rotating into the east, but sure enough the breeze came back and his kite turned inside out and he lost a lot of time and distance in the recovery and that let Rupert through. He's aggressive enough to take that for free and I'd imagine that Rita wasn't going to let him dilly- dally. Finally we stowed the pole before Brickies as it was clear that it wasn't needed.
Around Brickies and away to Dolphin West and bend down to Foam, pretty much on the breeze with another reach across the breeze out to Sanders. We watched as the boats behind us struggled to make Foam as the breeze changed on them. They lost time that would be hard to make up. In discussion on the way back up to Sanders, one of the topics was by how much did we have to win, as our handicap was well above the others. Surprisingly Karoleeya was in the hunt as she carried a very good handicap so we kept forging on. Around Sanders and away again to Como taking our Nav. marks from the bridges that cross the freeway. All straight sailing.
Make the mark and off to Robins, keeping it to starboard and then Deepwater with the next reach down to Dolphin East and a gybe to Addison. We were getting different breezes to the rest or perhaps we were searching diligently for each gust on the water. No matter, the only problem we were going to have for the afternoon after Addison, was the arrival of a SS27 by the name of Abeelas. Who simply sat on us until he could lee-bow us and we dropped away. Killed us effectively, but farewelling him we made Thelma on the next tack as we were hard on the breeze by then and we just tacked and eased the sails to get to the finish line. Packing up and powering in we discovered that we didn't have forward power as we tried to make it into the pen. No matter, we still had reverse so we over shot the pen and reversed in.
A harmonious gathering on Herreshoff Hill once everyone had tidied up and then we trouped in for results, which for once were early as I think the flags had been at various club openings during the afternoon and wanted nothing more than to go home and chill.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Georgina.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Karoleeya and Wynella. The Jim Leach Memorial was awarded to Swiftsure Saga.
Spring Sailing Wednesdays 14th of October
The seabreeze doth blow &
A moment of chaos at Applecross Spit.
The sullen clouds parted around 1300 hrs and by 1400 hrs we were bouncing around on a seabreeze that was going to build during the afternoon. Eight H28s were present at the start line on a dash up to Martin /Weaver and as usual, first around Martin would lead the race if they didn't break anything. We had a number of extras around the fleet today with Greg Allen joining the fleet from Theophis now that John and Christina have sold her down the river and David Sutherland-Smith joining Andrew Minto on Aloha to get him onto the water.
However the start was led by Andy Bell on the First Jindarra and he managed to get to Martin in one fell swoop with the rest of us having to tack to make the mark. Fortunately we made it past Swiftsure Saga and Anna to get around in second place and our mission was to stay there. Down to Sampson in a heck of a hurry as the wind was building as was the wind driven swell. Around the mark and then go a little way out but getting into calmer water was a requirement as the slop was slowing us. So in we went and we were followed by most of the fleet. Aloha retired at this point with a spar snapping and they made their way back to shelter to contemplate the work ahead.
Up the wind and then duck back into the bay with the Royal Fleet surrounding us. No time for the camera, eyes open all the time calling the boats as we saw them. A dip and a couple of crash tacks later we found ourselves skimming along the edge of Applecross Spit and then chaos as we were forced to tack in a cascade. Three H28s, all on port were pushed by an un identified boat who came in on starboard. Screams for "water" were heard, but eventually we were able to flick back onto port and continued our run along the edge with Swiftsure above us and surely onto the rocks and mud. But he kept going and got around the spit mark in one piece. Close one.
Onto Deepwater still in second place and make it around in one piece. Down the wind to Print at high speed with the waves around us boiling as we ploughed our way through. To Print and then off into Waylen Bay again, this time to Robins and we made it with room to spare as the lift in the bay was working well. Then across to Dolphin East with a pole and much cursing as Kate fought to place the pole on the ring. Making it to DE our next target was Como and we had one or two boats around us to keep an eye on. No matter, Como was found and the run to the outer startline commenced. A testy gybe with the boat lurching around the mark in the breeze that was already topping 20 knots, we then set our eyes on Sampson and the small triangle of King, Print, Como and Thelma.
Behind us, Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga was relishing the conditions and was continually pushing to get a bit more out of his old sails. Heaven help us when he gets the new ones. He will be quick in all breezes. John Wright wasn't far away and Glen and his trusty mob were ploughing through the water possibly cursing that he had not gone for a number two. Rupert and family were doing well considering that it was really he and Dad with another of his sisters along for the ride. Mark had taken out Alma in Judith's absence and fill in on the main Gina P was finding it a hard task to deal with a heavy main and a strong breeze. Likewise Greg, more used to a roller jib was coping, but I'm sure that they felt the pain later on.
Around we went and with the run down to Thelma, the swell was so big, the skipper got a wet backside as a wave decided to climb on board over the transom and the bilge pump went into over drive emptying the boat out. Not that this was the first, as we'd shipped some greenies on the run up the hill anyway. To Thelma and a run along the freeway and a lovely lift on the other side that took us to the line. But Bill wasn't far behind and had done enough to take the race on handicap.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Georgina and Wynella.
The seabreeze doth blow &
A moment of chaos at Applecross Spit.
The sullen clouds parted around 1300 hrs and by 1400 hrs we were bouncing around on a seabreeze that was going to build during the afternoon. Eight H28s were present at the start line on a dash up to Martin /Weaver and as usual, first around Martin would lead the race if they didn't break anything. We had a number of extras around the fleet today with Greg Allen joining the fleet from Theophis now that John and Christina have sold her down the river and David Sutherland-Smith joining Andrew Minto on Aloha to get him onto the water.
However the start was led by Andy Bell on the First Jindarra and he managed to get to Martin in one fell swoop with the rest of us having to tack to make the mark. Fortunately we made it past Swiftsure Saga and Anna to get around in second place and our mission was to stay there. Down to Sampson in a heck of a hurry as the wind was building as was the wind driven swell. Around the mark and then go a little way out but getting into calmer water was a requirement as the slop was slowing us. So in we went and we were followed by most of the fleet. Aloha retired at this point with a spar snapping and they made their way back to shelter to contemplate the work ahead.
Up the wind and then duck back into the bay with the Royal Fleet surrounding us. No time for the camera, eyes open all the time calling the boats as we saw them. A dip and a couple of crash tacks later we found ourselves skimming along the edge of Applecross Spit and then chaos as we were forced to tack in a cascade. Three H28s, all on port were pushed by an un identified boat who came in on starboard. Screams for "water" were heard, but eventually we were able to flick back onto port and continued our run along the edge with Swiftsure above us and surely onto the rocks and mud. But he kept going and got around the spit mark in one piece. Close one.
Onto Deepwater still in second place and make it around in one piece. Down the wind to Print at high speed with the waves around us boiling as we ploughed our way through. To Print and then off into Waylen Bay again, this time to Robins and we made it with room to spare as the lift in the bay was working well. Then across to Dolphin East with a pole and much cursing as Kate fought to place the pole on the ring. Making it to DE our next target was Como and we had one or two boats around us to keep an eye on. No matter, Como was found and the run to the outer startline commenced. A testy gybe with the boat lurching around the mark in the breeze that was already topping 20 knots, we then set our eyes on Sampson and the small triangle of King, Print, Como and Thelma.
Behind us, Bill Richards on Swiftsure Saga was relishing the conditions and was continually pushing to get a bit more out of his old sails. Heaven help us when he gets the new ones. He will be quick in all breezes. John Wright wasn't far away and Glen and his trusty mob were ploughing through the water possibly cursing that he had not gone for a number two. Rupert and family were doing well considering that it was really he and Dad with another of his sisters along for the ride. Mark had taken out Alma in Judith's absence and fill in on the main Gina P was finding it a hard task to deal with a heavy main and a strong breeze. Likewise Greg, more used to a roller jib was coping, but I'm sure that they felt the pain later on.
Around we went and with the run down to Thelma, the swell was so big, the skipper got a wet backside as a wave decided to climb on board over the transom and the bilge pump went into over drive emptying the boat out. Not that this was the first, as we'd shipped some greenies on the run up the hill anyway. To Thelma and a run along the freeway and a lovely lift on the other side that took us to the line. But Bill wasn't far behind and had done enough to take the race on handicap.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Georgina and Wynella.
Summer Sailing Saturdays 10th of October 1st Championship Race.
Ok, we're just going out to make up the numbers. &
You can't beat old and cunning!
But Georgina tried very hard to do so! Ok, it was a motza that The First Jindarra was going to win the race, but there were one or two boats who were going to compete no matter what. As Swiftsure wasn't going out to race I put my hat in the ring and John Wright invited me out to sail on Anna; "just to make up numbers", he murmured. If its a soft day, we will rig for a spinnaker and see what happens.
A course one and 10 to 12 knots out of the sou west with Royal Perth holding their opening day as well.. mid river starts and boats whizzing around everywhere. But we were well away before they hit the water and actually coming back from Brickies with a kite up. Well in front of Karoleeya and Wynella who were having their own race, but behind Rupert et famile who had stuck to our tail all the way and got their kite up before us. Mind you he had cleaned the hull and had a new jib for the day, he was pumping. Our scratch crew was a little slow, but given that we took our time, all we had to do was to keep in touch and let him know that it wasn't going to be easy to lose us on the way down to Dolphin West.
The boys on the First Jindarra were already out of sight by this time, so the occasional glimpse of a blue spinnaker was enough to guide us to the next mark which we were grateful for, otherwise there were two separate races on. Karoleeya and Wynella were trading blows on the down winds and Steve was exhorting his team to better things when it came to kite flying. After the first leg to Brickies I had the hang of Anna's main and we were hitting the expected speeds. Then back up to Sanders with the two Royal fleets out on the water and flying a kite through the steady stream of boats proved challenging. But we made it and I guess the pair behind us had the same experience. To Como and then bend the boats back up to Deepwater with the Royal Perth startline interfering with our line. So we went a little early and came out slowly with Georgina digging further into the bay and coming out hot. (but then again Rupert hasn't discovered the depth of his keel yet)
Up to Deepwater and make it around with a flurry of other fleets around us and then aim at Dolphin East on a reach that quickly turned into a kite hoist on starboard as the breeze swept into the south. Ease around D.E and aim at Addison right on Rupert's starboard side, soaking up on him and eventually overhauling him. He could have taken us up, but didn't have enough skilled people on the boat to do it and recover. So at Addison, after all his hard work, old age and cunning got through him with the work of Barbie, Pete and your scribe sufficient to get the boat around the corner and away to the finish line.
The gleam in Johns eyes was apparent as we stopped on the hill to discuss the day and Steve of Karoleeya was happy to relate his adventures on the water including taking Wynella way past a mark, because he could. However the biggest grin of the day was on the skipper of Georgina's face. He'd led the rest of the fleet for most of the day and was pretty pumped with the fact. I think that the new jib has already paid for itself.. but he had to go off to work, so the fleet picked up his flags for him. Third on Championship and 1st on Handicap.
We were missing Corella today, but she was up on the slips so a quick reccy on Sunday will be done to see what was happening.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Anna and Georgina.
On handicap: Georgina, Karoleeya and The First Jindarra.
Ok, we're just going out to make up the numbers. &
You can't beat old and cunning!
But Georgina tried very hard to do so! Ok, it was a motza that The First Jindarra was going to win the race, but there were one or two boats who were going to compete no matter what. As Swiftsure wasn't going out to race I put my hat in the ring and John Wright invited me out to sail on Anna; "just to make up numbers", he murmured. If its a soft day, we will rig for a spinnaker and see what happens.
A course one and 10 to 12 knots out of the sou west with Royal Perth holding their opening day as well.. mid river starts and boats whizzing around everywhere. But we were well away before they hit the water and actually coming back from Brickies with a kite up. Well in front of Karoleeya and Wynella who were having their own race, but behind Rupert et famile who had stuck to our tail all the way and got their kite up before us. Mind you he had cleaned the hull and had a new jib for the day, he was pumping. Our scratch crew was a little slow, but given that we took our time, all we had to do was to keep in touch and let him know that it wasn't going to be easy to lose us on the way down to Dolphin West.
The boys on the First Jindarra were already out of sight by this time, so the occasional glimpse of a blue spinnaker was enough to guide us to the next mark which we were grateful for, otherwise there were two separate races on. Karoleeya and Wynella were trading blows on the down winds and Steve was exhorting his team to better things when it came to kite flying. After the first leg to Brickies I had the hang of Anna's main and we were hitting the expected speeds. Then back up to Sanders with the two Royal fleets out on the water and flying a kite through the steady stream of boats proved challenging. But we made it and I guess the pair behind us had the same experience. To Como and then bend the boats back up to Deepwater with the Royal Perth startline interfering with our line. So we went a little early and came out slowly with Georgina digging further into the bay and coming out hot. (but then again Rupert hasn't discovered the depth of his keel yet)
Up to Deepwater and make it around with a flurry of other fleets around us and then aim at Dolphin East on a reach that quickly turned into a kite hoist on starboard as the breeze swept into the south. Ease around D.E and aim at Addison right on Rupert's starboard side, soaking up on him and eventually overhauling him. He could have taken us up, but didn't have enough skilled people on the boat to do it and recover. So at Addison, after all his hard work, old age and cunning got through him with the work of Barbie, Pete and your scribe sufficient to get the boat around the corner and away to the finish line.
The gleam in Johns eyes was apparent as we stopped on the hill to discuss the day and Steve of Karoleeya was happy to relate his adventures on the water including taking Wynella way past a mark, because he could. However the biggest grin of the day was on the skipper of Georgina's face. He'd led the rest of the fleet for most of the day and was pretty pumped with the fact. I think that the new jib has already paid for itself.. but he had to go off to work, so the fleet picked up his flags for him. Third on Championship and 1st on Handicap.
We were missing Corella today, but she was up on the slips so a quick reccy on Sunday will be done to see what was happening.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Anna and Georgina.
On handicap: Georgina, Karoleeya and The First Jindarra.
Spring Wednesday Sailing 7th of October 2020.
A blustery day on the water &
A day on the safety boat.
Nobbled by a set of strained muscles on my side I elected to join the safety boat for a pleasant afternoon on the water photographing the entire fleet. Mariner was fine as they had four on the boat and frankly the fleet was well served with a good number of people down on the jetties and 6 boats out on the water. We haven't seen Andrew Bell for a while, but he's probably waiting till his motor comes back from the repairers.
I won't talk about the ins and outs of the race, but I did feel sorry for Bill on Swiftsure Saga for getting pinged on the start line for being over, when Mariner and Alma were probably just as far over, but hidden behind Bill who happened to be nearest the box covering those below him. With most of the fleet on number 2's, it was a rough race for Mariner as they were being stymied by Alma running a 1 & a half on the reaching course and Mark was defending his spot as best he could. Meanwhile Anna under John Wright with Kate Lammonby working the main was going like a train and frankly earned the fastest flag (and should have got at least a place). However it was a tight race with the Ledger boys (father and son) on Georgina picking up a good second on handicap with the cheery thought of a new headsail in the works as well. They were only 8 seconds behind on handicap from a first so they are improving all the time. Wynella had a disappointing day, not putting the pressure on the boats in front but it might be presumed that he was working on his handicap.
No one hit the mud, no one was thrown out of the boat in the H28 fleet and surprisingly Dabbles endured another busy day on the water. I think that she has a fairly phlegmatic nature and just takes all of this in her stride. Wont be long before this clutch hatches and Bill will be able to put the covers back on the boat.
Enjoy the images.
A blustery day on the water &
A day on the safety boat.
Nobbled by a set of strained muscles on my side I elected to join the safety boat for a pleasant afternoon on the water photographing the entire fleet. Mariner was fine as they had four on the boat and frankly the fleet was well served with a good number of people down on the jetties and 6 boats out on the water. We haven't seen Andrew Bell for a while, but he's probably waiting till his motor comes back from the repairers.
I won't talk about the ins and outs of the race, but I did feel sorry for Bill on Swiftsure Saga for getting pinged on the start line for being over, when Mariner and Alma were probably just as far over, but hidden behind Bill who happened to be nearest the box covering those below him. With most of the fleet on number 2's, it was a rough race for Mariner as they were being stymied by Alma running a 1 & a half on the reaching course and Mark was defending his spot as best he could. Meanwhile Anna under John Wright with Kate Lammonby working the main was going like a train and frankly earned the fastest flag (and should have got at least a place). However it was a tight race with the Ledger boys (father and son) on Georgina picking up a good second on handicap with the cheery thought of a new headsail in the works as well. They were only 8 seconds behind on handicap from a first so they are improving all the time. Wynella had a disappointing day, not putting the pressure on the boats in front but it might be presumed that he was working on his handicap.
No one hit the mud, no one was thrown out of the boat in the H28 fleet and surprisingly Dabbles endured another busy day on the water. I think that she has a fairly phlegmatic nature and just takes all of this in her stride. Wont be long before this clutch hatches and Bill will be able to put the covers back on the boat.
Enjoy the images.
SoPYC Opening day 4th of October 2020
A hoot of a day on the water &
Dabbles the duck rides the whirlwind.
A pleasant day opened up at the club with the opening day taken outside onto the lawn in front of the club. Something different at last and when they moved into the ball room, again a format change in the setting of the room. But we had the usual guests and flag opening with a cannon that goes bang. At least our cannon is bigger than one at Royal Perth. :-}
But it didn't take long for the mob in the ball room to disperse and they moved down to the boats and the sail past commenced. It was clear that some people still were getting used to the idea of sailing again as boats were brought out of winter hibernation, but they all got out in one piece or another and the parade commenced. As we approached, I lined up the show area under the start box ready to photograph the flag officers and of course that wretched boat Bluegrass went into the H28 line up all covered in PPE and quarantine stickers. Made it hard to get that shot, but with a bit of luck, I made it. However we then had to kill time until the official race start, so as per our usual form, we found a place to tie up and welcomed Georgina alongside.
As we moved off, we had our eyes outside the boat as there were plenty of boats on the water by now with a number of boats joining the fleet already there. Waiting, waiting and finally our number popped up and of course we were almost a minute late.. so we started with Corella and gave Anna a minutes start. Darn!
A roaring reach to Sampson and then the series of works up to Deepwater. We had two options with a pair of tacks to get us into Heathcote and then out again with a repeat of the performance in about 5 minutes time, once we could see our way into the bay. It was a sou wester and already gusting up to 20 knots and the skipper was confident. "I'm pointing up to Deepwater lets keep going". The traditionalists went in to the bay and we managed to keep one or two out with us. Napea of Carrick and Georgina elected to stay and though they were ahead of us we knew our chances would improve as we had better height than they did. They still rounded Deepwater before we did and Wynella and Karoleeya were ahead as well. In fact both were punching above their weight, thanks to Bruce Miller joining Karoleeya for the day and the boys on Wynella having a stellar afternoon. A small disaster to Aloha as they became the third H28 in three races to find the mud,this time at Applecross and they retired with their sails descending as they packed up. A pity to see, as they were holding their own.
Across the breeze with a pole to Dolphin West and boats around us trying to hold onto spinnakers. What! We're doing 7 knots thanks and surfing on a wave would give you another knot. Who needs a spinnaker ? Then down to Como with a decision to not pole as the breeze had pushed into the south a bit more and it was a rip roaring reach. We had to be careful of the centreboard fleets as they roared around their marks in the middle of the river, but I had a chance to pull the trigger on a few images on the way down. All good to catch up with the rest of the fleet, but importantly Corella was still behind us. Como to the outer start line and we knew we had to stay high or risk having to tack if we had dropped down too far. No problems encountered and we gybed around the mark, putting out a pole to take us to Sampson.
But this time we had to head off to King after Sampson, following the rest of the fleet and the first of the H28s we needed to pass was looming at us. Jim Spittle was pushing his boat well and Napier of Carrick and its crew were responding. Once again after King, we elected to go out a bit and even though Lockie told us of the great lift in the bay, we were doing fine with a full on battle with Jim and his crew. But we were coming in on starboard and everyone else was coming in on port. As we rounded Robins we picked up 3 boats, Karoleeya, Anna and Napea of Carrick. Money for jam. The next job was to consolidate, as we had caught up with the Red Witches and chaos could occur, particularly if we managed to take one of them out. Jim Spittle was sailing really well and threatened to roll over us, but trimming had us stay in front. Around Dolphin West again and the cavalcade of boats roared down to Como.
Oh yes. A wall of boats behind us with the big and faster boats beginning to catch up, but fortunately they stayed clear of our pack of H28s. Finally to Como and a clear rounding without problems and the dash to the line commenced. We could see Wynella, another couple of legs in the race and we might have had them. But no, it wasn't going to happen and a good finish to Glen and the boys. The rest of the combined fleet came boiling over the line with the H28s dispersed amongst them.
How did they finish?
Wynella, Swiftsure Saga, Anna, Karoleeya , Napea of Carrick, Corella, Georgina and Aloha (ret)
Oh, and Dabbles sailed with us, even with the boat standing on one ear as the puffs came through. She just reorganised her eggs as the heel had them shifting around a bit, but it was another day on the water on Swiftsure Saga. And I have certainly gained respect for these animals as they make their choice and then stick to it.
Many thanks to Gina, who again has provided us with another glimpse of what was happening on a great day on the water.
A hoot of a day on the water &
Dabbles the duck rides the whirlwind.
A pleasant day opened up at the club with the opening day taken outside onto the lawn in front of the club. Something different at last and when they moved into the ball room, again a format change in the setting of the room. But we had the usual guests and flag opening with a cannon that goes bang. At least our cannon is bigger than one at Royal Perth. :-}
But it didn't take long for the mob in the ball room to disperse and they moved down to the boats and the sail past commenced. It was clear that some people still were getting used to the idea of sailing again as boats were brought out of winter hibernation, but they all got out in one piece or another and the parade commenced. As we approached, I lined up the show area under the start box ready to photograph the flag officers and of course that wretched boat Bluegrass went into the H28 line up all covered in PPE and quarantine stickers. Made it hard to get that shot, but with a bit of luck, I made it. However we then had to kill time until the official race start, so as per our usual form, we found a place to tie up and welcomed Georgina alongside.
As we moved off, we had our eyes outside the boat as there were plenty of boats on the water by now with a number of boats joining the fleet already there. Waiting, waiting and finally our number popped up and of course we were almost a minute late.. so we started with Corella and gave Anna a minutes start. Darn!
A roaring reach to Sampson and then the series of works up to Deepwater. We had two options with a pair of tacks to get us into Heathcote and then out again with a repeat of the performance in about 5 minutes time, once we could see our way into the bay. It was a sou wester and already gusting up to 20 knots and the skipper was confident. "I'm pointing up to Deepwater lets keep going". The traditionalists went in to the bay and we managed to keep one or two out with us. Napea of Carrick and Georgina elected to stay and though they were ahead of us we knew our chances would improve as we had better height than they did. They still rounded Deepwater before we did and Wynella and Karoleeya were ahead as well. In fact both were punching above their weight, thanks to Bruce Miller joining Karoleeya for the day and the boys on Wynella having a stellar afternoon. A small disaster to Aloha as they became the third H28 in three races to find the mud,this time at Applecross and they retired with their sails descending as they packed up. A pity to see, as they were holding their own.
Across the breeze with a pole to Dolphin West and boats around us trying to hold onto spinnakers. What! We're doing 7 knots thanks and surfing on a wave would give you another knot. Who needs a spinnaker ? Then down to Como with a decision to not pole as the breeze had pushed into the south a bit more and it was a rip roaring reach. We had to be careful of the centreboard fleets as they roared around their marks in the middle of the river, but I had a chance to pull the trigger on a few images on the way down. All good to catch up with the rest of the fleet, but importantly Corella was still behind us. Como to the outer start line and we knew we had to stay high or risk having to tack if we had dropped down too far. No problems encountered and we gybed around the mark, putting out a pole to take us to Sampson.
But this time we had to head off to King after Sampson, following the rest of the fleet and the first of the H28s we needed to pass was looming at us. Jim Spittle was pushing his boat well and Napier of Carrick and its crew were responding. Once again after King, we elected to go out a bit and even though Lockie told us of the great lift in the bay, we were doing fine with a full on battle with Jim and his crew. But we were coming in on starboard and everyone else was coming in on port. As we rounded Robins we picked up 3 boats, Karoleeya, Anna and Napea of Carrick. Money for jam. The next job was to consolidate, as we had caught up with the Red Witches and chaos could occur, particularly if we managed to take one of them out. Jim Spittle was sailing really well and threatened to roll over us, but trimming had us stay in front. Around Dolphin West again and the cavalcade of boats roared down to Como.
Oh yes. A wall of boats behind us with the big and faster boats beginning to catch up, but fortunately they stayed clear of our pack of H28s. Finally to Como and a clear rounding without problems and the dash to the line commenced. We could see Wynella, another couple of legs in the race and we might have had them. But no, it wasn't going to happen and a good finish to Glen and the boys. The rest of the combined fleet came boiling over the line with the H28s dispersed amongst them.
How did they finish?
Wynella, Swiftsure Saga, Anna, Karoleeya , Napea of Carrick, Corella, Georgina and Aloha (ret)
Oh, and Dabbles sailed with us, even with the boat standing on one ear as the puffs came through. She just reorganised her eggs as the heel had them shifting around a bit, but it was another day on the water on Swiftsure Saga. And I have certainly gained respect for these animals as they make their choice and then stick to it.
Many thanks to Gina, who again has provided us with another glimpse of what was happening on a great day on the water.
Winter Wednesday the 30th of September
Another mudsucker &
Lets go around again.
It was a nice enough westerly with a hint of south as well and we should have known that the middle of the river was the way to go. We will deal with that later. 7 boats out again and a course two was handed out for everyone to enjoy. Andy Bell had decided to join the fleet and that had its own ramifications as Rita was seen perched on the cabin top of The Jin telling of the tales of last week with two boats kissing the mud because of them. Laugh hard old friend. Bill had Paul Eldrid down to do a measure up (we think) and it looks like a new set of sails for Swiftsure Saga. Just what we need for summer Saturdays.
Well away and this time the dash to Sampson was between Lockie and Andrew as we were late to the line and had John Wright chasing us as well. With the other boats sailing well, we were ruing the fact that the hull hadn't been given the chance for a clean. So we were going to be a bit slow. The issue became clear when John Wright and Anna managed to get past us on the run and we were lucky to keep the overlap at Sampson. However he went left early and our run up the middle paid off. But we had two boats ahead of us and getting past Corella was our need. So our boat drove up the centre of the river looking for that pay off that would let us forge ahead.
Turn right and head into the waters around Pelican Point, known for its shallow depths and watch as the First Jindarra went deeper than we wished to do. We were already heading away from danger when the skipper sang out. "Get the camera.. Andy has hit the mud" and sure enough there they were, stopped and though they managed to get away, it was enough to give us the lead at Hallmark. So the skipper went in a bit further into the bay at Nedlands and we turned to aim for Armstrong, only to watch Corella and the Jin soaring past us on the stronger breeze only 30 meters away. Well we managed to haul Corella back, but the Jin was gone and around Armstrong. So we went out a bit and pointed our bows at Como.
A pole was set with one half of the dynamic duo of Kate and Phil jumping onto the cabin top and setting the same. A couple of gybes got us down there and we headed off to the outer startline making good time. It wasn't even 4 o'clock but they had the shortened course flags up. Bugger that. We accepted the results would be based on the shortened course offered but away we went for the next half of the race. "Lets go around again." Five boats in all went around with Swiftsure Saga and Georgina electing to finish their race at the given time. We were back inside the half hour and packed up and on the Hill shortly after. It was a nice sunny day and we would rather not waste it, we even beat the Div 2 winners over the line (Well Andrew did any way. )
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Corella ( both times )
On handicap: Mariner, Anna and Wynella.
Dabbles the duck is back on BIll's boat busy starting another brood and still goes out with the boat during the race. Amazingly she still has the two surviving ducklings with her and I look forward to her joining us on Opening Day. Today also marked the end of the Winter season and Glen was quite happy to wander around showing everyone the magnificent cup that his name was to be put on. Ernie and Russ looked happy as well. Glen was down in Albany recently and caught up with the owner of Phil Scott's old boat Koolena and I'm afraid that apart from the engine being dropped in, she still needs caulking up big time and I'd leave the engine till the boat had taken up enough water to seal her seams. But its not my boat.
Another mudsucker &
Lets go around again.
It was a nice enough westerly with a hint of south as well and we should have known that the middle of the river was the way to go. We will deal with that later. 7 boats out again and a course two was handed out for everyone to enjoy. Andy Bell had decided to join the fleet and that had its own ramifications as Rita was seen perched on the cabin top of The Jin telling of the tales of last week with two boats kissing the mud because of them. Laugh hard old friend. Bill had Paul Eldrid down to do a measure up (we think) and it looks like a new set of sails for Swiftsure Saga. Just what we need for summer Saturdays.
Well away and this time the dash to Sampson was between Lockie and Andrew as we were late to the line and had John Wright chasing us as well. With the other boats sailing well, we were ruing the fact that the hull hadn't been given the chance for a clean. So we were going to be a bit slow. The issue became clear when John Wright and Anna managed to get past us on the run and we were lucky to keep the overlap at Sampson. However he went left early and our run up the middle paid off. But we had two boats ahead of us and getting past Corella was our need. So our boat drove up the centre of the river looking for that pay off that would let us forge ahead.
Turn right and head into the waters around Pelican Point, known for its shallow depths and watch as the First Jindarra went deeper than we wished to do. We were already heading away from danger when the skipper sang out. "Get the camera.. Andy has hit the mud" and sure enough there they were, stopped and though they managed to get away, it was enough to give us the lead at Hallmark. So the skipper went in a bit further into the bay at Nedlands and we turned to aim for Armstrong, only to watch Corella and the Jin soaring past us on the stronger breeze only 30 meters away. Well we managed to haul Corella back, but the Jin was gone and around Armstrong. So we went out a bit and pointed our bows at Como.
A pole was set with one half of the dynamic duo of Kate and Phil jumping onto the cabin top and setting the same. A couple of gybes got us down there and we headed off to the outer startline making good time. It wasn't even 4 o'clock but they had the shortened course flags up. Bugger that. We accepted the results would be based on the shortened course offered but away we went for the next half of the race. "Lets go around again." Five boats in all went around with Swiftsure Saga and Georgina electing to finish their race at the given time. We were back inside the half hour and packed up and on the Hill shortly after. It was a nice sunny day and we would rather not waste it, we even beat the Div 2 winners over the line (Well Andrew did any way. )
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Corella ( both times )
On handicap: Mariner, Anna and Wynella.
Dabbles the duck is back on BIll's boat busy starting another brood and still goes out with the boat during the race. Amazingly she still has the two surviving ducklings with her and I look forward to her joining us on Opening Day. Today also marked the end of the Winter season and Glen was quite happy to wander around showing everyone the magnificent cup that his name was to be put on. Ernie and Russ looked happy as well. Glen was down in Albany recently and caught up with the owner of Phil Scott's old boat Koolena and I'm afraid that apart from the engine being dropped in, she still needs caulking up big time and I'd leave the engine till the boat had taken up enough water to seal her seams. But its not my boat.
Winter Wednesday the 23rd of September
Score: Lockie 2, the others 0
An abrupt halt.
We had the pleasure of having Aloha join us on the water today with Georgina going out two up again. Nice to watch though and they are really trying to find their groove, with Rupert doing the prestart standing on the aft deck steering with one foot while dad ran the cockpit. Nice work! Aloha had Mark and Rob on board with Colin Stevenson from Dr Feelgood on hand as well. It was a lovely day for the seven yachts that took off from the start line at South of Perth, with Lockie managing to drag race Mariner off on the way to Sampson and Anna with a clean bottom surging up behind us. Gee he knows what to do when the boat is going well.
So we broke the over lap and then headed out into the nor west, ready to toss and go over into the bay. Lockie went to cover us, but we were doing well and nearly got him on the cross when we finally tossed in the bay. Dipping him, we continued on and then ducked back in again to ensure a good line out of the bay. But by this time we had the Royal Perth Fleet around us and the Phantom tried to go above David Locke while close to Applecross Spit. Score one to David Locke. Stuck on the mud beautifully.
Onward and up to Deepwater with Lockie still chuckling to himself. We had a RP boat slip past us and we expected him to go on to give Lockie trouble too, but no he tacked off leaving Corella free to shoot around the mark freely. We followed but there was another boat pounding up towards us so a quick gybe was put in to get the boat out his way as well. Then a pole and I watched as the clean hull of Anna slowly caught up on the way to Print. No matter, we were still in front and our next mark after Print was going to be Robins. But first we had to go in to Heathcote.
Lockie turned pretty much under the cliffs and in front of the ski area buoys. The skipper wanted to get the extra metre past Lockie so in we went. On a very low tide. Score Lockie 2 , the others 0
The engine was started, the rescue boat was called and we were pulled off the mud. Packed up and then the painful trip past the start box. Parked up and put away, the rest of the fleet began to pour in with a shortened course one. Wynella with Ernie took the third spot and Swiftsure Saga pottered over the line a little later, suffering of course from the light winds. The rest of the fleet followed along and we eventually met up at Herreshoff Hill where the skipper had to explain his reasoning for going in that close. :
Over the line: Corella, Anna and Wynella
On handicap: Anna, Corella and Wynella.
Enjoy the images and the little piece made by Gina from last summer. Fantastic.
Score: Lockie 2, the others 0
An abrupt halt.
We had the pleasure of having Aloha join us on the water today with Georgina going out two up again. Nice to watch though and they are really trying to find their groove, with Rupert doing the prestart standing on the aft deck steering with one foot while dad ran the cockpit. Nice work! Aloha had Mark and Rob on board with Colin Stevenson from Dr Feelgood on hand as well. It was a lovely day for the seven yachts that took off from the start line at South of Perth, with Lockie managing to drag race Mariner off on the way to Sampson and Anna with a clean bottom surging up behind us. Gee he knows what to do when the boat is going well.
So we broke the over lap and then headed out into the nor west, ready to toss and go over into the bay. Lockie went to cover us, but we were doing well and nearly got him on the cross when we finally tossed in the bay. Dipping him, we continued on and then ducked back in again to ensure a good line out of the bay. But by this time we had the Royal Perth Fleet around us and the Phantom tried to go above David Locke while close to Applecross Spit. Score one to David Locke. Stuck on the mud beautifully.
Onward and up to Deepwater with Lockie still chuckling to himself. We had a RP boat slip past us and we expected him to go on to give Lockie trouble too, but no he tacked off leaving Corella free to shoot around the mark freely. We followed but there was another boat pounding up towards us so a quick gybe was put in to get the boat out his way as well. Then a pole and I watched as the clean hull of Anna slowly caught up on the way to Print. No matter, we were still in front and our next mark after Print was going to be Robins. But first we had to go in to Heathcote.
Lockie turned pretty much under the cliffs and in front of the ski area buoys. The skipper wanted to get the extra metre past Lockie so in we went. On a very low tide. Score Lockie 2 , the others 0
The engine was started, the rescue boat was called and we were pulled off the mud. Packed up and then the painful trip past the start box. Parked up and put away, the rest of the fleet began to pour in with a shortened course one. Wynella with Ernie took the third spot and Swiftsure Saga pottered over the line a little later, suffering of course from the light winds. The rest of the fleet followed along and we eventually met up at Herreshoff Hill where the skipper had to explain his reasoning for going in that close. :
Over the line: Corella, Anna and Wynella
On handicap: Anna, Corella and Wynella.
Enjoy the images and the little piece made by Gina from last summer. Fantastic.
Winter Wednesday 16th of September
A fine day on the water &
Another one overboard.
A tidy little Sou Wester blew in today with the best part of 12 to 15 knots at hand, sure it was wandering into the south a bit and that's probably why the starters gave us a course three, but it was a lot of fun and plenty of chances for people to overtake on a course with lots of windward works and good down wind dashes. Seven boats on the water today with Georgina joining us from Jetty 7. Wont be long Rupert.
Expectedly the Martin-Weaver start was on and there were two choices. Run along the pens or drop down a little into clearer air. But we were chasing The First Jindarra and our problem was to keep out of his bad air and keep Wynella off our tail. He was steaming along and getting him away from us was the next priority after getting closer to the Jin. Lockie for one reason or another was wiped out by the tag team tactics employed at the start and he and Rita crossed the line about 90 seconds late. And that was going to cost him in the long run, but you cant keep a good man down.
Following The Jin around Weaver we looked hard at a pole, but the wind was good enough for a reach and the further we got past the start line, the better the breeze was. No pole required. Sampson had the fleet split into two with Wynella following us across to King and the other 4 boats electing to hold for a minute or two before going. No matter ,as we found ourselves doing well as we shot across to King and turned right behind the Jin and it was then a decision to go in to the bay and come out in good shape. Keeping the Jin within cooee was do able and we were getting some separation from Wynella while Swiftsure Saga and Corella had already had their duel with Corella taking the win. However you cant refuse John Wright a chance and he was taking everything from the river and breeze that he could. Mind you, he was short Craig on the main today and fortunately Colin was able to step in.
Around Robins with Corella replacing Wynella and still hunting The Jin. Ok, still lots of fun and the boat is pushing along nicely. Down to Print and around to Foam then looking back. Ooops Swiftsure has stopped dead and is pointing up wind. The radio chatters to us and its a MOB. Bloody hell, who is it? Bill didn't have a radio on the boat and wasn't contactable but someone else had one and the message got through that they had retrieved the person (Erich). He got caught on the wrong side of the headsail when it gybed and that flicked him off the boat as fast as. However the helm took a clout on the side of the head from the gear during the retrieval and they quietly withdrew from the race. Not a good look, but red wine cures most things or so it appears.
The race continued with the next dash to Robins for us as a copy of the first, but Wynella went out into the middle and came back on a blinder that nearly got him past Corella. A good try actually, but not good enough as Corella was steaming along under Rita power. They did well. Back down to Print again and off to Como with a bit of strife with the breeze as it knocked and knocked on the way to the outer start line. Nearly didn't make it, but a few good last minute lifts found us around the outer startline again and away to Sampson.. No pole required again. Then the run up to King, back to Addison and a very tight reach off to Como with a block of flats sitting behind us. ( sorry Double B but thou shall not pass above us) Eventually he relented and went down, but it cost us as much as it would have if we'd just let him through.
However the race behind us had hotted up. Wynella and Corella to the line and one second in it. And it went to Wynella. Good racing. 10 minutes separated the first five boats with Rupert on Georgina proving himself to be faster this time as well. Not so far behind. If he can get some good rags he will be competitive. (and he was seen out on Sunday practicing his kite runs.)
Over the line and on handicap. The First Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella.
Dabbles hatched five ducklings however three were taken by the seagulls in the first few minutes. She was last seen around the pens this week with two in tow and the hope that at least these two would survive. Unfortunately I was well away on holidays and didn't get a snap.
A fine day on the water &
Another one overboard.
A tidy little Sou Wester blew in today with the best part of 12 to 15 knots at hand, sure it was wandering into the south a bit and that's probably why the starters gave us a course three, but it was a lot of fun and plenty of chances for people to overtake on a course with lots of windward works and good down wind dashes. Seven boats on the water today with Georgina joining us from Jetty 7. Wont be long Rupert.
Expectedly the Martin-Weaver start was on and there were two choices. Run along the pens or drop down a little into clearer air. But we were chasing The First Jindarra and our problem was to keep out of his bad air and keep Wynella off our tail. He was steaming along and getting him away from us was the next priority after getting closer to the Jin. Lockie for one reason or another was wiped out by the tag team tactics employed at the start and he and Rita crossed the line about 90 seconds late. And that was going to cost him in the long run, but you cant keep a good man down.
Following The Jin around Weaver we looked hard at a pole, but the wind was good enough for a reach and the further we got past the start line, the better the breeze was. No pole required. Sampson had the fleet split into two with Wynella following us across to King and the other 4 boats electing to hold for a minute or two before going. No matter ,as we found ourselves doing well as we shot across to King and turned right behind the Jin and it was then a decision to go in to the bay and come out in good shape. Keeping the Jin within cooee was do able and we were getting some separation from Wynella while Swiftsure Saga and Corella had already had their duel with Corella taking the win. However you cant refuse John Wright a chance and he was taking everything from the river and breeze that he could. Mind you, he was short Craig on the main today and fortunately Colin was able to step in.
Around Robins with Corella replacing Wynella and still hunting The Jin. Ok, still lots of fun and the boat is pushing along nicely. Down to Print and around to Foam then looking back. Ooops Swiftsure has stopped dead and is pointing up wind. The radio chatters to us and its a MOB. Bloody hell, who is it? Bill didn't have a radio on the boat and wasn't contactable but someone else had one and the message got through that they had retrieved the person (Erich). He got caught on the wrong side of the headsail when it gybed and that flicked him off the boat as fast as. However the helm took a clout on the side of the head from the gear during the retrieval and they quietly withdrew from the race. Not a good look, but red wine cures most things or so it appears.
The race continued with the next dash to Robins for us as a copy of the first, but Wynella went out into the middle and came back on a blinder that nearly got him past Corella. A good try actually, but not good enough as Corella was steaming along under Rita power. They did well. Back down to Print again and off to Como with a bit of strife with the breeze as it knocked and knocked on the way to the outer start line. Nearly didn't make it, but a few good last minute lifts found us around the outer startline again and away to Sampson.. No pole required again. Then the run up to King, back to Addison and a very tight reach off to Como with a block of flats sitting behind us. ( sorry Double B but thou shall not pass above us) Eventually he relented and went down, but it cost us as much as it would have if we'd just let him through.
However the race behind us had hotted up. Wynella and Corella to the line and one second in it. And it went to Wynella. Good racing. 10 minutes separated the first five boats with Rupert on Georgina proving himself to be faster this time as well. Not so far behind. If he can get some good rags he will be competitive. (and he was seen out on Sunday practicing his kite runs.)
Over the line and on handicap. The First Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella.
Dabbles hatched five ducklings however three were taken by the seagulls in the first few minutes. She was last seen around the pens this week with two in tow and the hope that at least these two would survive. Unfortunately I was well away on holidays and didn't get a snap.
A frostbite Sunday 30th of August
Extremely Frustrating &
Not last.
You can always pick when a Nor Easter is blowing. Its up and down, swings around like a top and generally drives everyone spare with its lack of consistency. All that we have come to expect on a quiet frostbite. We had picked up Mark from Steve's boat as he still wasn't the best and we should have set up for a kite, but it was blowing strongly. We didn't need one did we?
By the time we had made it across the line we knew we were in strife. Nothing above 5 knots and a long haul down to Armstrong. Trying to lay Sampson was enough as we battled up the breeze and we rounded last. From there on it was a game of trying not to be the last boat in the fleet to get across the line. All the way up to Armstrong and then across to Bond with a chance for a work up to Print. Long and slow and a pair of eyes for the gusts was what was required.
We made it around the outer startline still holding the final position and made our way to Sampson and then Foam with the breeze dying around us. Struth.. could have given up there and then. But we were gaining on Rupert Ledgers, Georgina, then at Dolphin East a choice was presented to us. Go out to the north and look for a gust or two or perhaps down to the east where a breeze was gathering around the freeway. We chose the freeway and Rupert the north.
Bingo, we were in front by Como and heading for the line. But Rupert had a kite up and he was in the same breeze. Damn it.....he was going to catch us. Then unexpectedly his kite went skyward, the tweekers had been let go. And that was enough, we crossed the line 7 seconds in front of them. His handicap was sufficient to put him in front of us, but a small smile crept across both the faces of the skipper and the helm. First H28 over the line, that's all that mattered.
I'll be away for a while, enjoy the sailing and Dabbles the duck will have a brood by then .
Extremely Frustrating &
Not last.
You can always pick when a Nor Easter is blowing. Its up and down, swings around like a top and generally drives everyone spare with its lack of consistency. All that we have come to expect on a quiet frostbite. We had picked up Mark from Steve's boat as he still wasn't the best and we should have set up for a kite, but it was blowing strongly. We didn't need one did we?
By the time we had made it across the line we knew we were in strife. Nothing above 5 knots and a long haul down to Armstrong. Trying to lay Sampson was enough as we battled up the breeze and we rounded last. From there on it was a game of trying not to be the last boat in the fleet to get across the line. All the way up to Armstrong and then across to Bond with a chance for a work up to Print. Long and slow and a pair of eyes for the gusts was what was required.
We made it around the outer startline still holding the final position and made our way to Sampson and then Foam with the breeze dying around us. Struth.. could have given up there and then. But we were gaining on Rupert Ledgers, Georgina, then at Dolphin East a choice was presented to us. Go out to the north and look for a gust or two or perhaps down to the east where a breeze was gathering around the freeway. We chose the freeway and Rupert the north.
Bingo, we were in front by Como and heading for the line. But Rupert had a kite up and he was in the same breeze. Damn it.....he was going to catch us. Then unexpectedly his kite went skyward, the tweekers had been let go. And that was enough, we crossed the line 7 seconds in front of them. His handicap was sufficient to put him in front of us, but a small smile crept across both the faces of the skipper and the helm. First H28 over the line, that's all that mattered.
I'll be away for a while, enjoy the sailing and Dabbles the duck will have a brood by then .
Winter Wednesday Sailing 26th of August
Really close sailing &
The starters got it right.
The starters got it right today with a course one and a start up the river to Martin / Weaver. They somehow knew that the river would perk up with a decent westerly that rolled into the south as the day progressed, but we had enough of a southerly on the way up to Martin to make it an interesting start.
We blew the start by about 20 seconds, finding Wynella leading the dash and The First Jindarra chasing them up the river, but there were others behind us, so we weren't the only sluggards on the river. However making it to Martin was the first step as there was a bit of tide going out and making Weaver was the next step. Again we all made it, but the two in front barely did so and we came howling down the outside with gusto.
At the same time, Swiftsure Saga tried to climb over Andy Bell and the Jin and the consequences were as expected. He carted him off and just because he was there, Ernie Little driving Wynella found himself in the mix as well. Great.. a tussle between the lead three.. That made room for us and Corella who was sitting low on the run up was smiling as he was going to come up behind us and do well of it. As we surged around Sampson, we had dirty air on top of us with Swiftsure leading the pack so we went as soon as we were clear to do so. But Lockie was doing well. He'd cleared out early and was quickly on his way to the other side of the river. Wynella followed and we weren't too far behind them either.
At the other side we were already trumped by Corella and had managed to put Wynella behind us. The Jin however had done well on the cross of the river and was lifting higher and higher. Anna had done well as well and we were looking at her as being a threat until the next set of crosses as we worked our way up the river. It was a bit of luck more than anything else, but the skipper wouldn't hear of me saying that. We got past Anna again and Swiftsure Saga, but Corella and the First Jindarra were still well in front. Our job was to try and get them back. Up to Deepwater and around the mark with a choice of a port or a starboard pole. Out to starboard we went and then a series of gybes as we ran down the wind to Print. And quite a decent breeze too, 12 to 15 knots most of the time, all of the boats were relishing the wind as it poured up the Swan River. The racing was still tight with the fleet within minutes of each other from front to back.
Around Print and back up to Robins with the first three boats pretty much playing chasey as they dipped in and out of Waylen Bay and then around Robins and away to Dolphin East preparatory to the run to Como and the outer start line. By this time, Rupert and his Georgina were starting to drop behind a little, but he wasn't giving up at all and a new set of sails will do him a world of good as the sails he is using are close to a decade old. The dash around the outer start line had us guessing the amount of knock in the breeze and there was a fair bit with the skipper working to keep the boat high enough. Around we went and behind us the battle for 4,5 and 6 was being sorted out with Anna managing to outwit the other two and come out as the first of the three. John P had blown all his luck after that terrific start and found himself working hard to keep Wynella off his tail and indeed the age and wisdom onboard Wynella pushed them to the fore on the afternoon.
After the small triangle and a good finish the mob on the hill met for a quiet beer and a dissection of the days sailing with comments flying around about the roll over that Swiftsure Saga pulled on Wynella prior to Sampson at the beginning of the race. A fine job indeed.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Anna.
This is the third week for Dabbles and her clutch of eggs and its quite likely we will see the mob in a week or so's time. Keep your eyes open.
I will be away for a couple of Wednesdays and I'll be reporting on what I find as I travel around the interior of our wonderful state.
Really close sailing &
The starters got it right.
The starters got it right today with a course one and a start up the river to Martin / Weaver. They somehow knew that the river would perk up with a decent westerly that rolled into the south as the day progressed, but we had enough of a southerly on the way up to Martin to make it an interesting start.
We blew the start by about 20 seconds, finding Wynella leading the dash and The First Jindarra chasing them up the river, but there were others behind us, so we weren't the only sluggards on the river. However making it to Martin was the first step as there was a bit of tide going out and making Weaver was the next step. Again we all made it, but the two in front barely did so and we came howling down the outside with gusto.
At the same time, Swiftsure Saga tried to climb over Andy Bell and the Jin and the consequences were as expected. He carted him off and just because he was there, Ernie Little driving Wynella found himself in the mix as well. Great.. a tussle between the lead three.. That made room for us and Corella who was sitting low on the run up was smiling as he was going to come up behind us and do well of it. As we surged around Sampson, we had dirty air on top of us with Swiftsure leading the pack so we went as soon as we were clear to do so. But Lockie was doing well. He'd cleared out early and was quickly on his way to the other side of the river. Wynella followed and we weren't too far behind them either.
At the other side we were already trumped by Corella and had managed to put Wynella behind us. The Jin however had done well on the cross of the river and was lifting higher and higher. Anna had done well as well and we were looking at her as being a threat until the next set of crosses as we worked our way up the river. It was a bit of luck more than anything else, but the skipper wouldn't hear of me saying that. We got past Anna again and Swiftsure Saga, but Corella and the First Jindarra were still well in front. Our job was to try and get them back. Up to Deepwater and around the mark with a choice of a port or a starboard pole. Out to starboard we went and then a series of gybes as we ran down the wind to Print. And quite a decent breeze too, 12 to 15 knots most of the time, all of the boats were relishing the wind as it poured up the Swan River. The racing was still tight with the fleet within minutes of each other from front to back.
Around Print and back up to Robins with the first three boats pretty much playing chasey as they dipped in and out of Waylen Bay and then around Robins and away to Dolphin East preparatory to the run to Como and the outer start line. By this time, Rupert and his Georgina were starting to drop behind a little, but he wasn't giving up at all and a new set of sails will do him a world of good as the sails he is using are close to a decade old. The dash around the outer start line had us guessing the amount of knock in the breeze and there was a fair bit with the skipper working to keep the boat high enough. Around we went and behind us the battle for 4,5 and 6 was being sorted out with Anna managing to outwit the other two and come out as the first of the three. John P had blown all his luck after that terrific start and found himself working hard to keep Wynella off his tail and indeed the age and wisdom onboard Wynella pushed them to the fore on the afternoon.
After the small triangle and a good finish the mob on the hill met for a quiet beer and a dissection of the days sailing with comments flying around about the roll over that Swiftsure Saga pulled on Wynella prior to Sampson at the beginning of the race. A fine job indeed.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Anna.
This is the third week for Dabbles and her clutch of eggs and its quite likely we will see the mob in a week or so's time. Keep your eyes open.
I will be away for a couple of Wednesdays and I'll be reporting on what I find as I travel around the interior of our wonderful state.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 19th of August
Reality surpasses the truth according to BoM &
A dead heat.
Ok, its official.. the BoM site on Melville Water is kaput. Probably been walloped by an errant Royal Perth boat, but as I went onto the site last night to check the wind strengths for the day, a long string of 0000000's was seen. Dead calm. Well that's what they were forecasting, but the truth was we had a lovely day on a course two (well done the starters) and about 5 to 8 knots out of the west. Sure enough there was a hint of the south there as well, but on the north side of the course it was a westerly.
Five boats made it onto the line and Mariner had a good start, with Corella going low to get fresh air and a good charge up to Sampson to get right onto our tail. Tacking away immediately afterwards, they crossed the creek and followed by John P on Swiftsure Saga they tried to cross our bows for the first time. Glen had taken the day off so Ernie Little put his hand up for the drive and was having a good time at the back. Well his mission statement was to improve the handicap of the boat and he was working hard to do so.
Dabbles was clearly working hard to improve the crew work on Swiftsure as they had managed to drag race off Anna with their crew working well to keep the boat flowing. Meanwhile we had the skipper spending a bit of time on the lee side of the boat, improving his sailing skills from the waters edge instead of the high side. Working our way up to Hallmark we were neck to neck with Corella when unexpectedly he fell below the mark and we took the advantage to go in a little further before working up to Armstrong ready for the long run down the wind to Como. Both Swiftsure and Anna fell foul of the Royal Perth boats as they came out of Matilda Bay with both boats having to deviate from their course. In the end it could have cost John P an outright second place.
By this time Anna had made a separation gap on Swiftsure and knowing John W, he was going to keep that, but the long run down wind had big John playing the gusts down the breeze and the two continued to keep each other in sight. Meanwhile Mariner had their own problems with Corella as David Locke was prepared to chase us down and got past us on the down wind to Print. All just a case of who found the right capful of wind. Find a corner at Como and head off to the outer startline with Corella forging ahead. Fueled on Vitamin G, they were doing fine and the skipper was doing everything to try and go faster to catch him up. So we settled into the second part of the race with a run out to Sampson then up to Dolphin East.
Easy enough to find as there were a number of boats rounding it and we had Lockie to chase up there. Doing as well as we could and the rest of the trip was more of the same for the two boats at the front, but the battle between Swiftsure and Anna was continuing and as I heard the conversation on Herreshoff Hill afterwards, they crossed the line together. Both skippers laughed about it, but the starters had the last laugh and gave them their dead heat on the line. Handicap was to seperate the two of them, but John P is doing fine as the reserve skipper on Swiftsure. Lockie had a bit of a trouble with Take Cover as the skipper of the Cole 32 held him against the shoreline until Lockie said enough and tacked away. Sure enough they had lost some time on that episode and then knocked furiously on his way over to the start line. But it wasn't enough for us to catch him up. A good day no matter what.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner, Anna & Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
A brief discussion on last Sunday with Georgina looking at a win all on their own. Frostbites with more than 20 knots and rain just aren't fun and it was clear that the H28 community had no interest in the day. (Have you ever seen an old tomcat out in wet weather? No way; he's curled up in front of the fire where its warm and snug) But Rupert sailed well enough to get ahead of Martyn Compton in the last dash to the line and took first and fastest. Well sailed.
Reality surpasses the truth according to BoM &
A dead heat.
Ok, its official.. the BoM site on Melville Water is kaput. Probably been walloped by an errant Royal Perth boat, but as I went onto the site last night to check the wind strengths for the day, a long string of 0000000's was seen. Dead calm. Well that's what they were forecasting, but the truth was we had a lovely day on a course two (well done the starters) and about 5 to 8 knots out of the west. Sure enough there was a hint of the south there as well, but on the north side of the course it was a westerly.
Five boats made it onto the line and Mariner had a good start, with Corella going low to get fresh air and a good charge up to Sampson to get right onto our tail. Tacking away immediately afterwards, they crossed the creek and followed by John P on Swiftsure Saga they tried to cross our bows for the first time. Glen had taken the day off so Ernie Little put his hand up for the drive and was having a good time at the back. Well his mission statement was to improve the handicap of the boat and he was working hard to do so.
Dabbles was clearly working hard to improve the crew work on Swiftsure as they had managed to drag race off Anna with their crew working well to keep the boat flowing. Meanwhile we had the skipper spending a bit of time on the lee side of the boat, improving his sailing skills from the waters edge instead of the high side. Working our way up to Hallmark we were neck to neck with Corella when unexpectedly he fell below the mark and we took the advantage to go in a little further before working up to Armstrong ready for the long run down the wind to Como. Both Swiftsure and Anna fell foul of the Royal Perth boats as they came out of Matilda Bay with both boats having to deviate from their course. In the end it could have cost John P an outright second place.
By this time Anna had made a separation gap on Swiftsure and knowing John W, he was going to keep that, but the long run down wind had big John playing the gusts down the breeze and the two continued to keep each other in sight. Meanwhile Mariner had their own problems with Corella as David Locke was prepared to chase us down and got past us on the down wind to Print. All just a case of who found the right capful of wind. Find a corner at Como and head off to the outer startline with Corella forging ahead. Fueled on Vitamin G, they were doing fine and the skipper was doing everything to try and go faster to catch him up. So we settled into the second part of the race with a run out to Sampson then up to Dolphin East.
Easy enough to find as there were a number of boats rounding it and we had Lockie to chase up there. Doing as well as we could and the rest of the trip was more of the same for the two boats at the front, but the battle between Swiftsure and Anna was continuing and as I heard the conversation on Herreshoff Hill afterwards, they crossed the line together. Both skippers laughed about it, but the starters had the last laugh and gave them their dead heat on the line. Handicap was to seperate the two of them, but John P is doing fine as the reserve skipper on Swiftsure. Lockie had a bit of a trouble with Take Cover as the skipper of the Cole 32 held him against the shoreline until Lockie said enough and tacked away. Sure enough they had lost some time on that episode and then knocked furiously on his way over to the start line. But it wasn't enough for us to catch him up. A good day no matter what.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner, Anna & Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
A brief discussion on last Sunday with Georgina looking at a win all on their own. Frostbites with more than 20 knots and rain just aren't fun and it was clear that the H28 community had no interest in the day. (Have you ever seen an old tomcat out in wet weather? No way; he's curled up in front of the fire where its warm and snug) But Rupert sailed well enough to get ahead of Martyn Compton in the last dash to the line and took first and fastest. Well sailed.
Winter Tales 16th of August.
Its pouring with rain/ The AWBF is off/ A warning about boats and high winds/ Ducks/ and finally Aria.
Lets begin with the rain that's sleeting down at the moment. Its Sunday morning and the gusts on the river are between 18 to 28 knots out of the WSW. Not the best day to go out for a yot. However it was with care that the decision was made to hold off on SSS as Bill hasn't had his new sails arrive as yet. No reason to sail unless you have the best sails on board. And that included Dabbles the duck who is still firmly ensconced on the boat with her eggs. Not long to go.
Most of you will have received the email sent out a day or so ago that announced the cancellation of the Australian Wooden Boat festival in Hobart 2021. For the best of reasons as they couldn't guarantee public safety with the C virus still moving around. Its a great pity that they couldn't get the show under way considering that we were able to motivate enough people to get a team even at this early stage and get not one, but two boats over there. (Well one was a Len Randell designed yacht). But we had a guest speaker and a spare with enough people who ready to make it a good visit.
Boats and High winds. A salutary tale to keep your fingers out of the way of a 4. 5 tonne boat rubbing up against another. Poor Barbie Hale was going out with Judie and Mark to do point duty for the power boat people a couple of Saturdays ago and was caught in a finger jam that required surgery. We are all hoping that the recovery is swift and she comes back from the holiday that she and Mark took thereafter in a better space.
Dabbles the Duck is still firmly ensconced on Bills boat ( Swiftsure Saga ) and the family is expected in a fortnight or so. (the incubation period is about 28 days) She normally takes a break to go and get a feed at least twice a day, but appears to sail with the fleet quite happily.
Despite the disappointments about the AWBF, Fiona and John in Tasmania have soldiered on and Aria (aka Oyster/ Anita/Jeanita) has been restored beautifully and they have sensibly refused to go over board on trim, but she still looks magnificent. The photos were taken at their private pier on the river.
From Fiona
Re progress on Aria - she has pretty much taken up with maybe 1 tablespoon in per day. (Nearly dry😊) Gee, that's good.
John is doing the timber fit out & I am chief painter/varnisher which of course includes removing old paint & varnish, sanding etc. We are using 2pack epoxy on the inside of the hull & Alwood varnish system on all timber. They recommend 6-8 coats of Alwood so it takes a while to progress but gives a lovely finish & is UV resistant. You can also wet & dry sand then polish to get a really lovely finish.
Below are 2 photos- one Aria on our Jetty, the other the new cockpit which we really love. You’ll notice we have minimised the decorative timber- it didn’t seem to need it & means less varnish to maintain. Have a look at the photos below.
And of course I need to improve my bike riding skills. I need to maintain my speed in turning otherwise you fall over. As I did. Tore a nice chunk out of my thumbnail apart from a few dents in the carcase. Time off for a week and back next week.
Oh, the Sailing last week. Glad you asked.
The day was reasonable, but the recent decision to drop course 4 for the while, has given the H28 fleet the chance to sail the long courses. (more passing room they say) Good to see Georgina and Karoleeya out on the water again. Steve and Rupert are giving it a good go.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Karoleeya.
Its pouring with rain/ The AWBF is off/ A warning about boats and high winds/ Ducks/ and finally Aria.
Lets begin with the rain that's sleeting down at the moment. Its Sunday morning and the gusts on the river are between 18 to 28 knots out of the WSW. Not the best day to go out for a yot. However it was with care that the decision was made to hold off on SSS as Bill hasn't had his new sails arrive as yet. No reason to sail unless you have the best sails on board. And that included Dabbles the duck who is still firmly ensconced on the boat with her eggs. Not long to go.
Most of you will have received the email sent out a day or so ago that announced the cancellation of the Australian Wooden Boat festival in Hobart 2021. For the best of reasons as they couldn't guarantee public safety with the C virus still moving around. Its a great pity that they couldn't get the show under way considering that we were able to motivate enough people to get a team even at this early stage and get not one, but two boats over there. (Well one was a Len Randell designed yacht). But we had a guest speaker and a spare with enough people who ready to make it a good visit.
Boats and High winds. A salutary tale to keep your fingers out of the way of a 4. 5 tonne boat rubbing up against another. Poor Barbie Hale was going out with Judie and Mark to do point duty for the power boat people a couple of Saturdays ago and was caught in a finger jam that required surgery. We are all hoping that the recovery is swift and she comes back from the holiday that she and Mark took thereafter in a better space.
Dabbles the Duck is still firmly ensconced on Bills boat ( Swiftsure Saga ) and the family is expected in a fortnight or so. (the incubation period is about 28 days) She normally takes a break to go and get a feed at least twice a day, but appears to sail with the fleet quite happily.
Despite the disappointments about the AWBF, Fiona and John in Tasmania have soldiered on and Aria (aka Oyster/ Anita/Jeanita) has been restored beautifully and they have sensibly refused to go over board on trim, but she still looks magnificent. The photos were taken at their private pier on the river.
From Fiona
Re progress on Aria - she has pretty much taken up with maybe 1 tablespoon in per day. (Nearly dry😊) Gee, that's good.
John is doing the timber fit out & I am chief painter/varnisher which of course includes removing old paint & varnish, sanding etc. We are using 2pack epoxy on the inside of the hull & Alwood varnish system on all timber. They recommend 6-8 coats of Alwood so it takes a while to progress but gives a lovely finish & is UV resistant. You can also wet & dry sand then polish to get a really lovely finish.
Below are 2 photos- one Aria on our Jetty, the other the new cockpit which we really love. You’ll notice we have minimised the decorative timber- it didn’t seem to need it & means less varnish to maintain. Have a look at the photos below.
And of course I need to improve my bike riding skills. I need to maintain my speed in turning otherwise you fall over. As I did. Tore a nice chunk out of my thumbnail apart from a few dents in the carcase. Time off for a week and back next week.
Oh, the Sailing last week. Glad you asked.
The day was reasonable, but the recent decision to drop course 4 for the while, has given the H28 fleet the chance to sail the long courses. (more passing room they say) Good to see Georgina and Karoleeya out on the water again. Steve and Rupert are giving it a good go.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Karoleeya.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 5th of August .
Back to normal again &
Nine on the water.
A lovely day on the water with the Ladies of the H28's sitting down for lunch in the ballroom. Great to see and Delyse had 15 or 15 girls sitting down and having a chat (probably about us) and catching up with the world in general. The boys had had a catch up session of their own with Chairman Glen getting some of us together to polish trophies (Glen then took off to another appointment, leaving us to finish up.)
However I have digressed enough. Nine H28's and 39 starters on the day. That's as close to 25% of the entire fleet on the water. A grand show with Andy Bell returning to the water and Lockie deciding to front up. Then Karoleeya popped their heads up over the gunnel. Fantastic. Now if Les Brooker had decided to sail instead of work on his boat we would have had 10 boats. But more than happy to have 9 boats.
The start was up to Martin-Weaver on a sou easter with a course three and we watched as the first two fleets took off. A number of tacks were required and it was how deep into the freeway did you want to go. Lockie tried a daring start on port and was brutally rolled by Andy Bell on the First Jindarra. Sorry Lockie, but you wont get past that fellow. So he found himself low on the line as we crossed over to the freeway side weaving through the two fleets that had started beforehand. If we had gone another 20 meters in, then may be we would have cleared the pens on the other side, but all said and done, we still were second around Martin and chasing down Andy Bell.
Down the breeze to Sampson with a string of boats on our tail and the C fleet boats intermingled with us as they were on a different start heading off down wind. They gave us a bit of room this time. The fleet was still sorting itself out and Rupert on Georgina was mixing it with the best. The interest was in the scrum in the middle with half a dozen boats vying for a better spot than the other. Swapping spots on the run to King was in order and only when we settled for the dash to Robins that we began to show some order in the fleet. Damn me. Georgina is still in the running. A clean hull has done him well. Around Robins with Lockie trying everything to get past and eventually he sat on our transom for a while.
Around Print and away to Foam and back to Robins again. But by now Lockie was through us and our task was a little grimmer as John Wright was on our tail again. He's as sticky as a piece of chewy and as hard to brush off as a blowfly. His task was to keep close to us and in doing so improve his chances of a win on handicap. So down to Print then to Como and the outer startline weaving our way through the oncoming traffic. No real problem but it was a matter of keeping an eye out. Around the outer mark and Sampson then a small dash around King to Addison and then back via Como. All was well, but the run to the finish line wasn't without pain as most of us had to tack on the line, as we had dropped down below the inner pin. A good day overall, though the skipper would have liked to be a little faster.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: Anna, Wynella and The First Jindarra.
Back to normal again &
Nine on the water.
A lovely day on the water with the Ladies of the H28's sitting down for lunch in the ballroom. Great to see and Delyse had 15 or 15 girls sitting down and having a chat (probably about us) and catching up with the world in general. The boys had had a catch up session of their own with Chairman Glen getting some of us together to polish trophies (Glen then took off to another appointment, leaving us to finish up.)
However I have digressed enough. Nine H28's and 39 starters on the day. That's as close to 25% of the entire fleet on the water. A grand show with Andy Bell returning to the water and Lockie deciding to front up. Then Karoleeya popped their heads up over the gunnel. Fantastic. Now if Les Brooker had decided to sail instead of work on his boat we would have had 10 boats. But more than happy to have 9 boats.
The start was up to Martin-Weaver on a sou easter with a course three and we watched as the first two fleets took off. A number of tacks were required and it was how deep into the freeway did you want to go. Lockie tried a daring start on port and was brutally rolled by Andy Bell on the First Jindarra. Sorry Lockie, but you wont get past that fellow. So he found himself low on the line as we crossed over to the freeway side weaving through the two fleets that had started beforehand. If we had gone another 20 meters in, then may be we would have cleared the pens on the other side, but all said and done, we still were second around Martin and chasing down Andy Bell.
Down the breeze to Sampson with a string of boats on our tail and the C fleet boats intermingled with us as they were on a different start heading off down wind. They gave us a bit of room this time. The fleet was still sorting itself out and Rupert on Georgina was mixing it with the best. The interest was in the scrum in the middle with half a dozen boats vying for a better spot than the other. Swapping spots on the run to King was in order and only when we settled for the dash to Robins that we began to show some order in the fleet. Damn me. Georgina is still in the running. A clean hull has done him well. Around Robins with Lockie trying everything to get past and eventually he sat on our transom for a while.
Around Print and away to Foam and back to Robins again. But by now Lockie was through us and our task was a little grimmer as John Wright was on our tail again. He's as sticky as a piece of chewy and as hard to brush off as a blowfly. His task was to keep close to us and in doing so improve his chances of a win on handicap. So down to Print then to Como and the outer startline weaving our way through the oncoming traffic. No real problem but it was a matter of keeping an eye out. Around the outer mark and Sampson then a small dash around King to Addison and then back via Como. All was well, but the run to the finish line wasn't without pain as most of us had to tack on the line, as we had dropped down below the inner pin. A good day overall, though the skipper would have liked to be a little faster.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Mariner.
On handicap: Anna, Wynella and The First Jindarra.
A few photos from the Sunday frostbite 2nd of August
Because Rupert asked nicely!
Because Rupert asked nicely!
Winter Wednesday Sailing 29th of July.
The return to Consistency &
A game of chasey!
Without any doubt, the starters got it right this time. A light breezes course 4 on a day which was indicating a nor wester. Madness we thought, however the breeze was rotating and by the time we left the line it was already in the west and heading south. Eight boats on the line today and only damage to Andy Bells boat ruled out his return. Someone had rammed his boat just at the point where the back stay was attached on the port side. He must have decided it was too risky to go out unless the damage was repaired. Fair enough, but we would like to find out who did the damage.
With eight boats the start line was going to be fun and to the delight of the skipper we nailed the start. However Lockie had chosen to go low and he was just drawing away from us meter by meter as we struggled with our own personal hole in the breeze. Brian was a little irked, but pinned his ears back ready for the chase. However the chase wasn't just between the two of us. John Wright managed to get us on a cross and only by a bit of luck, did we get to Robins before he did. However the dip into Frenchies was mandated, but we stayed out chasing the pressure while John went in, but we had had to go into the shallows near the Applecross jetty on the next beat to try and get an angle for Robins.
Around Robins we went, but there was another tussle developing with Swiftsure, Alma and Wynella swapping the lead between the three regularly. John P is getting a little better at the art of helming and was taking the battle up to Judy on Alma. Glen was having a rough day apparently with the boat and crew that bit further back. However the wind was a sou wester by now, not a lot, but enough to allow us to play around a little. Dolphin East grew as our target and a pole was mandated for the run down the breeze to Como where the Royal Perth Fleet were busily circling the mark for their return back up the breeze. Lockie was being shaded by a couple of boats, but up on the cabin top I couldn't see who it was, but it slowed him down a little. Across to the outer startline and around with the chance to get a little closer to Lockie.
At this time one of the serial pests became annoying as he had been on our tail since Como. He'd kept clear most of the time, but on the way to Sampson it was clear he was going to try to power up behind us with no need to do it. Fine, but then he nearly took off our transom as he swung onto a starboard tack immediately after the mark. Perhaps 15 cm in it. And what's worse is that he wasn't even in the hunt for a win. He retired somewhere along the line. However the issue was more immediate.. if he'd taken our rudder off it would have caused a fair bit of grief.
Around the small triangle of King, Print, Foam with a pole to Como and a bit shyer to Thelma. Then a tight run up to the finish line with the sight of Corella slipping over the line in front of us. A good chase, but it wasn't finished there as Anna was not that far behind. Handicaps came into play.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Anna.
On handicap: Mariner and Anna equal first and Corella third.
Georgina graced us again with her presence and has learnt how to get the fish and chip shop off the hull. They joined us for a chat after sailing and learnt that $65 would pressure clean the hull and remover the barnacles as well. Young Rupert had been diving on the boat to try and clean it. Not a nice job in the middle of winter. She'll be clean shortly.
The return to Consistency &
A game of chasey!
Without any doubt, the starters got it right this time. A light breezes course 4 on a day which was indicating a nor wester. Madness we thought, however the breeze was rotating and by the time we left the line it was already in the west and heading south. Eight boats on the line today and only damage to Andy Bells boat ruled out his return. Someone had rammed his boat just at the point where the back stay was attached on the port side. He must have decided it was too risky to go out unless the damage was repaired. Fair enough, but we would like to find out who did the damage.
With eight boats the start line was going to be fun and to the delight of the skipper we nailed the start. However Lockie had chosen to go low and he was just drawing away from us meter by meter as we struggled with our own personal hole in the breeze. Brian was a little irked, but pinned his ears back ready for the chase. However the chase wasn't just between the two of us. John Wright managed to get us on a cross and only by a bit of luck, did we get to Robins before he did. However the dip into Frenchies was mandated, but we stayed out chasing the pressure while John went in, but we had had to go into the shallows near the Applecross jetty on the next beat to try and get an angle for Robins.
Around Robins we went, but there was another tussle developing with Swiftsure, Alma and Wynella swapping the lead between the three regularly. John P is getting a little better at the art of helming and was taking the battle up to Judy on Alma. Glen was having a rough day apparently with the boat and crew that bit further back. However the wind was a sou wester by now, not a lot, but enough to allow us to play around a little. Dolphin East grew as our target and a pole was mandated for the run down the breeze to Como where the Royal Perth Fleet were busily circling the mark for their return back up the breeze. Lockie was being shaded by a couple of boats, but up on the cabin top I couldn't see who it was, but it slowed him down a little. Across to the outer startline and around with the chance to get a little closer to Lockie.
At this time one of the serial pests became annoying as he had been on our tail since Como. He'd kept clear most of the time, but on the way to Sampson it was clear he was going to try to power up behind us with no need to do it. Fine, but then he nearly took off our transom as he swung onto a starboard tack immediately after the mark. Perhaps 15 cm in it. And what's worse is that he wasn't even in the hunt for a win. He retired somewhere along the line. However the issue was more immediate.. if he'd taken our rudder off it would have caused a fair bit of grief.
Around the small triangle of King, Print, Foam with a pole to Como and a bit shyer to Thelma. Then a tight run up to the finish line with the sight of Corella slipping over the line in front of us. A good chase, but it wasn't finished there as Anna was not that far behind. Handicaps came into play.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Anna.
On handicap: Mariner and Anna equal first and Corella third.
Georgina graced us again with her presence and has learnt how to get the fish and chip shop off the hull. They joined us for a chat after sailing and learnt that $65 would pressure clean the hull and remover the barnacles as well. Young Rupert had been diving on the boat to try and clean it. Not a nice job in the middle of winter. She'll be clean shortly.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 22nd of July.
Well done to Judith (& her crew on Alma) and
A nor wester that behaved.
While due respect needs be given to Judith and the mob on her boat, the nor wester must be respected. Its usually a sod of a thing that fluctuates up and down, swinging like a tyre on a rope in the back yard and essentially causing havoc amongst the fleet. None of the above. Perhaps a flicker as we fell into Hallmark, but that's all.
The usuals lined up and for once Judith was (coerced, bullied, told) that she was the helm for the day and with a solid crew she did so. John P was out on the water again with Bill working hard on the main again and Glen had the company of the lovely Denise Weaver to make the boat look better on the day. Amongst the stalwarts, both Mariner and Anna were strictly old crew so no problems there.
Where do we go on the start line was the question as we had decided long before what the course would be. A soldiers course without a doubt and first to Sampson ruled the roost. Providing you didn't stuff up. Middle on the start line and heading West our first move was to toss early and cover the rest of them above us. A good move as we were ahead of the three to the west of us and far enough away from Wynella to relax a little. It was only John Wright on our tail that was to worry us, but he had to do the job... all we had to do was to stay in front.
Around Sampson and a reach to Hallmark with a bend around Neddies to harden up on. All the time, Judith and Alma were tight on Johns tail and disquietingly, we watched as Wynella and Swiftsure dropped further away. Around Armstrong and set a line for Print (and yes we checked). Away we went. No strong gusts but as we came down the line to Como, we fell into the RP fleet again as they had it for a mark to bend around and we had a number of our boats to deal with. Safety first. Go wide around the S80, leave room for the RP boat with no rights and then set a pole for the outer startline. All the time we had a "block of flats" sitting on our transom but the threat of taking them up was sufficient. Around the outer startline we went and then away to Samson again.
By this time it was the three of us out the front and Wynella and Swiftsure Saga in contest well behind, surprising us rather because Wynella is good in these airs.. back up to Dolphin East and a chance to get away from Anna who'd been catching up on the down wind legs. Simply a drag race from now on and a chance to fly a pole wasn't refused with the run back to Como and thence to Thelma, a test of both the crew and the foredeck as the angles changed. Thelma was reached, the pole stowed and a run to the line was simply a matter of by how much. But Alma and Judith were still there and with her lower handicap, she was going to scoop the pool.
Over the line: Mariner, Anna and Alma.
On handicap: Alma, Anna and Mariner.
Well done to Judith (& her crew on Alma) and
A nor wester that behaved.
While due respect needs be given to Judith and the mob on her boat, the nor wester must be respected. Its usually a sod of a thing that fluctuates up and down, swinging like a tyre on a rope in the back yard and essentially causing havoc amongst the fleet. None of the above. Perhaps a flicker as we fell into Hallmark, but that's all.
The usuals lined up and for once Judith was (coerced, bullied, told) that she was the helm for the day and with a solid crew she did so. John P was out on the water again with Bill working hard on the main again and Glen had the company of the lovely Denise Weaver to make the boat look better on the day. Amongst the stalwarts, both Mariner and Anna were strictly old crew so no problems there.
Where do we go on the start line was the question as we had decided long before what the course would be. A soldiers course without a doubt and first to Sampson ruled the roost. Providing you didn't stuff up. Middle on the start line and heading West our first move was to toss early and cover the rest of them above us. A good move as we were ahead of the three to the west of us and far enough away from Wynella to relax a little. It was only John Wright on our tail that was to worry us, but he had to do the job... all we had to do was to stay in front.
Around Sampson and a reach to Hallmark with a bend around Neddies to harden up on. All the time, Judith and Alma were tight on Johns tail and disquietingly, we watched as Wynella and Swiftsure dropped further away. Around Armstrong and set a line for Print (and yes we checked). Away we went. No strong gusts but as we came down the line to Como, we fell into the RP fleet again as they had it for a mark to bend around and we had a number of our boats to deal with. Safety first. Go wide around the S80, leave room for the RP boat with no rights and then set a pole for the outer startline. All the time we had a "block of flats" sitting on our transom but the threat of taking them up was sufficient. Around the outer startline we went and then away to Samson again.
By this time it was the three of us out the front and Wynella and Swiftsure Saga in contest well behind, surprising us rather because Wynella is good in these airs.. back up to Dolphin East and a chance to get away from Anna who'd been catching up on the down wind legs. Simply a drag race from now on and a chance to fly a pole wasn't refused with the run back to Como and thence to Thelma, a test of both the crew and the foredeck as the angles changed. Thelma was reached, the pole stowed and a run to the line was simply a matter of by how much. But Alma and Judith were still there and with her lower handicap, she was going to scoop the pool.
Over the line: Mariner, Anna and Alma.
On handicap: Alma, Anna and Mariner.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 15th of July.
Big John gets a drive &
A challenge for the skipper.
It's with a certain amount of excitement that we can claim another skipper in the fleet. With Bill due to get surgery on his hand he gave the tiller of Swiftsure Saga to John P on what was to be a quiet day. Yeah, right ! It was a nor wester that had embedded gusts in it and it certainly made it fun for the day. A course three with a northerly start had all five boats making their way up to Sampson weaving their way up the river to the mark and fortunately we had a good start on Mariner, but we knew that Steve on Karoleeya had Kate Lammonby to keep him on his toes. Wynella had a full crew as well and Ernie wasn't going to let Glen take a nap on the day. Georgina and crew were out for the second time and I will note that I saw them out practicing with a kite on Sunday.
Rounding Sampson we headed off to King and began the reach down to Robins well in front and with the lead extending as we went. The battle behind us was between Glen and Steve with neither giving way and they would take the other up as far as necessary. Wonderful to watch actually. But little did they realise that they were keeping John and Swiftsure Saga in the hunt as he was able to stay in touch. Around Robins we went and the course was set for Foam....damn it.. it should have been for Print. And we didn't realise it till the boats started to pass us one by one on a different course. Muttered cursing aside, the course was reset, but we were on a soldiers course and the challenge was to get close to them again and then pass each one. Hard work in any ones language.
Fortunately we had waved goodbye to the Royal fleet, but our job was to get around Print and Foam and get closer to the boats in front. At this stage it was getting blacker toward the north and we were expecting something, but didn't know what. Robins then was our next target and we were slowly reeling them in, but as close as we were, you cant normally pass on a reach. From Robins and away to Print again. The storm front that had been building rolled in and again the Royal fleet was passing us on starboard. Now here's a challenge to think of.
Slowly working our way under Swiftsure Saga, we used the increasing pressure to push us forward with the skip bellowing to hold the line and ease the sheets as the breeze drove us into the oncoming Royal fleet searching for a gap. Duck, dodge and finally find a gap. Through we went and beside us, Swiftsure roared along like a sled on rails. John was doing fine. But we made Como in front and then faced Karoleeya on a down wind run to the outer startline. Slowly we edged through them and probably trimming did the job for us, because there wasn't too much in it. Drop the poles, gybe the sails and then away to Sampson again, up the breeze with Wynella in our sights.
By Sampson we knew we had a chance and the run to King let us get a bit closer. Down wind and two sail reaching can be fast and it kept us going quickly. Then the run out to Addison made our day and we got them on the crosses with the first one being rather close, but from then on the gap expanded. At Addison the breeze had almost dropped away and we were then facing a challenging run down the breeze to Como and then to the finish line. Slow work, but we were able to keep our lead and despite warnings of " the fat lady not singing yet" we made it to the line. Swiftsure Saga managed to get past Wynella by a second at the finish but shared the finish on handicap. Home to the jetties and pack the boat up with indecent speed as the next round of rain was coming our way.
Over the line: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga, Wynella
On handicap: Wynella and Swiftsure shared the win with Karoleeya third.
Well done John P for a good day out and we look forward to Georgina getting a little further around the track. :-)
Big John gets a drive &
A challenge for the skipper.
It's with a certain amount of excitement that we can claim another skipper in the fleet. With Bill due to get surgery on his hand he gave the tiller of Swiftsure Saga to John P on what was to be a quiet day. Yeah, right ! It was a nor wester that had embedded gusts in it and it certainly made it fun for the day. A course three with a northerly start had all five boats making their way up to Sampson weaving their way up the river to the mark and fortunately we had a good start on Mariner, but we knew that Steve on Karoleeya had Kate Lammonby to keep him on his toes. Wynella had a full crew as well and Ernie wasn't going to let Glen take a nap on the day. Georgina and crew were out for the second time and I will note that I saw them out practicing with a kite on Sunday.
Rounding Sampson we headed off to King and began the reach down to Robins well in front and with the lead extending as we went. The battle behind us was between Glen and Steve with neither giving way and they would take the other up as far as necessary. Wonderful to watch actually. But little did they realise that they were keeping John and Swiftsure Saga in the hunt as he was able to stay in touch. Around Robins we went and the course was set for Foam....damn it.. it should have been for Print. And we didn't realise it till the boats started to pass us one by one on a different course. Muttered cursing aside, the course was reset, but we were on a soldiers course and the challenge was to get close to them again and then pass each one. Hard work in any ones language.
Fortunately we had waved goodbye to the Royal fleet, but our job was to get around Print and Foam and get closer to the boats in front. At this stage it was getting blacker toward the north and we were expecting something, but didn't know what. Robins then was our next target and we were slowly reeling them in, but as close as we were, you cant normally pass on a reach. From Robins and away to Print again. The storm front that had been building rolled in and again the Royal fleet was passing us on starboard. Now here's a challenge to think of.
Slowly working our way under Swiftsure Saga, we used the increasing pressure to push us forward with the skip bellowing to hold the line and ease the sheets as the breeze drove us into the oncoming Royal fleet searching for a gap. Duck, dodge and finally find a gap. Through we went and beside us, Swiftsure roared along like a sled on rails. John was doing fine. But we made Como in front and then faced Karoleeya on a down wind run to the outer startline. Slowly we edged through them and probably trimming did the job for us, because there wasn't too much in it. Drop the poles, gybe the sails and then away to Sampson again, up the breeze with Wynella in our sights.
By Sampson we knew we had a chance and the run to King let us get a bit closer. Down wind and two sail reaching can be fast and it kept us going quickly. Then the run out to Addison made our day and we got them on the crosses with the first one being rather close, but from then on the gap expanded. At Addison the breeze had almost dropped away and we were then facing a challenging run down the breeze to Como and then to the finish line. Slow work, but we were able to keep our lead and despite warnings of " the fat lady not singing yet" we made it to the line. Swiftsure Saga managed to get past Wynella by a second at the finish but shared the finish on handicap. Home to the jetties and pack the boat up with indecent speed as the next round of rain was coming our way.
Over the line: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga, Wynella
On handicap: Wynella and Swiftsure shared the win with Karoleeya third.
Well done John P for a good day out and we look forward to Georgina getting a little further around the track. :-)
Vale: Ross Wesley Vance
Farewell to a foundation member of the H28's. Ross W Vance.
Ross sailed with the South of Perth Yacht club and more particularly with the H28 fleet for many years and skippered a number of H28's Karolya (Karoleeya) from 1958, Kiwa (Nadia) in the mid 1960's, Soraya thereafter and Suzanna in 2004. He will be remembered at a funeral service at the East Fremantle YC on the 21st of July to celebrate his life.
Many thanks from the H28 community.
Repeated below is part of a funeral notice published in the West Australian on the 8th of July.
Devoted Husband to Pamela, loved Father of Naomi, Jason and Benjamin. Honoured Father-in-Law of Mark, Jodie and Elly. Grandfather to 7, Great Grandfather of 2. Hard worker, faithful believer, accomplished sailor, died Saturday 4th July. Your courage, our inspiration for generations to come.
Winter Wednesday Sailing 8th of July.
My Goodness, my Guinness. &
Staying in front of Wynella. (doing it by inches)
Never a more forlorn look on a blokes face has ever been seen as David Locke was ensconced in the ballroom bar with a blonde beer in front of him. Kilkenny Dave? "Yeah... they don't have any Guinness in either draught or cans". Our sailor par excellence was not upset, he was just a little put off by the clubs inability to keep up with his favourite beer.
Sailing on a really soft sou easter the starters had us heading off up to Martin - Weaver on a course 4 and boy did that set the cat amongst the pigeons. But it was per our request, as the comments from last week spelt out exactly what we had wanted on such a breeze.. There were plenty of boats that had to battle out the current across the top and we watched as Rob Male's Jindarra had to struggle to get around the mark long after we had passed him by.
We had given ourselves clear air from the startline to get to Martin with half a chance of playing the lifts and we did so rounding the mark in front with Wynella hot on our tail. Spread out behind us we had Corella, Swiftsure Saga, Alma and Aloha (helmed by Andrew and with surprise guest Colin Stephenson). Aloha was suffering from a boat slowing seafood market on her hull and dropped behind unfortunately. (Perhaps a lift up onto the hard and a scrub would make her quicker)
Making the mark was one thing, but crossing the swift flowing current was another and the skipper was cursing half way across. We should have gone up into the moorings and come down the river on the current. But fortunately we managed a double tack and rounded Weaver by inches with Corella on our transom. Then down the dying breeze, trying to get away from Lockie. Hard lines, but David went down to the freeway to see if he could get pressure, but then a breeze came out of the river and boosted everyone else and we watched as Wynella slipped past us and even Alma was starting to look dangerous. (as were the boats from C fleet who had caught up).
We rounded Sampson in second place and then began the drag race down the river and across the breeze to Robins with Glen ensconced in the lead and Brian throwing everything at him. Try to sail over him, no; under him, no; and then along came the Royal fleet. A chance to make a separation and get above him. Finally we had clear air and a chance to drag race him. It took a while, but with a fresh puff from the south, we lifted clear and began to spray dirty air on him. At this moment I took a chance to look back. My word, we had put a bit of a lead on between us and the rest.
Around Robins and a pole across to Dolphin East with a gybe at D.E. and we heard the horn go back at the club. Ok it was a one lap race. Stay ahead whatever we were to do. Making our minds up to reach across after D.E. we were aiming at Como and we had built up a good lead, but then the problem began to rear its head. Which way do we go. It was going to be a work no matter what. Do we go up the centre against the current, or do we drop down to Thelma on the freeway and come out looking at the line. We were a minute and 40 seconds in front.
Up the centre we went, with the discussion raging, go now, hold on for another 100 meters; aim for the start box, toss now and get your weight over. Mean while Wynella slipped down to Thelma and came out looking as though he was on a John Wright effect lift. "So long as you stay between your opponent and the finish line", was the call. So we soldiered on and then tacked for the line. By this time Glen on Wynella had found a place to tack, having fallen away from the line he wanted and he too was aiming at the line. But we were in front.
Getting to the line was the problem and we were dropping down. A lift, a lift, my kingdom for a lift. And the boat began to rise imperceptibly and from my vantage point as port side trimmer, the sight of the outer start line peg slipping past me at less that half a meter away was enough to make us happy. A toot from the starters confirmed our line honours and we began the pack up as we aimed at the pens. Wynella finished 32 seconds behind us. A good recovery from them. The rest of the fleet followed on as the breeze let them.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Corella.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Corella.
The news is out, Andy Bell is recovering from a knee replacement and hopes to be back on the water shortly ( Well, as soon as the quack will let him.) Get better Andrew, the rest of the fleet is getting cocky. :-)'
My Goodness, my Guinness. &
Staying in front of Wynella. (doing it by inches)
Never a more forlorn look on a blokes face has ever been seen as David Locke was ensconced in the ballroom bar with a blonde beer in front of him. Kilkenny Dave? "Yeah... they don't have any Guinness in either draught or cans". Our sailor par excellence was not upset, he was just a little put off by the clubs inability to keep up with his favourite beer.
Sailing on a really soft sou easter the starters had us heading off up to Martin - Weaver on a course 4 and boy did that set the cat amongst the pigeons. But it was per our request, as the comments from last week spelt out exactly what we had wanted on such a breeze.. There were plenty of boats that had to battle out the current across the top and we watched as Rob Male's Jindarra had to struggle to get around the mark long after we had passed him by.
We had given ourselves clear air from the startline to get to Martin with half a chance of playing the lifts and we did so rounding the mark in front with Wynella hot on our tail. Spread out behind us we had Corella, Swiftsure Saga, Alma and Aloha (helmed by Andrew and with surprise guest Colin Stephenson). Aloha was suffering from a boat slowing seafood market on her hull and dropped behind unfortunately. (Perhaps a lift up onto the hard and a scrub would make her quicker)
Making the mark was one thing, but crossing the swift flowing current was another and the skipper was cursing half way across. We should have gone up into the moorings and come down the river on the current. But fortunately we managed a double tack and rounded Weaver by inches with Corella on our transom. Then down the dying breeze, trying to get away from Lockie. Hard lines, but David went down to the freeway to see if he could get pressure, but then a breeze came out of the river and boosted everyone else and we watched as Wynella slipped past us and even Alma was starting to look dangerous. (as were the boats from C fleet who had caught up).
We rounded Sampson in second place and then began the drag race down the river and across the breeze to Robins with Glen ensconced in the lead and Brian throwing everything at him. Try to sail over him, no; under him, no; and then along came the Royal fleet. A chance to make a separation and get above him. Finally we had clear air and a chance to drag race him. It took a while, but with a fresh puff from the south, we lifted clear and began to spray dirty air on him. At this moment I took a chance to look back. My word, we had put a bit of a lead on between us and the rest.
Around Robins and a pole across to Dolphin East with a gybe at D.E. and we heard the horn go back at the club. Ok it was a one lap race. Stay ahead whatever we were to do. Making our minds up to reach across after D.E. we were aiming at Como and we had built up a good lead, but then the problem began to rear its head. Which way do we go. It was going to be a work no matter what. Do we go up the centre against the current, or do we drop down to Thelma on the freeway and come out looking at the line. We were a minute and 40 seconds in front.
Up the centre we went, with the discussion raging, go now, hold on for another 100 meters; aim for the start box, toss now and get your weight over. Mean while Wynella slipped down to Thelma and came out looking as though he was on a John Wright effect lift. "So long as you stay between your opponent and the finish line", was the call. So we soldiered on and then tacked for the line. By this time Glen on Wynella had found a place to tack, having fallen away from the line he wanted and he too was aiming at the line. But we were in front.
Getting to the line was the problem and we were dropping down. A lift, a lift, my kingdom for a lift. And the boat began to rise imperceptibly and from my vantage point as port side trimmer, the sight of the outer start line peg slipping past me at less that half a meter away was enough to make us happy. A toot from the starters confirmed our line honours and we began the pack up as we aimed at the pens. Wynella finished 32 seconds behind us. A good recovery from them. The rest of the fleet followed on as the breeze let them.
Over the line: Mariner, Wynella and Corella.
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Corella.
The news is out, Andy Bell is recovering from a knee replacement and hopes to be back on the water shortly ( Well, as soon as the quack will let him.) Get better Andrew, the rest of the fleet is getting cocky. :-)'
Winter Wednesday Sailing 1st of July.
Snakes and ladders. &
A little shove will do ya!
Half a dozen boats hit the water today and although we didn't have The First Jindarra and Corella, Steve brought Karoleeya out to play and Georgina made her way tentatively out onto the water for the first time for a while. Welcome to Rupert Ledger and family who discovered just what sailing these wooden boats can be about.
We were looking for a Martin-Weaver start as the wind was out of the south/ sou east with a huge tide pouring out of the Canning river and all of the Div one boys and girls were stacked up on the north side of the line expecting the box to tell us so. "Na !", was the response from the starters and it was going to be a dodgy day on the water as all the fleets were sent away down wind on a course four. Stay in the middle of the current was the catch cry and we did just that, with clean bottoms helping some of the boats glide through the water a little quicker.
Poised to leap over the line we watched as Bill Richards on Swiftsure found himself on the wrong side of the line as the current took him over before the start, however just as we fired up, the breeze dropped out and the next few minutes were spent in getting the boat rolling again. Catching up to Wynella and Anna was the order of the day. Poles were set and we set off in a slow motion drag race to Sampson. Rounding in the lead, the next step was to get to Robins and all the skipper had to do was point the boat and trim the sails.
Saying so is easier than doing so, we plugged along in one line while others took chances to try to improve their lot and John W took a chance diving into the Applecross jetty and came out on a fresh little sou easterly that had everyone behind us roaring down on our heels. We made Robins with inches to spare. Then to Dolphin East with the pack back on our transom again. An abrupt wind change out of the west had us gybing the main involuntarily and we made our way around the mark and aimed at the Royal Perth fleet who were fussing around at Foam. we slipped through them but not before Anna closed up a little. Never, ever underestimate the man. Then a bend at Como and a series of tacks up the breeze going toward the outer start line as the pressure dropped and dropped.
Anna went in to the Como jetty hoping to repeat his performance and for a moment it looked as though he was going to, but the breeze faltered and we were aiming at the outer mark, just hoping to make it with the tide pushing us down on the mark. Then Ted on Maverick ( a very old Farr 30 ) tried to fit himself in-between us and the mark.
FAIL TED, don't go there! And to stop the boat from hitting us, someone put a cautious hand out to prevent damage to the hull and pushed. Just enough to kill his speed and move his bow down onto the mark. We slipped past the mark, setting our sails and proceeded to watch the mayhem behind us. The wall of div two boats that had been coming up to the mark finally made it and poor John was caught in the proverbial rock and a hard place. No breeze, strong current and a myriad of boats clustered around the mark. We thought he was going home, he had gone so far to get clear air. But he made it and stayed in front of Bill on Swiftsure Saga who had kept focused on the main chance. Karoleeya was still plugging along and Glen was doing his best to stay in front of him. The mob on Georgina were sailing along well, but didn't stand a chance in their first day out in light weather racing. But we were glad that they had come out all the same, as they will get a decent handicap shortly.
Around the small triangle and the breeze had come back. 3 knots, 4 knots even 5 knots of speed on occasions and it was great to finish the race at a gallop, rather than a plod. It also meant that the rest of the fleet would finish in time as well. We finished with a fair bolt to the line and then packed up trying to warm ourselves up after a chilly day on the water.
Over the line: Mariner, Anna and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Mariner, Anna and Wynella.
Geoff Reason was seen pottering around on Carina having come down to run the motor and put a new fitting onto the boat. Nice to see his face around. And on another note, Colin Anderson from Wynella is going in for an op on Friday. Please think of the poor fellow as he undergoes keyhole surgery.
Snakes and ladders. &
A little shove will do ya!
Half a dozen boats hit the water today and although we didn't have The First Jindarra and Corella, Steve brought Karoleeya out to play and Georgina made her way tentatively out onto the water for the first time for a while. Welcome to Rupert Ledger and family who discovered just what sailing these wooden boats can be about.
We were looking for a Martin-Weaver start as the wind was out of the south/ sou east with a huge tide pouring out of the Canning river and all of the Div one boys and girls were stacked up on the north side of the line expecting the box to tell us so. "Na !", was the response from the starters and it was going to be a dodgy day on the water as all the fleets were sent away down wind on a course four. Stay in the middle of the current was the catch cry and we did just that, with clean bottoms helping some of the boats glide through the water a little quicker.
Poised to leap over the line we watched as Bill Richards on Swiftsure found himself on the wrong side of the line as the current took him over before the start, however just as we fired up, the breeze dropped out and the next few minutes were spent in getting the boat rolling again. Catching up to Wynella and Anna was the order of the day. Poles were set and we set off in a slow motion drag race to Sampson. Rounding in the lead, the next step was to get to Robins and all the skipper had to do was point the boat and trim the sails.
Saying so is easier than doing so, we plugged along in one line while others took chances to try to improve their lot and John W took a chance diving into the Applecross jetty and came out on a fresh little sou easterly that had everyone behind us roaring down on our heels. We made Robins with inches to spare. Then to Dolphin East with the pack back on our transom again. An abrupt wind change out of the west had us gybing the main involuntarily and we made our way around the mark and aimed at the Royal Perth fleet who were fussing around at Foam. we slipped through them but not before Anna closed up a little. Never, ever underestimate the man. Then a bend at Como and a series of tacks up the breeze going toward the outer start line as the pressure dropped and dropped.
Anna went in to the Como jetty hoping to repeat his performance and for a moment it looked as though he was going to, but the breeze faltered and we were aiming at the outer mark, just hoping to make it with the tide pushing us down on the mark. Then Ted on Maverick ( a very old Farr 30 ) tried to fit himself in-between us and the mark.
FAIL TED, don't go there! And to stop the boat from hitting us, someone put a cautious hand out to prevent damage to the hull and pushed. Just enough to kill his speed and move his bow down onto the mark. We slipped past the mark, setting our sails and proceeded to watch the mayhem behind us. The wall of div two boats that had been coming up to the mark finally made it and poor John was caught in the proverbial rock and a hard place. No breeze, strong current and a myriad of boats clustered around the mark. We thought he was going home, he had gone so far to get clear air. But he made it and stayed in front of Bill on Swiftsure Saga who had kept focused on the main chance. Karoleeya was still plugging along and Glen was doing his best to stay in front of him. The mob on Georgina were sailing along well, but didn't stand a chance in their first day out in light weather racing. But we were glad that they had come out all the same, as they will get a decent handicap shortly.
Around the small triangle and the breeze had come back. 3 knots, 4 knots even 5 knots of speed on occasions and it was great to finish the race at a gallop, rather than a plod. It also meant that the rest of the fleet would finish in time as well. We finished with a fair bolt to the line and then packed up trying to warm ourselves up after a chilly day on the water.
Over the line: Mariner, Anna and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Mariner, Anna and Wynella.
Geoff Reason was seen pottering around on Carina having come down to run the motor and put a new fitting onto the boat. Nice to see his face around. And on another note, Colin Anderson from Wynella is going in for an op on Friday. Please think of the poor fellow as he undergoes keyhole surgery.
Wednesday Sailing 24th of June.
Non consistency sailing &
The return of a pest.
A sou wester of varying strength and direction greeted the 7 boats that took off from the start line today. It was a wonderful afternoon and only spoilt by a couple of incidents that we will discuss later.
As can be expected, The First Jindarra was away by a boat length at the start on the way to Martin - Weaver and was never headed. So this is the race of the rest and we had a great time with good manners being shown to all and sundry. On Mariner we had bagged Phil Lammonby from his bike ride and snaffled Rob from his spot on Alma under the pretext that we were short handed. So we were set and a course four had us mid line and below the usual kerfuffle at the box end. Four boats were involved with Corella doing a fine job to run over the top and get past Anna, Alma and Wynella with Swiftsure Saga bringing up the rear.
Around Martin we were lucky enough to get ahead of the mob and it was only Corella who was going to challenge us alongside John Wright on Anna. Down to Sampson and off to Robins with Corella and Anna in hot pursuit. It was a good work up the river and we slipped past the Royal Perth fleet with little to disturb us. Then away to Robins with Lockie getting past us on the run and Anna going in deep to the Jetty near the old hotel Majestic. In fact he and Swiftsure Saga were quite close to the mud banks and John went a little further than he should have. Stuck.
Pity, as he was in a good spot to challenge from there. However we managed to take Lockie way past Robins and faced our own challenge from a Royal boat, just managing to complete the tack in time. Good, around the mark and away to Dolphin East with the breeze slowly dying. Around Dolphin East and a pole to Como, before we headed into the Outer start line and what was to be declared the finish line as the breeze continued to fall. But the pest was there. Morning Flite a big ss34 was creeping along and was just fast enough to interfere with our breeze so that he could make the corner before us. And then tried to take us up on the run to the line.
I though the skipper was very polite as he could have used the extensive vocabulary I've heard in the past. "You're not racing us.. why are you doing this." Perhaps the girls on his boat convinced him that good behaviour might be better so he slunk away to finish well below us. The result was in. The Jin was miles in front. Mariner second and Lockie third. On handicap; The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner with the last 5 boats across the line in about a minute. Good sailing and if John Wright had kept away from the bank, he would have been in the mix.
The discussion on the hill was extensive and happy with everyone with a tale to tell. Its a pity that the boys from the Jin went home early but that was their choice. See you next week.
Non consistency sailing &
The return of a pest.
A sou wester of varying strength and direction greeted the 7 boats that took off from the start line today. It was a wonderful afternoon and only spoilt by a couple of incidents that we will discuss later.
As can be expected, The First Jindarra was away by a boat length at the start on the way to Martin - Weaver and was never headed. So this is the race of the rest and we had a great time with good manners being shown to all and sundry. On Mariner we had bagged Phil Lammonby from his bike ride and snaffled Rob from his spot on Alma under the pretext that we were short handed. So we were set and a course four had us mid line and below the usual kerfuffle at the box end. Four boats were involved with Corella doing a fine job to run over the top and get past Anna, Alma and Wynella with Swiftsure Saga bringing up the rear.
Around Martin we were lucky enough to get ahead of the mob and it was only Corella who was going to challenge us alongside John Wright on Anna. Down to Sampson and off to Robins with Corella and Anna in hot pursuit. It was a good work up the river and we slipped past the Royal Perth fleet with little to disturb us. Then away to Robins with Lockie getting past us on the run and Anna going in deep to the Jetty near the old hotel Majestic. In fact he and Swiftsure Saga were quite close to the mud banks and John went a little further than he should have. Stuck.
Pity, as he was in a good spot to challenge from there. However we managed to take Lockie way past Robins and faced our own challenge from a Royal boat, just managing to complete the tack in time. Good, around the mark and away to Dolphin East with the breeze slowly dying. Around Dolphin East and a pole to Como, before we headed into the Outer start line and what was to be declared the finish line as the breeze continued to fall. But the pest was there. Morning Flite a big ss34 was creeping along and was just fast enough to interfere with our breeze so that he could make the corner before us. And then tried to take us up on the run to the line.
I though the skipper was very polite as he could have used the extensive vocabulary I've heard in the past. "You're not racing us.. why are you doing this." Perhaps the girls on his boat convinced him that good behaviour might be better so he slunk away to finish well below us. The result was in. The Jin was miles in front. Mariner second and Lockie third. On handicap; The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner with the last 5 boats across the line in about a minute. Good sailing and if John Wright had kept away from the bank, he would have been in the mix.
The discussion on the hill was extensive and happy with everyone with a tale to tell. Its a pity that the boys from the Jin went home early but that was their choice. See you next week.
Vale John Walker.
John Walker owner and builder of the original Jindarra. Died recently at the age of 91.
The boat was built in the early 60's and was berthed at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht club till she was sold to Alan Bell of SoPYC in 1972.
John Walker's exploits were detailed by a book written by his son Robert Walker and the tales describe a family growing up in the 1960's. By Roberts account and others, he was a fantastic sailor and enjoyed the company of sailors and others of a nautical ilk.
John Walker was the son of William Walker who was a commercial confectioner and John W took the family into chocolate making and indeed became one of the most famous chocolatiers in Australia. No bad for a bloke who was a dab hand in building and sailing boats.
Jindarra still sails at SoPYC today and has remained a winning boat in her class.
The photos below show Jindarra at the club under various owners and the one black and white is of her under Dick Newnham's ownership.
John Walker owner and builder of the original Jindarra. Died recently at the age of 91.
The boat was built in the early 60's and was berthed at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht club till she was sold to Alan Bell of SoPYC in 1972.
John Walker's exploits were detailed by a book written by his son Robert Walker and the tales describe a family growing up in the 1960's. By Roberts account and others, he was a fantastic sailor and enjoyed the company of sailors and others of a nautical ilk.
John Walker was the son of William Walker who was a commercial confectioner and John W took the family into chocolate making and indeed became one of the most famous chocolatiers in Australia. No bad for a bloke who was a dab hand in building and sailing boats.
Jindarra still sails at SoPYC today and has remained a winning boat in her class.
The photos below show Jindarra at the club under various owners and the one black and white is of her under Dick Newnham's ownership.
Frostbites the 21st of June 2020
The frostbite that wasn't &
An H28 to the rescue.
To address this issue before it gets away from me. Sunday Frostbites are my day off from the camera. I just go for a sail. But it wasn't technically a race, so I'll let it slip this time.
5 H28's on the water and 2 up on the slips (Carina and the 1st Jindarra) with another doing a new buyer run ( Georgina ) and Koomela out for a morning stroll. Quite a nice day on the water actually. The fleet comprised of Swiftsure Saga, Alma, Mariner, Wynella and Karoleeya and 3 out of 5 were rigged for kites. We had elected to use Lizzie the big headsail to drag us around and I think that Alma was a little short of help up front..
Take Cover had previously mistaken the river bank as a spot to park and was kindly rescued by a passing H28 who didn't know of his record with H28's. The rest of us were content to leave him there as punishment for prior sins as no one was in harm and the rescue boat wasn't answering the radio.
The big problem was that the breeze was dropping out. Winter nor'easters are notoriously unreliable and this one wasn't going to dissuade us of the notion. The starters had the AP ready and sure enough it was swinging from the flagstaff as div one was sent away on a course one. (what sou wester ?) The pin end was so biased that every one was trying to get there. Surely clear air was the first prerogative? So we watched the inevitable log jams as boats sorted themselves out and photographed some dolphins while they did so.
Back to the racing and Div. 2 set off on a lethargic charge that died out almost as soon as they crossed the line and it was then our turn. Sure enough, the AP went up with about 30 seconds to go. We had a great mid line spot and would have stormed (well almost) across the line in clear air while the pin was jammed with boats. Around we went again and with another start we were again mid line and Mariner and Karoleeya were caught in a pack of boats on the pin. Oh well, not our problem as we made our way slowly down the river using the outward going tide to speed us to a princely 1.2 knots. We were moving! "First boat to Sampson" murmured Bill. A fair call too.
Mariner had elected to go low and was running along the freeway with a small plastic boat in hot pursuit. Amazingly a 4.1 tonne H28 was doing better than a 1/4 tonne Benateau. Karoleeya and Alma were in hot contest at the rear and Wynella with the remarkable Phil Lammonby on the main doing ok a bit above us. But we had Lizzie working and every puff and zephyr was ours for the taking. Little lines of pressure appeared and disappeared and eventually Mariner found one along the freeway and began to move forward, but it was a westerly and we had it too. Damn the breeze; as it decided to disappear as well and we waited to see what would happen next. Crackles of sound from the radio. "Sailing abandoned for the day for all SoPYC boats". Sure enough a north wester sprang up. Just about 100 meters from Sampson.
"I'll be first" said Bill, as he took off for the mark while we asked the SoPYC Control for a confirmation of the cancellation. The confirmation came through and eventually we headed for home, to be greeted by an N over A on the box telling us that that was it for the day. The boats were packed up and we made our way up to Herreshoff Hill to discuss the afternoons entertainment.
A few cold beers, an olive or two and we began to wend our way home. Perhaps next time.
Geoff Reasons Carina will be hanging in the slings this evening to take up water after her fortnight out of the river and presumably The First Jindarra will be racing on Wednesday as will we all. A little bit of news has Aloha ( Andrew Minto) over on Jetty 4, within reach of the regulars, so if anyone wants to go for a yot with Andy, just tell him, though you may be asked to helm unless Andy Jnr is about.
Till Wednesday.
The frostbite that wasn't &
An H28 to the rescue.
To address this issue before it gets away from me. Sunday Frostbites are my day off from the camera. I just go for a sail. But it wasn't technically a race, so I'll let it slip this time.
5 H28's on the water and 2 up on the slips (Carina and the 1st Jindarra) with another doing a new buyer run ( Georgina ) and Koomela out for a morning stroll. Quite a nice day on the water actually. The fleet comprised of Swiftsure Saga, Alma, Mariner, Wynella and Karoleeya and 3 out of 5 were rigged for kites. We had elected to use Lizzie the big headsail to drag us around and I think that Alma was a little short of help up front..
Take Cover had previously mistaken the river bank as a spot to park and was kindly rescued by a passing H28 who didn't know of his record with H28's. The rest of us were content to leave him there as punishment for prior sins as no one was in harm and the rescue boat wasn't answering the radio.
The big problem was that the breeze was dropping out. Winter nor'easters are notoriously unreliable and this one wasn't going to dissuade us of the notion. The starters had the AP ready and sure enough it was swinging from the flagstaff as div one was sent away on a course one. (what sou wester ?) The pin end was so biased that every one was trying to get there. Surely clear air was the first prerogative? So we watched the inevitable log jams as boats sorted themselves out and photographed some dolphins while they did so.
Back to the racing and Div. 2 set off on a lethargic charge that died out almost as soon as they crossed the line and it was then our turn. Sure enough, the AP went up with about 30 seconds to go. We had a great mid line spot and would have stormed (well almost) across the line in clear air while the pin was jammed with boats. Around we went again and with another start we were again mid line and Mariner and Karoleeya were caught in a pack of boats on the pin. Oh well, not our problem as we made our way slowly down the river using the outward going tide to speed us to a princely 1.2 knots. We were moving! "First boat to Sampson" murmured Bill. A fair call too.
Mariner had elected to go low and was running along the freeway with a small plastic boat in hot pursuit. Amazingly a 4.1 tonne H28 was doing better than a 1/4 tonne Benateau. Karoleeya and Alma were in hot contest at the rear and Wynella with the remarkable Phil Lammonby on the main doing ok a bit above us. But we had Lizzie working and every puff and zephyr was ours for the taking. Little lines of pressure appeared and disappeared and eventually Mariner found one along the freeway and began to move forward, but it was a westerly and we had it too. Damn the breeze; as it decided to disappear as well and we waited to see what would happen next. Crackles of sound from the radio. "Sailing abandoned for the day for all SoPYC boats". Sure enough a north wester sprang up. Just about 100 meters from Sampson.
"I'll be first" said Bill, as he took off for the mark while we asked the SoPYC Control for a confirmation of the cancellation. The confirmation came through and eventually we headed for home, to be greeted by an N over A on the box telling us that that was it for the day. The boats were packed up and we made our way up to Herreshoff Hill to discuss the afternoons entertainment.
A few cold beers, an olive or two and we began to wend our way home. Perhaps next time.
Geoff Reasons Carina will be hanging in the slings this evening to take up water after her fortnight out of the river and presumably The First Jindarra will be racing on Wednesday as will we all. A little bit of news has Aloha ( Andrew Minto) over on Jetty 4, within reach of the regulars, so if anyone wants to go for a yot with Andy, just tell him, though you may be asked to helm unless Andy Jnr is about.
Till Wednesday.
Wednesday Sailing the 10th of June. 2020
Back on the Water again (If wishes were fishes) &
Geoff's got Carina up on the hard. Finally!
The last story first, as having watched Vic's old boat Carina, quietly sleeping in the pens gathering a seafood market on her hull, it was a distinct pleasure to see her up on the slips and Geoff industriously working on the hull. He had the help of shipwright Ian Weaver who was doing some work above the water line ensuring that the planks were properly sealed. Nice to see that Carina is getting the attention she needs, but as Geoff said, " no, I am going to put in some work on her for the next few weeks as I'm not going back to work for a while." So anyone who has free time over the next week would be welcome to come down and give Geoff a hand. By the by, he's put the motor back into the hull and it's pushing her along quite nicely, according to Geoff.
The first sanctioned Wednesday sail had quite a good day on the water with all of the fleets well represented with 30 boats overall out on the water and 5 h28s's making their way out. Brian Cross's Mariner wasn't a starter and neither was Andrew Bells, The First Jindarra, but at least we knew why Mariner wasn't going out, Judi had decreed that Brian needed a holiday and down south sounded like a good idea. He was well on his way down to Augusta by the time racing started. An invitation to join Wynella was accepted and I joined Glen to assist Russell Anderson and Barbie on the day.
It was a grumpy, testy Nor Wester that was flicking around a bit, between 10 to 15 knots and the skip was a bit worried that he had too big a jib on, but the gusts didn't get much above 15 knots and he persevered with the headsail to our ultimate benefit. A slightly slow start had us following the other four boats (Alma, Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Corella) on a course three which turned into a reaching course for the best of the day and our job was to try and catch the others. The first leg up to Sampson was a work and Bill Richards took the cake by going well out to the West and then coming down with a nice bit of speed to get in between Anna and Corella who had gone into the east around the Como jetty as we had. First points to Bill. Then to King and it was up to Dave on Corella to catch Bill up. John Wright had chosen to keep close and wait for a mistake and eventually he got there. But that comes later.
We all made King and another reach across to Robins ensued with the chance of changing places nullified by the reaching course. Around Robins and down to Print, but there was a slip in the trip as the breeze was continually knocking us down. We could see the boats in front of us suffering and took advantage of the freshening breeze to get as much height as possible before the inevitable knock. We all had to tack back, but somehow David Locke took the advantage and got ahead of Bill on Swiftsure Saga. "Follow me" he said. We'd closed up quite well by now and our dreams were still in place. Then across to Foam and up to Robins again. Nothing changed in the placings, but another feature popped up. Royal Perth had joined us on the water. They were using Foam and Print as well, and we were headed back to Print with a bend down to Como in preparation to a run back to the outer startline.
Listening to John Wright, he described it as a wall of boats and he and Swiftsure had to work their way through the fleet. That's where we all caught up with each other as we could see them choofing around making their way through and we found ourselves on Alma's tail. Beauty, a chance at last. But it was a reaching course wasn't it? Ok, make our way around Print and head down to the outer start line poled out and around the mark. Back to Sampson and off to King with a long run out to Addison, again a tight reach and no passing lanes. But we had a riot of dolphins in a fair feeding frenzy. Kept the boats crew amused for 10 minutes or so.
This time, said Glen and around Addison we went with a pole to set up and we were chasing Alma. 200 meters, pass Como; 150 meters pass Heathcote Mark and keep on boring down to the finish line. 27 seconds behind her. Oh well, this wasn't the best start we'd had, but the entire fleet rolled over the line in just over 4 minutes. We'd done ok.
Perhaps and maybe, if we'd had a better start; then again if wishes were fishes.
Over the line: Corella, Anna, Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Anna, Alma, Wynella.
Back on the Water again (If wishes were fishes) &
Geoff's got Carina up on the hard. Finally!
The last story first, as having watched Vic's old boat Carina, quietly sleeping in the pens gathering a seafood market on her hull, it was a distinct pleasure to see her up on the slips and Geoff industriously working on the hull. He had the help of shipwright Ian Weaver who was doing some work above the water line ensuring that the planks were properly sealed. Nice to see that Carina is getting the attention she needs, but as Geoff said, " no, I am going to put in some work on her for the next few weeks as I'm not going back to work for a while." So anyone who has free time over the next week would be welcome to come down and give Geoff a hand. By the by, he's put the motor back into the hull and it's pushing her along quite nicely, according to Geoff.
The first sanctioned Wednesday sail had quite a good day on the water with all of the fleets well represented with 30 boats overall out on the water and 5 h28s's making their way out. Brian Cross's Mariner wasn't a starter and neither was Andrew Bells, The First Jindarra, but at least we knew why Mariner wasn't going out, Judi had decreed that Brian needed a holiday and down south sounded like a good idea. He was well on his way down to Augusta by the time racing started. An invitation to join Wynella was accepted and I joined Glen to assist Russell Anderson and Barbie on the day.
It was a grumpy, testy Nor Wester that was flicking around a bit, between 10 to 15 knots and the skip was a bit worried that he had too big a jib on, but the gusts didn't get much above 15 knots and he persevered with the headsail to our ultimate benefit. A slightly slow start had us following the other four boats (Alma, Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Corella) on a course three which turned into a reaching course for the best of the day and our job was to try and catch the others. The first leg up to Sampson was a work and Bill Richards took the cake by going well out to the West and then coming down with a nice bit of speed to get in between Anna and Corella who had gone into the east around the Como jetty as we had. First points to Bill. Then to King and it was up to Dave on Corella to catch Bill up. John Wright had chosen to keep close and wait for a mistake and eventually he got there. But that comes later.
We all made King and another reach across to Robins ensued with the chance of changing places nullified by the reaching course. Around Robins and down to Print, but there was a slip in the trip as the breeze was continually knocking us down. We could see the boats in front of us suffering and took advantage of the freshening breeze to get as much height as possible before the inevitable knock. We all had to tack back, but somehow David Locke took the advantage and got ahead of Bill on Swiftsure Saga. "Follow me" he said. We'd closed up quite well by now and our dreams were still in place. Then across to Foam and up to Robins again. Nothing changed in the placings, but another feature popped up. Royal Perth had joined us on the water. They were using Foam and Print as well, and we were headed back to Print with a bend down to Como in preparation to a run back to the outer startline.
Listening to John Wright, he described it as a wall of boats and he and Swiftsure had to work their way through the fleet. That's where we all caught up with each other as we could see them choofing around making their way through and we found ourselves on Alma's tail. Beauty, a chance at last. But it was a reaching course wasn't it? Ok, make our way around Print and head down to the outer start line poled out and around the mark. Back to Sampson and off to King with a long run out to Addison, again a tight reach and no passing lanes. But we had a riot of dolphins in a fair feeding frenzy. Kept the boats crew amused for 10 minutes or so.
This time, said Glen and around Addison we went with a pole to set up and we were chasing Alma. 200 meters, pass Como; 150 meters pass Heathcote Mark and keep on boring down to the finish line. 27 seconds behind her. Oh well, this wasn't the best start we'd had, but the entire fleet rolled over the line in just over 4 minutes. We'd done ok.
Perhaps and maybe, if we'd had a better start; then again if wishes were fishes.
Over the line: Corella, Anna, Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Anna, Alma, Wynella.
Thursday the 4th of June 2020
Farewell to Indra. The last of the ketch rigged H28's
And a return to the water shortly.
I've known that Indra has lived up in Maylands now for the last 10 years or so, quietly dreaming of her former glories on the Swan river. I haven't dropped through there for at least 2 years and I went up on the off chance recently to see if she was there and to check to see whether any other H28's had popped up. I looked to where she had been, but there was nothing there and it looked to have been recently cleared away.
I knew the shipwright, Nick Truelove and sure enough he was lending a hand to another fellow on the reconstruction of a very nice yacht that was undergoing work up in the sheds. I had a chat to him and of course he pointed to where she should be.. well she wasn't. He was slightly surprised as the yacht had been there as long as he had... but it was gone. Missed that one he said, they must have taken her away over a weekend I wasn't here.
So Indira has joined the list of H28's to disappear forever.
Briefly:
Roy Dedman advised Indra was built in Busselton in the early 1960s. She was built from the frames of Jedda but ketch rigged. The original owner licensed her as a fishing boat for a year but found a H28 unsuitable for that type of work, particularly in winter months. The yacht was purchased by Jim Case and raised from a watery grave in 1982 and major restoration was required to bring her hull back from the dead and was completed on the hardstand area at SoPYC. When she was re-floated, the yacht again settled on the bottom beside the finger jetty and so was pumped out and allocated to a pen. She sank again in deeper water and was completely submerged. The yacht was purchased by Graham Lewis in 1994 and stayed on the end of a jetty periodically sinking and being raised. She eventually was removed to Maylands for remedial work in 2009 and it was contemplated at the time that she may be converted to sloop rig.
I first became aware of her in 2013 on a visit to the Maylands Amateur Boat building yards and I've kept an eye on her ever since.
Vale Indra.
Return to sailing.
It's pretty clear to all that sailing will recommence shortly and with any luck this blog will liven up a little. There has been the odd "trundle on the river " to which I've been able to attend some of, but recent visits to the skin doctor have made it uncomfortable for me to risk popping stitches. They come out on Monday so I'll be back on the river shortly.
Thursday the 21st of May 2020
The arrival of Suzanna
Mucking around on Jetty 3
Its probably about time that I announced that Suzanna has returned to Melville Waters. I had an email a couple of weeks ago from Jack Hennessy who was a frequenter of the Maylands area in a kayak. Apparently he had been eyeing off the hull for a number of years and plucked up the courage when he saw a "for sale" sign on the transom. He has had the pleasure of belting around in a 16 ft Hartley and then a Court 650 in the past and he brought Suzanna down the river about 4 weeks ago. She's temporarily penned down at East Freo but will be making her way up to a Matilda Bay mooring. Jack has made it clear that he'd appreciate some advice in mast, boom and rig set up, so please feel free to contact me and I can pass on his details.
Briefly; Suzanna had the numbers SP51 and was built in Nedlands and sailed by J and M Hewitt. She was with the South of Perth Yacht Club under both Tony Fisher and Ross Vance till 2004 or thereabouts and then made her way up to Hillarys where her new owner Geoff Pert-Tang kept her for a while before moving her to Maylands. There is a certain amount of conjecture as to ownership and time frames here so forgive me if I'm not entirely accurate.
And then Jetty Three has been getting a face lift.
After about 18 years, it was agreed that replacing the timber decking would be a good idea. The cost of replacing the panelling was horrendous so the idea of the Bosuns club was born. Volunteers were requested and we flocked to the banner being waved by Crossy. And just to get an idea of how efficient we were, they threw the un-paving of the quarterdeck at us to start with, allowing 2 days for the event. We did it in 4 hours on Thursday morning.
The Jetty.
They allowed for 2 weeks and by Friday of the first week, we were looking at doing the finger jetties as well, though they will take more time. The skill sets displayed was remarkable and the club has probably saved several thousands of $$$$ in the doing so. Whether the forecast weather for next week ( 25th to the 29th of May ) will let us do it, doesn't really matter as the main job has been done.
The first photos are of Suzanna up at Maylands, the next lot are of the fun and games on the Q deck and on the Jetty.
The arrival of Suzanna
Mucking around on Jetty 3
Its probably about time that I announced that Suzanna has returned to Melville Waters. I had an email a couple of weeks ago from Jack Hennessy who was a frequenter of the Maylands area in a kayak. Apparently he had been eyeing off the hull for a number of years and plucked up the courage when he saw a "for sale" sign on the transom. He has had the pleasure of belting around in a 16 ft Hartley and then a Court 650 in the past and he brought Suzanna down the river about 4 weeks ago. She's temporarily penned down at East Freo but will be making her way up to a Matilda Bay mooring. Jack has made it clear that he'd appreciate some advice in mast, boom and rig set up, so please feel free to contact me and I can pass on his details.
Briefly; Suzanna had the numbers SP51 and was built in Nedlands and sailed by J and M Hewitt. She was with the South of Perth Yacht Club under both Tony Fisher and Ross Vance till 2004 or thereabouts and then made her way up to Hillarys where her new owner Geoff Pert-Tang kept her for a while before moving her to Maylands. There is a certain amount of conjecture as to ownership and time frames here so forgive me if I'm not entirely accurate.
And then Jetty Three has been getting a face lift.
After about 18 years, it was agreed that replacing the timber decking would be a good idea. The cost of replacing the panelling was horrendous so the idea of the Bosuns club was born. Volunteers were requested and we flocked to the banner being waved by Crossy. And just to get an idea of how efficient we were, they threw the un-paving of the quarterdeck at us to start with, allowing 2 days for the event. We did it in 4 hours on Thursday morning.
The Jetty.
They allowed for 2 weeks and by Friday of the first week, we were looking at doing the finger jetties as well, though they will take more time. The skill sets displayed was remarkable and the club has probably saved several thousands of $$$$ in the doing so. Whether the forecast weather for next week ( 25th to the 29th of May ) will let us do it, doesn't really matter as the main job has been done.
The first photos are of Suzanna up at Maylands, the next lot are of the fun and games on the Q deck and on the Jetty.
Tuesday the 12th of May 2020
Napea of Carrick and a little surgery.
Apart from the huge winds that we had last Friday, it was quite a nice weekend though there are bits and pieces all over the place to be picked up. On a chance, I'd slipped down to see Napea of Carrick as I'd heard that she was up and sure enough Leon from the Freshwater Bay Marine services was working on her, with a couple of ribs to be replaced under where the old fridge used to be. " Soft" said Lockie, "you could put your hand in and pull bits off". Fair enough so the job was underway and the hull was getting a good scrape down with a recoat of antifoul to keep her in shape.
As a matter of interest, her weight out this time was 4.6 tonne as opposed to 4.8 tonne in 2018 and then Brian chimed in with " have they allowed for the weight of the straps". Well you'd presume they would have..... Jim had also put a newer, more powerful propeller on her and hopefully she will have the ability to get out of the pen more easily now. He is still using traditional seam sealants rather than silicon and has a slightly different approach to some owners in that he doesn't mind if there's a bit of water in the boat. It just means a little more care to be taken about her.
We have to remember that Napea of Carrick was originally a Freshy boat and had managed to work her way up to the islands where she was a near wreck when Bill Solomon found her in the mid 70's. He bought her and took her to Geraldton where he restored her and then sailed her back to Perth where he and Val his wife joined the SoPYC and sailed her right through to 2010 when she was sold to Russell Fletcher and then eventually to Jim Spittle as part of a consortium. Jim bought the others out (I think) and has slowly brought her back to her sailing ways.
Enjoy the photos.
Napea of Carrick and a little surgery.
Apart from the huge winds that we had last Friday, it was quite a nice weekend though there are bits and pieces all over the place to be picked up. On a chance, I'd slipped down to see Napea of Carrick as I'd heard that she was up and sure enough Leon from the Freshwater Bay Marine services was working on her, with a couple of ribs to be replaced under where the old fridge used to be. " Soft" said Lockie, "you could put your hand in and pull bits off". Fair enough so the job was underway and the hull was getting a good scrape down with a recoat of antifoul to keep her in shape.
As a matter of interest, her weight out this time was 4.6 tonne as opposed to 4.8 tonne in 2018 and then Brian chimed in with " have they allowed for the weight of the straps". Well you'd presume they would have..... Jim had also put a newer, more powerful propeller on her and hopefully she will have the ability to get out of the pen more easily now. He is still using traditional seam sealants rather than silicon and has a slightly different approach to some owners in that he doesn't mind if there's a bit of water in the boat. It just means a little more care to be taken about her.
We have to remember that Napea of Carrick was originally a Freshy boat and had managed to work her way up to the islands where she was a near wreck when Bill Solomon found her in the mid 70's. He bought her and took her to Geraldton where he restored her and then sailed her back to Perth where he and Val his wife joined the SoPYC and sailed her right through to 2010 when she was sold to Russell Fletcher and then eventually to Jim Spittle as part of a consortium. Jim bought the others out (I think) and has slowly brought her back to her sailing ways.
Enjoy the photos.
Tuesday the 5th of May 2020
More of the Stuart - Turner monologues.
These stories were written in July 2015 during what was a cold and desolate winter. It was clear that the days for the Stuart - Turner were numbered and the chance for new owners to revive (or otherwise) these motors was open. At present Georgina's motor is to be replaced with an electric motor and Carina's Stuey has been replaced by a diesel.
However it wasn't the end for Carina's Stuey … she was presented to the amateur motor restorers out at Whiteman's Park along with a trailer load of spare bits and pieces that Vic Court had accumulated over the boats lifetime. She may very well be purring away in a shed out at Whiteman's Park showing off her paces to all the visitors.
However I have yet to interview Stuart Turner ( Anna ). There may be an interesting tale here as she has laboured mightily for the last 50 years or so and still turns over at a flick of the switch. A nod to John Wright who has looked after her for 35 years or so.
A thought for Georgina.
Poor Stuart Georgina.
Left alone for months, sniffling and backfiring when she was whipped into life.
Sitting at the bottom of a hull that was slowly falling in around her ears.
Whimpering, she listened to her prospective owners as they clambered aboard each week to look at the boat that was so cheap to buy.
Would they be kind, would they love her; could they see that she was ready to perform for them. And so they left and weeks passed, with the baking sun pouring down through the rents in the cover and the water rising around the unattended bilges.
It was a lurch that woke her rudely from her worthless dozing.
"Lets see what the engine's like," a soft voice said and the hatch over her head was lifted up.
"Oh dear" the voice said. "She hasn't run for a while has she". A once familiar voice cried that a few turns over was all she needed and hands proceeded to prime her carburettor, pull at the choke and then stab the starter repeatedly.
Seizing her chance, Georgina started bravely with nothing less than everything she had in the effort. With a loud report that echoed off the surrounding hulls she belched and blew out the muck of the last months of inaction and began to spin merrily. "Funny" the familiar voice muttered under his breath, "she hasn't done that for a while."
"Well that's one question out of the way" the soft voice said, "lets see what the rest of the hull is like" and the voices trailed away as they moved toward the bow. But she kept running happily. Maybe this time.
Shut down again, all she could do is wait, then a week or so later, she was again opened up to the sky, started and then she found herself heading out onto the river again. No more foul tasting pen water ...decent river water at last. Her joy was short lived as she found herself being taken up on the slips.
From the talk amongst the boats she knew what that meant, inspection time for the boat and possibly a clean for the hull and check over of the boats structure under the water. "Good, it's about time the propeller was cleaned," she thought and the prospect cheered her mightily.
Carina's fate.
"Hey, what's going on?"
The sound of a buzzing grinder echoed in his ears as he nervously looked for the cause. An angle grinder? What's that all about then.
Too late....... the sling arranged off the boom hoisted him out of the bottom of the boat in short order and he rose into a new world. The view of the pens from boom level was surprising and instead of the fixed level pens where he spent his youth, he was on floating pens. He'd wondered what the electric motor next door was talking about and now he knew. The smells were different too and in his shortsightedness he peered along the pens to try and recognise the boats ( and motors ) he knew. There's Swiftsure Saga next to us and that means that Georgina must be on my starboard side. And over the road Napier of Carrick, I've heard her recently, but only a few times. And that's Wynella; how proud she looks. Still the queen of the fleet, perhaps a dowager queen, but a queen nonetheless.
Then, where's this boat called Mariner. A little two pot diesel motor that never gives up. Ah down there at the beginning of the pens. And then there's Soraya, another diesel motor that very rarely has troubles and look! There's Corella, so often did we get started up in unison when Geoff Frean had her and sailed against us. But she's diesel now and a very powerful one by all report.
Who's next to Mariner then, why it's Jindarra... she used to have a Stuart Turner motor as well and when the Walkers owned her, she raced out of Freshie. Then she came to South of Perth in the early 70's. Crickey she was quick with Dick Newnham on board. I wonder what she has now? Probably a diesel.
His memory began to fade as he found himself put onto a trolley beside his boat and then he realised that he was to be taken away. Then onto the back of a ute and into darkness as a tarp was thrown over him. Time passes.
More of the Stuart - Turner monologues.
These stories were written in July 2015 during what was a cold and desolate winter. It was clear that the days for the Stuart - Turner were numbered and the chance for new owners to revive (or otherwise) these motors was open. At present Georgina's motor is to be replaced with an electric motor and Carina's Stuey has been replaced by a diesel.
However it wasn't the end for Carina's Stuey … she was presented to the amateur motor restorers out at Whiteman's Park along with a trailer load of spare bits and pieces that Vic Court had accumulated over the boats lifetime. She may very well be purring away in a shed out at Whiteman's Park showing off her paces to all the visitors.
However I have yet to interview Stuart Turner ( Anna ). There may be an interesting tale here as she has laboured mightily for the last 50 years or so and still turns over at a flick of the switch. A nod to John Wright who has looked after her for 35 years or so.
A thought for Georgina.
Poor Stuart Georgina.
Left alone for months, sniffling and backfiring when she was whipped into life.
Sitting at the bottom of a hull that was slowly falling in around her ears.
Whimpering, she listened to her prospective owners as they clambered aboard each week to look at the boat that was so cheap to buy.
Would they be kind, would they love her; could they see that she was ready to perform for them. And so they left and weeks passed, with the baking sun pouring down through the rents in the cover and the water rising around the unattended bilges.
It was a lurch that woke her rudely from her worthless dozing.
"Lets see what the engine's like," a soft voice said and the hatch over her head was lifted up.
"Oh dear" the voice said. "She hasn't run for a while has she". A once familiar voice cried that a few turns over was all she needed and hands proceeded to prime her carburettor, pull at the choke and then stab the starter repeatedly.
Seizing her chance, Georgina started bravely with nothing less than everything she had in the effort. With a loud report that echoed off the surrounding hulls she belched and blew out the muck of the last months of inaction and began to spin merrily. "Funny" the familiar voice muttered under his breath, "she hasn't done that for a while."
"Well that's one question out of the way" the soft voice said, "lets see what the rest of the hull is like" and the voices trailed away as they moved toward the bow. But she kept running happily. Maybe this time.
Shut down again, all she could do is wait, then a week or so later, she was again opened up to the sky, started and then she found herself heading out onto the river again. No more foul tasting pen water ...decent river water at last. Her joy was short lived as she found herself being taken up on the slips.
From the talk amongst the boats she knew what that meant, inspection time for the boat and possibly a clean for the hull and check over of the boats structure under the water. "Good, it's about time the propeller was cleaned," she thought and the prospect cheered her mightily.
Carina's fate.
"Hey, what's going on?"
The sound of a buzzing grinder echoed in his ears as he nervously looked for the cause. An angle grinder? What's that all about then.
Too late....... the sling arranged off the boom hoisted him out of the bottom of the boat in short order and he rose into a new world. The view of the pens from boom level was surprising and instead of the fixed level pens where he spent his youth, he was on floating pens. He'd wondered what the electric motor next door was talking about and now he knew. The smells were different too and in his shortsightedness he peered along the pens to try and recognise the boats ( and motors ) he knew. There's Swiftsure Saga next to us and that means that Georgina must be on my starboard side. And over the road Napier of Carrick, I've heard her recently, but only a few times. And that's Wynella; how proud she looks. Still the queen of the fleet, perhaps a dowager queen, but a queen nonetheless.
Then, where's this boat called Mariner. A little two pot diesel motor that never gives up. Ah down there at the beginning of the pens. And then there's Soraya, another diesel motor that very rarely has troubles and look! There's Corella, so often did we get started up in unison when Geoff Frean had her and sailed against us. But she's diesel now and a very powerful one by all report.
Who's next to Mariner then, why it's Jindarra... she used to have a Stuart Turner motor as well and when the Walkers owned her, she raced out of Freshie. Then she came to South of Perth in the early 70's. Crickey she was quick with Dick Newnham on board. I wonder what she has now? Probably a diesel.
His memory began to fade as he found himself put onto a trolley beside his boat and then he realised that he was to be taken away. Then onto the back of a ute and into darkness as a tarp was thrown over him. Time passes.
Wednesday the 29th of April 2020
A trundle around the river &
Who let the chairman set the course?
It was the relaxation of the Covid 19 regulations that had us fairly jumping for joy and we figured we could do 2 people on the boat if it was fairly soft. So with a certain amount of trepidation ( well I hadn't sailed for 6 weeks) I jumped on the boat and began the set up. The skipper was in a meeting so I just got ahead and started the set up while welcoming the rest of the gang who were taking Swiftsure Saga (Bill, John P. and Graeme) and Wynella (Glen, Russell and Ernie). A bit of argy barging had a sort of a course set and then the Chairman came around with another one. Oh well, one is as good as another, so we wrote that down and set ourselves onto the water in a south easterly that varied between 5 and 15 knots.
This was set out as a Trundle around the River and of course no racing flags and a bunny start that had Wynella lead off and Swiftsure and Mariner try to catch him up. Not this time said the skipper as we began to work our way to windward of Swiftsure Saga , who in turn was rolling over Wynella. We did expect to be taken up, but by Sampson we had a chance of taking the lead, so the skipper went a bit higher to make sure that we weren't first around the mark.
Then the long haul down to Hallmark with the skipper and I a little unsure as to exactly where the mark was, so we rounded 42A and then looked a little further to the south and sure enough there was Hallmark on our left, but like sheep, everyone had followed us so there was no harm done. Then away to Armstrong and make sure we went a fair way out to the south to ensure that they had plenty of room to tack off and head for the next mark which happened to be Addison. Baaa, baaa, baaa. So we tacked and they (again) followed us.
It took us a while to get to Addison but they had a little luck with a nice bar of pressure and caught up quite well. It was only 1500 hrs so with that thought in mind, we threw in another lap of a dash up to Martin and Weaver and a return to Como then finally to the finish line with a reset of the start to make sure all was square again. I'm glad to say that both Swiftsure and Mariner badly overshot the final rounding mark, Como and left Wynella to enjoy that final sprint to the finish line in the lead. In fact we performed so badly that Swiftsure Saga managed to pip us at the post on the finish line. A gentle trundle indeed.
We were joined on the water by a few other boats who were taking advantage of the fine weather and had gone out onto the water with the intention of having a jaunt for the afternoon. We even saw the H28 nemesis, Olive Marie out there, but for once they must have realised that they would have been howled off the water if they got near us. A wonderful day on the water.
Noted with interest; Sacha the H23 was sold a while ago and went down to Royal Perth. I was out for a bike ride this morning and stopped in Matilda Bay for a coffee and sure enough, there she was on a mooring in Matilda Bay. Still in good nick, but its a pity that the boat isn't in a slightly better mooring (like at a club)
(4th of May. A quick edit here. It isn't Sacha. A closer look at the bow of the yacht didn't show a bowsprit so this isn't Sacha {she had one} next problem is who is it? )
Till the next time.
A trundle around the river &
Who let the chairman set the course?
It was the relaxation of the Covid 19 regulations that had us fairly jumping for joy and we figured we could do 2 people on the boat if it was fairly soft. So with a certain amount of trepidation ( well I hadn't sailed for 6 weeks) I jumped on the boat and began the set up. The skipper was in a meeting so I just got ahead and started the set up while welcoming the rest of the gang who were taking Swiftsure Saga (Bill, John P. and Graeme) and Wynella (Glen, Russell and Ernie). A bit of argy barging had a sort of a course set and then the Chairman came around with another one. Oh well, one is as good as another, so we wrote that down and set ourselves onto the water in a south easterly that varied between 5 and 15 knots.
This was set out as a Trundle around the River and of course no racing flags and a bunny start that had Wynella lead off and Swiftsure and Mariner try to catch him up. Not this time said the skipper as we began to work our way to windward of Swiftsure Saga , who in turn was rolling over Wynella. We did expect to be taken up, but by Sampson we had a chance of taking the lead, so the skipper went a bit higher to make sure that we weren't first around the mark.
Then the long haul down to Hallmark with the skipper and I a little unsure as to exactly where the mark was, so we rounded 42A and then looked a little further to the south and sure enough there was Hallmark on our left, but like sheep, everyone had followed us so there was no harm done. Then away to Armstrong and make sure we went a fair way out to the south to ensure that they had plenty of room to tack off and head for the next mark which happened to be Addison. Baaa, baaa, baaa. So we tacked and they (again) followed us.
It took us a while to get to Addison but they had a little luck with a nice bar of pressure and caught up quite well. It was only 1500 hrs so with that thought in mind, we threw in another lap of a dash up to Martin and Weaver and a return to Como then finally to the finish line with a reset of the start to make sure all was square again. I'm glad to say that both Swiftsure and Mariner badly overshot the final rounding mark, Como and left Wynella to enjoy that final sprint to the finish line in the lead. In fact we performed so badly that Swiftsure Saga managed to pip us at the post on the finish line. A gentle trundle indeed.
We were joined on the water by a few other boats who were taking advantage of the fine weather and had gone out onto the water with the intention of having a jaunt for the afternoon. We even saw the H28 nemesis, Olive Marie out there, but for once they must have realised that they would have been howled off the water if they got near us. A wonderful day on the water.
Noted with interest; Sacha the H23 was sold a while ago and went down to Royal Perth. I was out for a bike ride this morning and stopped in Matilda Bay for a coffee and sure enough, there she was on a mooring in Matilda Bay. Still in good nick, but its a pity that the boat isn't in a slightly better mooring (like at a club)
(4th of May. A quick edit here. It isn't Sacha. A closer look at the bow of the yacht didn't show a bowsprit so this isn't Sacha {she had one} next problem is who is it? )
Till the next time.
Saturday the 25th of April 2020
Sailing, the state of the sport in 2020.
Once again when you have nothing to do and lots of time to do it in, your fingers tend to stray around the sailing websites and you open and read more deeply on the newsletters that you subscribe to. I had the pleasure of reading this article on Scuttlebutt, a North American focused sailing site, but the issues he discussed in this piece really spelt out the problems which exist both at a class level and more widely across the clubs both local and nationally. The author has given me permission to reproduce this piece.
Sailing, the state of the sport in 2020.
Once again when you have nothing to do and lots of time to do it in, your fingers tend to stray around the sailing websites and you open and read more deeply on the newsletters that you subscribe to. I had the pleasure of reading this article on Scuttlebutt, a North American focused sailing site, but the issues he discussed in this piece really spelt out the problems which exist both at a class level and more widely across the clubs both local and nationally. The author has given me permission to reproduce this piece.
Friday the 24th of April 2020
The Stuart Turner engine.
Another in the feature of things that happened in times gone past and here I have to thank a previous scribe in Soundings for beginning the story about his own Stuart Turner petrol engine. Vic Court or 007 as he preferred to write under the name as, was a very good sailor, but was careful about the money he spent on his H28 Carina. In fact it was a matter of pride (I think) to sail the boat in and out of the pens and consequently his petrol engine was only used in extremis and was known as the little engine that might.
However lets take the story up around 2009 with a piece that Vic wrote.
007: Hi Stuart , you are looking a bit miserable today.
ST: So would you be, living in the bottom of a yacht bilge all your life.
007: How did you become acquainted with the H28 fleet of boats?
ST: I think Herreshoff designed his boats around me!
007: Fine, Stuey. Is it true that you have been the subject of abuse during your life?
ST: Yes, both verbal and physical, but I get my revenge. I hiss, spit, backfire and kick
back at the abusers.
007: Is it true you have an aversion to ocean sailing?
ST: Very true. Each time I sense the Fremantle Bridges ahead of me I get nervous,
sometimes I stop breathing or have an heart attack.
007: Your family numbers seem to be reducing with relatives going to their grave
yards.
ST: Very sad, but organ transplants have kept a lot going. Some owners have shown
loyalty to the family and have been kind and gentle, namely Colin Youngs, John
Wright and Vic Court.
007: Vic Court! I have heard of him, he couldn't be gentle and kind to anyone.
ST: Yes he is. He is preserving two of my relatives in his shed at home.
007: As the new families join our fleet such as Diesel and Electric, I hope you will never be forgotten.
ST: Thank you 007
November 2009
With apologies to 007: November 2013
We have decided to re-interview Mr. Stuart Carina Turner, one of the few Stuarts still working around the club. He has a number of relatives namely Stuart Georgina Turner and Stuart Anna Turner with another cousin over at Claremont yacht club by the name of Stuart Greta Turner.
Stuart has been proud of his achievements over the years and the long history of the Stuart Turners with Herreshoff 28’s, though he feels a little hardly done by as 007 refuses to use him except under dire emergencies and then mutters when Stuart rightly has problems starting at the first turn of the crank.
In the interview, Stuart pointed out that his relatives at the club were still earning their keep and that it was only fair that 007 should make more use of him. “I’ve been on this boat for over 60 years and Bob Colquhoun and I used to have great fun, back in the 70’s and 80’s.” he said. “I can keep up with the diesel motors and I’ve met the new electrical fellow in the boat next door, he has his limits too, I don’t think I’d want to go offshore with him.”
Mr Turner was then asked how he felt about his skipper joining the submariner fleet, if only fleetingly, a few years ago.
“007 has never worked me too hard and when we went to the bottom, I got two new coils and the best clean out that you could imagine. A new fuel filter and a fresh tank of petrol as well.” “Look,” he said, “I’ve still got half of it left.”
The last question was put to Stuart; to ask him where he thought the H28’s were going for the next 50 years.
“So long as I’m pushing them around, they’ll be fine”, he said as he spun slowly in the bottom of the boat. “The main thing is to keep the love of wooden boats around, then I’ll always have the work”.
Sometime in 2014
Stuart Carina Turner has a chat to the scribe.
Scribe: It has been noticed recently Stuart, that you were rather extravagantly used
last summer. Would you care to comment?
ST: Thank you Mr. Scribe, well err, how can I begin?
Scribe: The beginning will be fine thanks, Stuart.
ST: Alright smart ass. At the beginning it is.
ST: The regular crew on board 007's boat decided that they would like to give me a
chance to strut my stuff last season and with a flush out of the fuel system and
new plugs, they can get out to the start line with very few problems at all.
Scribe: Isn't this contrary to 007's previous practices?
ST: Well yes, but I've been watching Stuart Anna Turner recently and he isn't a bit
fazed by continuous work. 007 was good enough to take me through the bridges
on the way down to Rockingham last summer and I didn't mind so much.
Scribe: What do you attribute to the change of heart by 007?
ST: Neither of us is getting any younger and the crew look forward to getting to our
berth on time and in time, so they can have a relaxing ale.
Scribe: I am delighted that at your venerable age you are still pulling strongly; have you
noticed that on the WAH28 website you have been made a minor celebrity?
ST: Well if 007 would upgrade his browser so that we weren't still getting re runs of
"I love Lucy", I might be able to follow what's going on, but all I hear is the
gossip around the jetty, so I'm slightly disadvantaged. Stuart Georgina hasn't
been out for a while and is sulking because he knows less than I do.
Scribe: Never mind Stuart, 007 will fill you in on the details I'm sure.
ST: What's this I hear about Eun Na Mara returning to the club?
Scribe: Does the boat have any significance to you?
ST: I'll say, one of the cutest diesels I've heard and she is still running the winches
from the French yacht Anitra. Now they were classy French bits of machinery.
Scribe: Ok, Stuart Carina, I think we'll wind it up here, you are starting to overheat a
little. Thanks for your time today.
ST: Oh any time Scribe.... same time next year?
From the Stuart Turner monologues. 2015
I'm just a little motor and I try to do my best.
I'll work when you need me, please don't put me out to rest.
But I can't work for free, you know or otherwise I'll die.
Oil and petrol you remember, but maintenance is what I cry.
Points and plugs must be inspected and seals should be tested
And the cooling system checked each time I start.
If you haven't got the habit, then you're just a flamin' rabbit.
And it's nothing but black smoke that I will fart.
Next week: The Stuart Turner Monologues continues!
The Stuart Turner engine.
Another in the feature of things that happened in times gone past and here I have to thank a previous scribe in Soundings for beginning the story about his own Stuart Turner petrol engine. Vic Court or 007 as he preferred to write under the name as, was a very good sailor, but was careful about the money he spent on his H28 Carina. In fact it was a matter of pride (I think) to sail the boat in and out of the pens and consequently his petrol engine was only used in extremis and was known as the little engine that might.
However lets take the story up around 2009 with a piece that Vic wrote.
007: Hi Stuart , you are looking a bit miserable today.
ST: So would you be, living in the bottom of a yacht bilge all your life.
007: How did you become acquainted with the H28 fleet of boats?
ST: I think Herreshoff designed his boats around me!
007: Fine, Stuey. Is it true that you have been the subject of abuse during your life?
ST: Yes, both verbal and physical, but I get my revenge. I hiss, spit, backfire and kick
back at the abusers.
007: Is it true you have an aversion to ocean sailing?
ST: Very true. Each time I sense the Fremantle Bridges ahead of me I get nervous,
sometimes I stop breathing or have an heart attack.
007: Your family numbers seem to be reducing with relatives going to their grave
yards.
ST: Very sad, but organ transplants have kept a lot going. Some owners have shown
loyalty to the family and have been kind and gentle, namely Colin Youngs, John
Wright and Vic Court.
007: Vic Court! I have heard of him, he couldn't be gentle and kind to anyone.
ST: Yes he is. He is preserving two of my relatives in his shed at home.
007: As the new families join our fleet such as Diesel and Electric, I hope you will never be forgotten.
ST: Thank you 007
November 2009
With apologies to 007: November 2013
We have decided to re-interview Mr. Stuart Carina Turner, one of the few Stuarts still working around the club. He has a number of relatives namely Stuart Georgina Turner and Stuart Anna Turner with another cousin over at Claremont yacht club by the name of Stuart Greta Turner.
Stuart has been proud of his achievements over the years and the long history of the Stuart Turners with Herreshoff 28’s, though he feels a little hardly done by as 007 refuses to use him except under dire emergencies and then mutters when Stuart rightly has problems starting at the first turn of the crank.
In the interview, Stuart pointed out that his relatives at the club were still earning their keep and that it was only fair that 007 should make more use of him. “I’ve been on this boat for over 60 years and Bob Colquhoun and I used to have great fun, back in the 70’s and 80’s.” he said. “I can keep up with the diesel motors and I’ve met the new electrical fellow in the boat next door, he has his limits too, I don’t think I’d want to go offshore with him.”
Mr Turner was then asked how he felt about his skipper joining the submariner fleet, if only fleetingly, a few years ago.
“007 has never worked me too hard and when we went to the bottom, I got two new coils and the best clean out that you could imagine. A new fuel filter and a fresh tank of petrol as well.” “Look,” he said, “I’ve still got half of it left.”
The last question was put to Stuart; to ask him where he thought the H28’s were going for the next 50 years.
“So long as I’m pushing them around, they’ll be fine”, he said as he spun slowly in the bottom of the boat. “The main thing is to keep the love of wooden boats around, then I’ll always have the work”.
Sometime in 2014
Stuart Carina Turner has a chat to the scribe.
Scribe: It has been noticed recently Stuart, that you were rather extravagantly used
last summer. Would you care to comment?
ST: Thank you Mr. Scribe, well err, how can I begin?
Scribe: The beginning will be fine thanks, Stuart.
ST: Alright smart ass. At the beginning it is.
ST: The regular crew on board 007's boat decided that they would like to give me a
chance to strut my stuff last season and with a flush out of the fuel system and
new plugs, they can get out to the start line with very few problems at all.
Scribe: Isn't this contrary to 007's previous practices?
ST: Well yes, but I've been watching Stuart Anna Turner recently and he isn't a bit
fazed by continuous work. 007 was good enough to take me through the bridges
on the way down to Rockingham last summer and I didn't mind so much.
Scribe: What do you attribute to the change of heart by 007?
ST: Neither of us is getting any younger and the crew look forward to getting to our
berth on time and in time, so they can have a relaxing ale.
Scribe: I am delighted that at your venerable age you are still pulling strongly; have you
noticed that on the WAH28 website you have been made a minor celebrity?
ST: Well if 007 would upgrade his browser so that we weren't still getting re runs of
"I love Lucy", I might be able to follow what's going on, but all I hear is the
gossip around the jetty, so I'm slightly disadvantaged. Stuart Georgina hasn't
been out for a while and is sulking because he knows less than I do.
Scribe: Never mind Stuart, 007 will fill you in on the details I'm sure.
ST: What's this I hear about Eun Na Mara returning to the club?
Scribe: Does the boat have any significance to you?
ST: I'll say, one of the cutest diesels I've heard and she is still running the winches
from the French yacht Anitra. Now they were classy French bits of machinery.
Scribe: Ok, Stuart Carina, I think we'll wind it up here, you are starting to overheat a
little. Thanks for your time today.
ST: Oh any time Scribe.... same time next year?
From the Stuart Turner monologues. 2015
I'm just a little motor and I try to do my best.
I'll work when you need me, please don't put me out to rest.
But I can't work for free, you know or otherwise I'll die.
Oil and petrol you remember, but maintenance is what I cry.
Points and plugs must be inspected and seals should be tested
And the cooling system checked each time I start.
If you haven't got the habit, then you're just a flamin' rabbit.
And it's nothing but black smoke that I will fart.
Next week: The Stuart Turner Monologues continues!
Sunday the 12th of April 2020
The Covid 19 report.
It doesn't look like much is going to happen for a while, but I can report that Geoff Reason has returned and ripped the motor out of Carina ready for more work on it. Brian is spending at least half his time on Mariner, trying to keep out of Judy's hair. Karoleeya has been up and has had some good work done on the bow and around the stem. Steve has been over in Kiwi land and had to do his time in isolation before he could put some work in on the hull with a pot of paint. Jim Spittle has been seen pottering around on Napea of Carrick and will be doing a little more over Easter as I'm sure one or two others may do.
To keep us all amused, here is a post from yesteryear back in 2013 when I was writing Herreshoff Hill news for Soundings. The flavour of the day was the foiling yachts and I thought for a moment... what would an H28 be like on foils?
The Final Word
“Once the dust and the shouting had settled, the racing began, Defender Vs Challenger on the waters of San Francisco Bay. The sight of one of the rigid wing behemoths looming out of the fog at one end of the course is enough to frighten even the most settled of foiling fanatics, but thanks to the need for speed, the 72 foot foiling catamarans were let loose on the Bay.”
-------Can you imagine for a moment an H28 on foils? Technically impossible yes, but if we built one out of carbon fibre and threw away the 1.75 tonne of lead --------
This is what the on board race commentary might have sounded like.
Coming down from Brickies, John Wright swerved to avoid taking out Vic’s transom as he sank down off his foils, having only one man to work the grinder mounted amidships. “This foiling’s hard work” Bruce was heard to complain, as we soared past with only the Hospital ship in our sights. Taking time to gybe the main, we cranked up the port side foil a little and reset the starboard tweaker to keep the code zero in place. Our target loomed swiftly as we ran along the shifts on the water, brushing the fourteen footers aside as they bounced off the prodder that held the asymmetric steady. Bill looked back and cursed his luck as another lift took us past him and he gamely limped on with his modified Swiftsure Saga dipping in and out of the water as he struggled to get his boat up on the plane again.
Make the mark and then hurry to get up onto the foils again as Alma’s crew of dinghy sailors have slipped into second behind us and look as though they may get more height as they are still capable of going out on the new trapezes that we fitted when H28’s went foiling. Still you can always rely on old age and cunning rather than youth and exuberance, so we took them up into the oncoming Royal fleets coming down under spinnaker and then tacked off just in time. Reach the mark and settle on the fastest run of the day on a sea breeze, between Robins and Bartlett. It should take 5 minutes under the asymmetric, providing we don’t lose another crew member overboard.
Loud screaming as Lockie comes up behind us, he’s calling for an overlap, but the old 3 boat lengths still apply and we are 10 seconds away from Bartlett. Grit your teeth, call for more work on the grinders and set up for the gybe. Crash, bang and adjust the foils again, run out the prodder and set your sights for home. Another day on Anna II.
The Covid 19 report.
It doesn't look like much is going to happen for a while, but I can report that Geoff Reason has returned and ripped the motor out of Carina ready for more work on it. Brian is spending at least half his time on Mariner, trying to keep out of Judy's hair. Karoleeya has been up and has had some good work done on the bow and around the stem. Steve has been over in Kiwi land and had to do his time in isolation before he could put some work in on the hull with a pot of paint. Jim Spittle has been seen pottering around on Napea of Carrick and will be doing a little more over Easter as I'm sure one or two others may do.
To keep us all amused, here is a post from yesteryear back in 2013 when I was writing Herreshoff Hill news for Soundings. The flavour of the day was the foiling yachts and I thought for a moment... what would an H28 be like on foils?
The Final Word
“Once the dust and the shouting had settled, the racing began, Defender Vs Challenger on the waters of San Francisco Bay. The sight of one of the rigid wing behemoths looming out of the fog at one end of the course is enough to frighten even the most settled of foiling fanatics, but thanks to the need for speed, the 72 foot foiling catamarans were let loose on the Bay.”
-------Can you imagine for a moment an H28 on foils? Technically impossible yes, but if we built one out of carbon fibre and threw away the 1.75 tonne of lead --------
This is what the on board race commentary might have sounded like.
Coming down from Brickies, John Wright swerved to avoid taking out Vic’s transom as he sank down off his foils, having only one man to work the grinder mounted amidships. “This foiling’s hard work” Bruce was heard to complain, as we soared past with only the Hospital ship in our sights. Taking time to gybe the main, we cranked up the port side foil a little and reset the starboard tweaker to keep the code zero in place. Our target loomed swiftly as we ran along the shifts on the water, brushing the fourteen footers aside as they bounced off the prodder that held the asymmetric steady. Bill looked back and cursed his luck as another lift took us past him and he gamely limped on with his modified Swiftsure Saga dipping in and out of the water as he struggled to get his boat up on the plane again.
Make the mark and then hurry to get up onto the foils again as Alma’s crew of dinghy sailors have slipped into second behind us and look as though they may get more height as they are still capable of going out on the new trapezes that we fitted when H28’s went foiling. Still you can always rely on old age and cunning rather than youth and exuberance, so we took them up into the oncoming Royal fleets coming down under spinnaker and then tacked off just in time. Reach the mark and settle on the fastest run of the day on a sea breeze, between Robins and Bartlett. It should take 5 minutes under the asymmetric, providing we don’t lose another crew member overboard.
Loud screaming as Lockie comes up behind us, he’s calling for an overlap, but the old 3 boat lengths still apply and we are 10 seconds away from Bartlett. Grit your teeth, call for more work on the grinders and set up for the gybe. Crash, bang and adjust the foils again, run out the prodder and set your sights for home. Another day on Anna II.
Sunday the 29th of March 2020
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2021
It's still on folks.
I have been in touch with Roscoe and it appears that they have the firm intention of carrying this through. What the event will look like by the time all of this stuff has blown over is in the lap of the gods. However there is a chairman's report due shortly and it will have some sort of guidance in it. Keep watching the bookings and remember most of the accommodation over there will be only to glad to have us over there spending good money once this is over.
Just remember to keep yourself at home and respect the need for separation between people.. we all want to get to Hobart in 2021.
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2021
It's still on folks.
I have been in touch with Roscoe and it appears that they have the firm intention of carrying this through. What the event will look like by the time all of this stuff has blown over is in the lap of the gods. However there is a chairman's report due shortly and it will have some sort of guidance in it. Keep watching the bookings and remember most of the accommodation over there will be only to glad to have us over there spending good money once this is over.
Just remember to keep yourself at home and respect the need for separation between people.. we all want to get to Hobart in 2021.
Saturday the 28th of March 2020
The Zimmer Kite-board
Sailing has been suspended across the river.
It's with much chagrin that I have to tell you that they've shut the river down.
It started with Royal Perth abruptly announcing that they were shutting up shop and we rejoiced.. Wednesday sailing was that much more safer without the RP fleet bearing down on starboard, pushing us out of the way. Then South of Perth YC made the decision, as you will have noticed, to finish the season early and only race non consistency from now on. Well at least we were still on the water. Then Royal Freshwater Bay YC closed their doors and we weren't far behind. The major clubs were closed on the river and all that is left on the water are the ever present sailboarders and kite boarders. As soloists they don't really belong to any specific club and can just jump onto the water as they wish.
I wonder if they have the room for a zimmer kite-board? It'll be slow and probably sink unless I can put a pretty big sail/kite on it. Manoeuvring may be a problem as well, as to get around the mast on a sailboard requires a certain amount of effort. However we could put a foil on it and those long speccy runs down from Brickies A and B could be fun. All we need is to be dropped off around Point Walter and finish the run on the freeway.
Watch this space.
The Zimmer Kite-board
Sailing has been suspended across the river.
It's with much chagrin that I have to tell you that they've shut the river down.
It started with Royal Perth abruptly announcing that they were shutting up shop and we rejoiced.. Wednesday sailing was that much more safer without the RP fleet bearing down on starboard, pushing us out of the way. Then South of Perth YC made the decision, as you will have noticed, to finish the season early and only race non consistency from now on. Well at least we were still on the water. Then Royal Freshwater Bay YC closed their doors and we weren't far behind. The major clubs were closed on the river and all that is left on the water are the ever present sailboarders and kite boarders. As soloists they don't really belong to any specific club and can just jump onto the water as they wish.
I wonder if they have the room for a zimmer kite-board? It'll be slow and probably sink unless I can put a pretty big sail/kite on it. Manoeuvring may be a problem as well, as to get around the mast on a sailboard requires a certain amount of effort. However we could put a foil on it and those long speccy runs down from Brickies A and B could be fun. All we need is to be dropped off around Point Walter and finish the run on the freeway.
Watch this space.
The Corona Series Saturday Sailing 21st of March
Four on the water & JaMing
A little attention to what was asked for please.
A course 3 and an easterly that was spinning like a top. There are times when you really do question the ability of the starter, but given we have a new batch of starters on the start boat it has been a moot point. Leave them alone and maybe they will begin to heed our requests. It had been made quite clear that as a JaM race we would prefer to sail a slightly shorter course. The starter had a different idea and sent us away on a course three in a breeze that was dying and we were lucky to get the breeze back later in the day.
Caught as the breeze died, we were 20 seconds late for the line and were lucky to get to the turning mark with Wynella behind us. The breeze was swivelling its hips and we watched as Brian Cross dropped hopelessly away from the mark and then flipped and lifted up to the mark. I guess that's what you'll get on an easterly this late in the year. So we did fairly well, but Les on Nerrima was doing a good job and rounded in front of us. And off we went on the long haul downwind to Bartlett.
Here a gybe and there a gybe, yes the breeze was coming and going and changing course with every puff. Still it was better than doing nothing. So our next chore was to catch Les. And he had a good team on board with Crowbar pulling on the main, plenty of skill there. Wynella was coming and going and unfortunately was falling further and further behind. Only his handicap could save him! But on we pressed with a run up the wind to Dolphin East and then to Thelma. D.E. wasn't a problem, but it required a leap of faith to make it to Thelma as there were two ways. Go across to the sou east and then sail down or stay in the burgeoning easterly that was driving us up the river with a right turn at Como jetty down to the Thelma. We chose the latter while Mariner went the other way. Surprisingly we all ended up outside Como jetty, though he was a little further ahead.
Around Thelma and back to Deepwater and by this time the boys were learning about light breeze sailing with the need to keep the boat trimmed properly. No sitting on the rail. Out with a pole and work our way straight down to Deepwater with Nerrima close by. It was a case of speed up and slow down and at Deepwater, we all turned to Bartlett once again. We managed to slip past Nerrima after Bartlett as he had to avoid Ballina, a div two boat and John Wright is no fool, take the money and run. Peter looked back and asked why Nerrima was behind us. John just grinned. He'd seen the chance and put himself on the right side of Ballina beforehand.
Then away to Addison, the outpost of civilisation on the north side of our playground. From there to Thelma with a light breeze out of the east and around we went again with a pole to Dolphin East and back to Addison again. Now we were playing the breeze with a howling reach as the sou easterly had come back in and the dash down to Thelma was twice as fast as the prior turn. We were putting Nerrima out of reach by now and there were at least three boats between us and him. Nice one. But Mariner had already crossed the line and was packing up as we hit Thelma. Oh well; next time perhaps, but the race wasn't over yet as Wynella was in sight, just and they had a chance to score on handicap.
So we slipped over the line in second place and reasonably comfortable with the day. Finished packing up the boat and joined the rest of the fleet on Herreshoff Hill where we discussed the day and the likely scores.
Place Sail No Boat Name Skipper ETOrd FinTim Elapsed AHC Cor'dT BCH CHC Score TDDidNot
1 SP104 WYNELLA Glen Stanley 4 16:41:24 02:56:24 0.716 02:06:18 0.716 0.716 1. 000:00
2 SP38 NERRIMA Leslie Brooker 3 16:37:25 02:52:25 0.733 02:06:23 0.733 0.733 2. 000:05
3 SP8 MARINER Brian Cross 1 16:27:11 02:42:11 0.784 02:07:09 0.779 0.782 3. 000:51
4 SP331 ANNA John Wright 2 16:33:30 02:48:30 0.756 02:07:23 0.750 0.754 4. 001:05
A surprise to all of us. Perhaps the Top Yacht system needs explaining to us yet again.
And I left the camera at home so all I have is a few before and afters.
Four on the water & JaMing
A little attention to what was asked for please.
A course 3 and an easterly that was spinning like a top. There are times when you really do question the ability of the starter, but given we have a new batch of starters on the start boat it has been a moot point. Leave them alone and maybe they will begin to heed our requests. It had been made quite clear that as a JaM race we would prefer to sail a slightly shorter course. The starter had a different idea and sent us away on a course three in a breeze that was dying and we were lucky to get the breeze back later in the day.
Caught as the breeze died, we were 20 seconds late for the line and were lucky to get to the turning mark with Wynella behind us. The breeze was swivelling its hips and we watched as Brian Cross dropped hopelessly away from the mark and then flipped and lifted up to the mark. I guess that's what you'll get on an easterly this late in the year. So we did fairly well, but Les on Nerrima was doing a good job and rounded in front of us. And off we went on the long haul downwind to Bartlett.
Here a gybe and there a gybe, yes the breeze was coming and going and changing course with every puff. Still it was better than doing nothing. So our next chore was to catch Les. And he had a good team on board with Crowbar pulling on the main, plenty of skill there. Wynella was coming and going and unfortunately was falling further and further behind. Only his handicap could save him! But on we pressed with a run up the wind to Dolphin East and then to Thelma. D.E. wasn't a problem, but it required a leap of faith to make it to Thelma as there were two ways. Go across to the sou east and then sail down or stay in the burgeoning easterly that was driving us up the river with a right turn at Como jetty down to the Thelma. We chose the latter while Mariner went the other way. Surprisingly we all ended up outside Como jetty, though he was a little further ahead.
Around Thelma and back to Deepwater and by this time the boys were learning about light breeze sailing with the need to keep the boat trimmed properly. No sitting on the rail. Out with a pole and work our way straight down to Deepwater with Nerrima close by. It was a case of speed up and slow down and at Deepwater, we all turned to Bartlett once again. We managed to slip past Nerrima after Bartlett as he had to avoid Ballina, a div two boat and John Wright is no fool, take the money and run. Peter looked back and asked why Nerrima was behind us. John just grinned. He'd seen the chance and put himself on the right side of Ballina beforehand.
Then away to Addison, the outpost of civilisation on the north side of our playground. From there to Thelma with a light breeze out of the east and around we went again with a pole to Dolphin East and back to Addison again. Now we were playing the breeze with a howling reach as the sou easterly had come back in and the dash down to Thelma was twice as fast as the prior turn. We were putting Nerrima out of reach by now and there were at least three boats between us and him. Nice one. But Mariner had already crossed the line and was packing up as we hit Thelma. Oh well; next time perhaps, but the race wasn't over yet as Wynella was in sight, just and they had a chance to score on handicap.
So we slipped over the line in second place and reasonably comfortable with the day. Finished packing up the boat and joined the rest of the fleet on Herreshoff Hill where we discussed the day and the likely scores.
Place Sail No Boat Name Skipper ETOrd FinTim Elapsed AHC Cor'dT BCH CHC Score TDDidNot
1 SP104 WYNELLA Glen Stanley 4 16:41:24 02:56:24 0.716 02:06:18 0.716 0.716 1. 000:00
2 SP38 NERRIMA Leslie Brooker 3 16:37:25 02:52:25 0.733 02:06:23 0.733 0.733 2. 000:05
3 SP8 MARINER Brian Cross 1 16:27:11 02:42:11 0.784 02:07:09 0.779 0.782 3. 000:51
4 SP331 ANNA John Wright 2 16:33:30 02:48:30 0.756 02:07:23 0.750 0.754 4. 001:05
A surprise to all of us. Perhaps the Top Yacht system needs explaining to us yet again.
And I left the camera at home so all I have is a few before and afters.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 18th of March. The season ends here.
Covid 19 and the fall out.
A good day on the water and the Corona Cup.
Well that's it folks. The corona virus has essentially closed down the river. Fortunately the club in their wisdom will continue to sail and the Wednesday/ Saturday sailing will continue on a non consistency and no championship basis. No presentations in the bar and results put up on line until further notice. Given that most of us are in the "at risk" category and the staff at the club need to be protected as well, its probably for the best, but I cant see a lot of the boats out on the water on Saturdays given the drop off we've had recently.
The day started with a sou westerly that swung into the south over the time period and the seven boats were well staffed with happy sailors. John Wright had the company of old sheet hand Alex who popped up at the Retro races on Sunday and promptly accepted a ride on Wednesday. Phil Lammonby joined us on Mariner along with Bob Harrup as another trimmer. Alma was fully stocked and Swiftsure Saga had crew aplenty. But the biggest loss was to Wynella when they had 6 people on the boat and John Mewit elected to go home. John was snapped up by Lockie and Rita on Corella and he got to ride a fast boat all the way around. Les and Brad were riding on the success they had last week and elected to go out two up on The First Jindarra.
Getting the start on the dash to Sampson was vital and the boat wasn't too badly set up, but we found ourselves buried by Lockie and Bill Richards and Bill pulled off a stunt with his headsail that gave him that extra bit of courage on the dash to Sampson. So wisely we dipped the crowd and then began to come up with Brian calling for a pole to give us that little bit extra. So I went forward into never-never land as we had three skippers and one crew on board (me).
Around Sampson and shortly after, we tacked off to get a better chance. We took The Jin and Swiftsure Saga with us and it was in our minds to come out and do another dip into Waylen Bay when we could. Successfully we managed to get ahead of Swiftsure Saga and our next effort was to roll The Jin before we tacked to follow Lockie who was slightly above us. Except Les hadn't read the book and we were nearly bowled over in the just-in-time tack by Les to avoid taking us out. A red flag was shown and we moved on up the bay while Les expiated his sins with a 360.
With the boat performing well we only had Lockie to follow and it was a case of can we catch him . Swiftsure Saga on the other hand was hammering away on a breeze that suited her and wasn't going to be found lacking in speed. At the same time John Wright on Anna was doing well and was keeping The Jin at bay. Wynella and Alma had their own private battle in place and as it was a case of two boats with similar handicaps, sheep stations were the prize. The breeze never really got above 17 knots all day and it was the holes in the breeze that made it hard for boats to pass each other.
Around Deepwater and down to Print then bend back to Robins. It was a classic pattern and going deep into the bay brought us out looking at Robins, while Swiftsure went a lot earlier and hoped to lift to the mark. Well may be not as we fell down on the mark accelerating all the time and he pinched and scraped his way up. Not fast. Then across to Dolphin East and doing well in the process. A leeward pole set for the run across to Como and then hardening up for the sprint to the outer startline. Around we went and then the small triangle was to happen. Can we catch Lockie?
After Sampson we watched as he went late for the cross over to King and on a whim, we went early and promptly started to lift up to the mark, reeling in the lead boat. Too good to believe, but we took it as we had a chance to snaffle a handicap win. Lockie had blown it and we were within 100 meters and it was then the dash to Print and a couple of reaches down to Como and then to Thelma. To go early or run along the shore? We knew that we could go as far as Lockie had gone and we went that little bit further as the tide was full. Tacked in time and then the next tack took us across the line for a reasonable second.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Mariner, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
And the season ended with Mariner taking the summer seasons win by 2 points from Wynella.
For the record. There were two drops for this series.
There is talk that the unofficial race series coming up will be titled the " Corona Cup" and the skippers only need put in $10 each and the funds used to purchase sufficient boxes of Corona beer to consume.
Covid 19 and the fall out.
A good day on the water and the Corona Cup.
Well that's it folks. The corona virus has essentially closed down the river. Fortunately the club in their wisdom will continue to sail and the Wednesday/ Saturday sailing will continue on a non consistency and no championship basis. No presentations in the bar and results put up on line until further notice. Given that most of us are in the "at risk" category and the staff at the club need to be protected as well, its probably for the best, but I cant see a lot of the boats out on the water on Saturdays given the drop off we've had recently.
The day started with a sou westerly that swung into the south over the time period and the seven boats were well staffed with happy sailors. John Wright had the company of old sheet hand Alex who popped up at the Retro races on Sunday and promptly accepted a ride on Wednesday. Phil Lammonby joined us on Mariner along with Bob Harrup as another trimmer. Alma was fully stocked and Swiftsure Saga had crew aplenty. But the biggest loss was to Wynella when they had 6 people on the boat and John Mewit elected to go home. John was snapped up by Lockie and Rita on Corella and he got to ride a fast boat all the way around. Les and Brad were riding on the success they had last week and elected to go out two up on The First Jindarra.
Getting the start on the dash to Sampson was vital and the boat wasn't too badly set up, but we found ourselves buried by Lockie and Bill Richards and Bill pulled off a stunt with his headsail that gave him that extra bit of courage on the dash to Sampson. So wisely we dipped the crowd and then began to come up with Brian calling for a pole to give us that little bit extra. So I went forward into never-never land as we had three skippers and one crew on board (me).
Around Sampson and shortly after, we tacked off to get a better chance. We took The Jin and Swiftsure Saga with us and it was in our minds to come out and do another dip into Waylen Bay when we could. Successfully we managed to get ahead of Swiftsure Saga and our next effort was to roll The Jin before we tacked to follow Lockie who was slightly above us. Except Les hadn't read the book and we were nearly bowled over in the just-in-time tack by Les to avoid taking us out. A red flag was shown and we moved on up the bay while Les expiated his sins with a 360.
With the boat performing well we only had Lockie to follow and it was a case of can we catch him . Swiftsure Saga on the other hand was hammering away on a breeze that suited her and wasn't going to be found lacking in speed. At the same time John Wright on Anna was doing well and was keeping The Jin at bay. Wynella and Alma had their own private battle in place and as it was a case of two boats with similar handicaps, sheep stations were the prize. The breeze never really got above 17 knots all day and it was the holes in the breeze that made it hard for boats to pass each other.
Around Deepwater and down to Print then bend back to Robins. It was a classic pattern and going deep into the bay brought us out looking at Robins, while Swiftsure went a lot earlier and hoped to lift to the mark. Well may be not as we fell down on the mark accelerating all the time and he pinched and scraped his way up. Not fast. Then across to Dolphin East and doing well in the process. A leeward pole set for the run across to Como and then hardening up for the sprint to the outer startline. Around we went and then the small triangle was to happen. Can we catch Lockie?
After Sampson we watched as he went late for the cross over to King and on a whim, we went early and promptly started to lift up to the mark, reeling in the lead boat. Too good to believe, but we took it as we had a chance to snaffle a handicap win. Lockie had blown it and we were within 100 meters and it was then the dash to Print and a couple of reaches down to Como and then to Thelma. To go early or run along the shore? We knew that we could go as far as Lockie had gone and we went that little bit further as the tide was full. Tacked in time and then the next tack took us across the line for a reasonable second.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Mariner, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
And the season ended with Mariner taking the summer seasons win by 2 points from Wynella.
For the record. There were two drops for this series.
There is talk that the unofficial race series coming up will be titled the " Corona Cup" and the skippers only need put in $10 each and the funds used to purchase sufficient boxes of Corona beer to consume.
The Retro Race Sunday the 15th of March
Wynella does it again &
VC Cookie joins the H28 fleet.
Ok, lets face it, its a doddle of a day and showing off your very good looking boat is part of the procedure. The weather was gloomy and the nor wester was nothing above 10 knots. Tricky to say the least and if you hadn't cleaned your hull recently it was going to slow you down. Without any doubt and a recut main, Wynella took off and despite all attempts to slow him, he was gone and away. The day suited him and Alma with VC Michael Cook aboard and Kate Lammonby hanging onto the stick, it was pleasing to see them get away as well. We had our own battle with Jim Spittles Napier of Carrick and John Wright and Anna fought hard to keep him behind. But as John said, we were there to keep the numbers up and have a good sail. We also had Eric Schwab and Cam Murray (Georgina) on board and they were getting better as the day progressed. (18th March) A note: Glen made it quite clear that he was the fastest h28 on the water for the Retro race however Jim Spittle took the cake for the div two handicap.
The day was over rather quickly and we wrapped up the boats and shot around to the Beachside Marquee where a generous spread of tucker and some cold beers were available with the rest of the fleet tucking in quickly. Cookie had changed into summer whites and took charge of the event with the help of Fons Berkhout, the Retro organiser. The club was thanked and the pennants handed out with a few happy faces being photographed. The rest of the afternoon was spent swapping stories of derring do on the water and enjoying the view from the marquee generously provided by the club as a venue for the afternoon.
A few photos were taken and once again Wynella has sealed the consistency racing for the season.
Wynella does it again &
VC Cookie joins the H28 fleet.
Ok, lets face it, its a doddle of a day and showing off your very good looking boat is part of the procedure. The weather was gloomy and the nor wester was nothing above 10 knots. Tricky to say the least and if you hadn't cleaned your hull recently it was going to slow you down. Without any doubt and a recut main, Wynella took off and despite all attempts to slow him, he was gone and away. The day suited him and Alma with VC Michael Cook aboard and Kate Lammonby hanging onto the stick, it was pleasing to see them get away as well. We had our own battle with Jim Spittles Napier of Carrick and John Wright and Anna fought hard to keep him behind. But as John said, we were there to keep the numbers up and have a good sail. We also had Eric Schwab and Cam Murray (Georgina) on board and they were getting better as the day progressed. (18th March) A note: Glen made it quite clear that he was the fastest h28 on the water for the Retro race however Jim Spittle took the cake for the div two handicap.
The day was over rather quickly and we wrapped up the boats and shot around to the Beachside Marquee where a generous spread of tucker and some cold beers were available with the rest of the fleet tucking in quickly. Cookie had changed into summer whites and took charge of the event with the help of Fons Berkhout, the Retro organiser. The club was thanked and the pennants handed out with a few happy faces being photographed. The rest of the afternoon was spent swapping stories of derring do on the water and enjoying the view from the marquee generously provided by the club as a venue for the afternoon.
A few photos were taken and once again Wynella has sealed the consistency racing for the season.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 11th of March
Sailing with Phil &
Doing circles down at Heathcote.
A course one with a southerly start. Crickey, you'd reckon that it was October and the seabreeze had just settled in for summer. Strange days indeed. We had Phil Lammonby driving Mariner with Brian's blessing and we'd swiped a young fellow ( Andy ) who has sailed with the fleet in previous times, but as a FIFO just doesn't get many chances. However he was available and ready to go. So four on the boat and seven boats in the fleet and everyone loaded for bear. Couldn't get much better than that.
Apart from a few moments when the fuel supply caused a bit of a splutter we had our sails up and on a test run ready for Phil to take us sailing. He'd already agreed on a box end start so we made our way up in good time and dealt with the fun and games of the start line. Lockie and Rita on Corella have adopted Theo onto the boat and as a trio they were going to be hard to beat, but we'd forgotten about Bill Richards and Swiftsure Saga. Give that boat a stiff breeze and its a rocket ship. And so was Wynella and despite a very close call on the start line ( I saw them reaching for the individual recall flag ) he had a good start in hand and was going to be hard to beat both over the line and on handicap.
Up toward Sampson with boats streaming out behind us and Wynella and Corella in front. Doing fine to Sampson, but sooner or later we had to go left over to Heathcote and Phil called the tack and sent us southward while Wynella and Corella stayed out to the North. But the fleet from Royal Perth was looming and Phil sent us back and we crossed the leaders of the RP fleet. Safe. Now we had them on port as we came across into the bay and incidentally we had the wood on most of the H28 fleet who had run for cover into Heathcote and were preparing to come back out again.
We called most of the RP fleet and waved Wynella through, but to our horror, Les on the First Jindarra hadn't seen us and was still coming, some loud calling had him tacking on our bow, avoiding an immediate collision, but we had to dip to avoid taking off his transom. A request to Les to take a 360 was passed on and he was seen doing so as soon as he could avoid the Royal fleet that was still around us. And as we worked our way up to Deepwater, the Jin was seen doing repeated circles. What!? A floating winch handle had gone overboard and there was no way that Les was going to lose that. So they spent a moment or two recovering it.
Meanwhile the fleet moved up toward Deepwater and Swiftsure Saga had the bit between her teeth. She'd gone up the centre and came back to be right on Corella's tail and took second place from Wynella, relegating us to fourth. Around Deepwater we went and the down hill chase began; the closer to Wynella we could get, the more unsettled he would be. To Print and then around the mark we went, giving him a bit of room, but our main chore was to get into Waylen Bay and come out pumping. To our surprise he tacked off early and while it wasn't a given, it was a big boost to our confidence. The boat was sailing very well, hitting the bottom 6's on the works and the traveller was down at the bottom of the rail with the last 6 inches being used. Very little backstay and perhaps two inches gap on the foot. Totally different settings.
And sure enough as we came up to Robins, Wynella came back on a loser. We had them by 20 meters and behind us Alma was playing games with Anna who had been holding their own on this rather breezy day. But they had done the hard yards and what they were trying to do was to keep Les on the Jin off their backs as he had recovered the handle and was sailing like a man possessed to make up the time.
Across to Dolphin East and down to Como and then around the outer start line. The boat was humming and the mob in front were doing well as Lockie had moved ahead a little more as had Bill. That's fine.. third with a scratch skipper is good news. Now to keep it. Away to Sampson again and then begin to look for a ley line for King, but its a fair way up so patience had us covering Lockie's line and then a bit more. Pretty much a straight line across on the sou sou westerly that was blowing by now and once around the mark and aiming at Print, the 20 or so knots on the top and a decent beam sea had the waves rolling into the high side of the hull, showering us with the occasional burst of spray.
Up to Print, maintaining our line and dodging the boats coming down the breeze from mid river. Easy then, then a roaring reach down to Como and an even faster one to Thelma. If the boat was going to be on its ear, this was the place to do it. Harden up at Thelma and just try to keep our boat between Wynella and the finish line. One last moment of interest as we made our way to the finish line and had to shoot the pin mark as we were a little tight on the line home. Made it.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Alma.
Yes, it was a pretty close day on the water and the fleet sailed extremely well to cover the course so well. Only 8 minutes and 8 seconds covered the fleet and that would have been 6 minutes and 20 seconds had The Jin not lost a handle. But Wynella keeps taking the cake with her extremely low handicap.
Saturday Sailing. 7th of March and only two boats made it onto the start line with Nerrima and Wynella duelling it out.. Nerrima of course took the over the line win and Wynella took the win on handicap. Go figure why.
Sailing with Phil &
Doing circles down at Heathcote.
A course one with a southerly start. Crickey, you'd reckon that it was October and the seabreeze had just settled in for summer. Strange days indeed. We had Phil Lammonby driving Mariner with Brian's blessing and we'd swiped a young fellow ( Andy ) who has sailed with the fleet in previous times, but as a FIFO just doesn't get many chances. However he was available and ready to go. So four on the boat and seven boats in the fleet and everyone loaded for bear. Couldn't get much better than that.
Apart from a few moments when the fuel supply caused a bit of a splutter we had our sails up and on a test run ready for Phil to take us sailing. He'd already agreed on a box end start so we made our way up in good time and dealt with the fun and games of the start line. Lockie and Rita on Corella have adopted Theo onto the boat and as a trio they were going to be hard to beat, but we'd forgotten about Bill Richards and Swiftsure Saga. Give that boat a stiff breeze and its a rocket ship. And so was Wynella and despite a very close call on the start line ( I saw them reaching for the individual recall flag ) he had a good start in hand and was going to be hard to beat both over the line and on handicap.
Up toward Sampson with boats streaming out behind us and Wynella and Corella in front. Doing fine to Sampson, but sooner or later we had to go left over to Heathcote and Phil called the tack and sent us southward while Wynella and Corella stayed out to the North. But the fleet from Royal Perth was looming and Phil sent us back and we crossed the leaders of the RP fleet. Safe. Now we had them on port as we came across into the bay and incidentally we had the wood on most of the H28 fleet who had run for cover into Heathcote and were preparing to come back out again.
We called most of the RP fleet and waved Wynella through, but to our horror, Les on the First Jindarra hadn't seen us and was still coming, some loud calling had him tacking on our bow, avoiding an immediate collision, but we had to dip to avoid taking off his transom. A request to Les to take a 360 was passed on and he was seen doing so as soon as he could avoid the Royal fleet that was still around us. And as we worked our way up to Deepwater, the Jin was seen doing repeated circles. What!? A floating winch handle had gone overboard and there was no way that Les was going to lose that. So they spent a moment or two recovering it.
Meanwhile the fleet moved up toward Deepwater and Swiftsure Saga had the bit between her teeth. She'd gone up the centre and came back to be right on Corella's tail and took second place from Wynella, relegating us to fourth. Around Deepwater we went and the down hill chase began; the closer to Wynella we could get, the more unsettled he would be. To Print and then around the mark we went, giving him a bit of room, but our main chore was to get into Waylen Bay and come out pumping. To our surprise he tacked off early and while it wasn't a given, it was a big boost to our confidence. The boat was sailing very well, hitting the bottom 6's on the works and the traveller was down at the bottom of the rail with the last 6 inches being used. Very little backstay and perhaps two inches gap on the foot. Totally different settings.
And sure enough as we came up to Robins, Wynella came back on a loser. We had them by 20 meters and behind us Alma was playing games with Anna who had been holding their own on this rather breezy day. But they had done the hard yards and what they were trying to do was to keep Les on the Jin off their backs as he had recovered the handle and was sailing like a man possessed to make up the time.
Across to Dolphin East and down to Como and then around the outer start line. The boat was humming and the mob in front were doing well as Lockie had moved ahead a little more as had Bill. That's fine.. third with a scratch skipper is good news. Now to keep it. Away to Sampson again and then begin to look for a ley line for King, but its a fair way up so patience had us covering Lockie's line and then a bit more. Pretty much a straight line across on the sou sou westerly that was blowing by now and once around the mark and aiming at Print, the 20 or so knots on the top and a decent beam sea had the waves rolling into the high side of the hull, showering us with the occasional burst of spray.
Up to Print, maintaining our line and dodging the boats coming down the breeze from mid river. Easy then, then a roaring reach down to Como and an even faster one to Thelma. If the boat was going to be on its ear, this was the place to do it. Harden up at Thelma and just try to keep our boat between Wynella and the finish line. One last moment of interest as we made our way to the finish line and had to shoot the pin mark as we were a little tight on the line home. Made it.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Alma.
Yes, it was a pretty close day on the water and the fleet sailed extremely well to cover the course so well. Only 8 minutes and 8 seconds covered the fleet and that would have been 6 minutes and 20 seconds had The Jin not lost a handle. But Wynella keeps taking the cake with her extremely low handicap.
Saturday Sailing. 7th of March and only two boats made it onto the start line with Nerrima and Wynella duelling it out.. Nerrima of course took the over the line win and Wynella took the win on handicap. Go figure why.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 4th of March
A clean bottom and a good start &
A day of many Westerlies.
The starters in their knowledge sent us away on a course one, a traditional sou westerly course, but here's the rub. A northerly start straight up to Sampson on a good reach. There's a lot of west in that to start with. Then the luck of the start and with nothing more than 10 knots all day there was no chance of being able to power our way through the log jam in front of us. By the time we hit Sampson we were still last and the sight of The First Jindarra (being driven by Les Swinton while Andy Bell recovers) just in front of us was heartening. I was sailing with Anna while Brian (Mariner) recuperates from his knee op, and the rest of the fleet was made up of Corella, Alma, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
Mind you it was a nice day and the smell of testosterone was beginning to fade from around the pens, perhaps we could get a good sail today.
But it was not to be and despite the hard work put in by John Wright, the boat stubbornly refused to fire up and get going. Perhaps the westerly changes were causing grief on the way up to Deepwater as we saw a lot of changes of position within the fleet. At one point we had third spot behind Swiftsure Saga and Corella and five minutes later we were fending off the challenges of Alma who had the advantage of a clean bottom and a good start. She had taken the run up the middle and was doing very well because of the westerly influence through the centre. Even though we had gone over into Waylen bay for the sou westerly lift we could see other boats in, there were other chances to be taken.
Around Deepwater and off to Print and Bill Richards on Swiftsure had relinquished his lead to David Locke on Corella, meanwhile Les Swinton was channelling his son Keith and was doing a cracking job on the Jin aided and abetted by Crowbar and Mark. Closing up on Swiftsure they were putting the pressure on, on the way to Print and by the time they got around Robins for the run down to Dolphin East, it was all over for Bill. Corella was well away by this time and it was a matter of by how much, not if he was lucky. But speed doesn't mean everything when handicaps are involved.
Around the outer startline and away around the small triangle still comfortably in 5th spot, but Wynella was powered by Ernie and Russell with Andy hanging onto everything and they were happy to keep pressing us in the lightening breeze... yes it began to fall out and Wynella is a renown light air boat. Closer and closer while the rest of the fleet just ran away from the pair of us. "Lockie's doing an Andrew Bell" was the comment and whilst not as far in front as the last championship race, David Locke was well and away. Making King in one we closed up the race a little and managed to get away from Wynella, but having rounded Print we found ourselves in the company of Olive Marie, the notorious pest to H28's. We just went away from him as frankly he's likely to pull the tiller toward him if he gets a sniff of you above his starboard quarter.
He cost us perhaps 10 boat lengths as rounding Thelma, we found Wynella on our tail again. Just keep ourselves between the finish line and Wynella and we covered Wynella as they tacked off. Over the line and perhaps 28 seconds in front of Glen. A good sail. A clean bottom? Well Judith had Alma's hull done on Wednesday am and Mark Wimshurst sailed well enough to have Alma beat Corella on handicap by 4 seconds.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Alma, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
We have to remember that next week we have the retro series sailed on Sunday the 15th not Saturday the 14th and its a mid river start around Dome mark (up near Tawarri reception centre) Its a Royal Perth start line so keep their starters in mind.
And both Brian and Andrew had knee operations. Both of them thought they would be sailing in a weeks time. Yeah, right!
A clean bottom and a good start &
A day of many Westerlies.
The starters in their knowledge sent us away on a course one, a traditional sou westerly course, but here's the rub. A northerly start straight up to Sampson on a good reach. There's a lot of west in that to start with. Then the luck of the start and with nothing more than 10 knots all day there was no chance of being able to power our way through the log jam in front of us. By the time we hit Sampson we were still last and the sight of The First Jindarra (being driven by Les Swinton while Andy Bell recovers) just in front of us was heartening. I was sailing with Anna while Brian (Mariner) recuperates from his knee op, and the rest of the fleet was made up of Corella, Alma, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
Mind you it was a nice day and the smell of testosterone was beginning to fade from around the pens, perhaps we could get a good sail today.
But it was not to be and despite the hard work put in by John Wright, the boat stubbornly refused to fire up and get going. Perhaps the westerly changes were causing grief on the way up to Deepwater as we saw a lot of changes of position within the fleet. At one point we had third spot behind Swiftsure Saga and Corella and five minutes later we were fending off the challenges of Alma who had the advantage of a clean bottom and a good start. She had taken the run up the middle and was doing very well because of the westerly influence through the centre. Even though we had gone over into Waylen bay for the sou westerly lift we could see other boats in, there were other chances to be taken.
Around Deepwater and off to Print and Bill Richards on Swiftsure had relinquished his lead to David Locke on Corella, meanwhile Les Swinton was channelling his son Keith and was doing a cracking job on the Jin aided and abetted by Crowbar and Mark. Closing up on Swiftsure they were putting the pressure on, on the way to Print and by the time they got around Robins for the run down to Dolphin East, it was all over for Bill. Corella was well away by this time and it was a matter of by how much, not if he was lucky. But speed doesn't mean everything when handicaps are involved.
Around the outer startline and away around the small triangle still comfortably in 5th spot, but Wynella was powered by Ernie and Russell with Andy hanging onto everything and they were happy to keep pressing us in the lightening breeze... yes it began to fall out and Wynella is a renown light air boat. Closer and closer while the rest of the fleet just ran away from the pair of us. "Lockie's doing an Andrew Bell" was the comment and whilst not as far in front as the last championship race, David Locke was well and away. Making King in one we closed up the race a little and managed to get away from Wynella, but having rounded Print we found ourselves in the company of Olive Marie, the notorious pest to H28's. We just went away from him as frankly he's likely to pull the tiller toward him if he gets a sniff of you above his starboard quarter.
He cost us perhaps 10 boat lengths as rounding Thelma, we found Wynella on our tail again. Just keep ourselves between the finish line and Wynella and we covered Wynella as they tacked off. Over the line and perhaps 28 seconds in front of Glen. A good sail. A clean bottom? Well Judith had Alma's hull done on Wednesday am and Mark Wimshurst sailed well enough to have Alma beat Corella on handicap by 4 seconds.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Alma, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
We have to remember that next week we have the retro series sailed on Sunday the 15th not Saturday the 14th and its a mid river start around Dome mark (up near Tawarri reception centre) Its a Royal Perth start line so keep their starters in mind.
And both Brian and Andrew had knee operations. Both of them thought they would be sailing in a weeks time. Yeah, right!
Summer Wednesday Sailing 26th of February
King, not Anderson &
A tarantella at Como.
A nor easter again and gusts up to 20 plus knots. Enough for the Y flag to be hung out and PDF's to be donned. Five boats in the fleet this time around and both the First Jindarra and Mariner backed out in the gusts hurling down the pens. The starters set us up on a course one with a northerly start and while our start was fair we were still third around the mark at Sampson. Closing the door on the following boats we set off after Corella and the Jin.
Down wind runs are tricky bits of sailing as on the fluctuating nor easter you can go from front to back in the blink of an eye. We had chosen to sail slightly to the north of the rest of the fleet to take the clear air and it worked for a while. Enough to have the Jin swing over to join us while Corella moved further into the south. No matter, we all converged on Deepwater and rounded the mark in the same order that we rounded Sampson. Down to Print and this time it was a bold move that kept us in the south, while everyone else stayed over in the North and that paid off with a big gain on the first two boats, in fact we managed to pass Corella comfortably and closed in on The Jin nicely.
Behind us Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were trading places and both boats weren't too far from our backs either, but the comfort of having another boat between us and them was good. Only one boat to chase. Up to Robins and we went straight to the mark under poles with all the fleet following on. Around the mark and on a reach to Dolphin East. Fast work and from there to Como on a work that was swinging like a child on a monkey bar. Looking at the mark one second and away with the fairies the next. Around Como, with our second place intact and down to the outer start line. Crunch. The breeze dropped out. So from 5 knots to 2.5 knots, but at least we all had the same problem. The boats behind us took advantage of the lull and came down on the freshening breeze so that once again we were fairly close.
Around the outer startline, down to Sampson and then across to King. Except that we were following Andy Bell and he was aiming at King, not Anderson. Lockie had picked it up and simply pointed his boat at Anderson. Passed the pair of us. We had realised our mistake and adjusted our angle, leaving Andy Bell to claw back from his deep position at King. Then away to Print with a follow me process in place. The rest of the course was not without interest either as The Jin had gone out wide and was coming back with the intention of making Como before anyone.
Out came Lockie's loud hailer. "Starboard" was the call, followed by similar calls from Mariner. We were perhaps three boat lengths behind Corella and didn't expect the Jin to try to fit into the gap and evasive action had to be taken to avoid a collision. Once the First Jindarra had taken their penalty 360 down near Thelma; Mariner took second place and so the fleet continued to the finish line. All five boats were within 3 minutes and 19 seconds, pretty significant as a day of tight racing.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner.
As a matter of note. Close racing, you bet. Wynella was only 11 seconds off taking first place on handicap. That would have set the cat amongst the pigeons. But well sailed to Bill and his Wednesday crew to take the handicap win on the day.
Chairman Glen has just sent out a brief note on communications with the Waylen Sea scouts. Apparently they have some senior scouts (Rovers) who could be interested in sailing with the fleet. Glen will enter negotiations with them shortly.
King, not Anderson &
A tarantella at Como.
A nor easter again and gusts up to 20 plus knots. Enough for the Y flag to be hung out and PDF's to be donned. Five boats in the fleet this time around and both the First Jindarra and Mariner backed out in the gusts hurling down the pens. The starters set us up on a course one with a northerly start and while our start was fair we were still third around the mark at Sampson. Closing the door on the following boats we set off after Corella and the Jin.
Down wind runs are tricky bits of sailing as on the fluctuating nor easter you can go from front to back in the blink of an eye. We had chosen to sail slightly to the north of the rest of the fleet to take the clear air and it worked for a while. Enough to have the Jin swing over to join us while Corella moved further into the south. No matter, we all converged on Deepwater and rounded the mark in the same order that we rounded Sampson. Down to Print and this time it was a bold move that kept us in the south, while everyone else stayed over in the North and that paid off with a big gain on the first two boats, in fact we managed to pass Corella comfortably and closed in on The Jin nicely.
Behind us Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were trading places and both boats weren't too far from our backs either, but the comfort of having another boat between us and them was good. Only one boat to chase. Up to Robins and we went straight to the mark under poles with all the fleet following on. Around the mark and on a reach to Dolphin East. Fast work and from there to Como on a work that was swinging like a child on a monkey bar. Looking at the mark one second and away with the fairies the next. Around Como, with our second place intact and down to the outer start line. Crunch. The breeze dropped out. So from 5 knots to 2.5 knots, but at least we all had the same problem. The boats behind us took advantage of the lull and came down on the freshening breeze so that once again we were fairly close.
Around the outer startline, down to Sampson and then across to King. Except that we were following Andy Bell and he was aiming at King, not Anderson. Lockie had picked it up and simply pointed his boat at Anderson. Passed the pair of us. We had realised our mistake and adjusted our angle, leaving Andy Bell to claw back from his deep position at King. Then away to Print with a follow me process in place. The rest of the course was not without interest either as The Jin had gone out wide and was coming back with the intention of making Como before anyone.
Out came Lockie's loud hailer. "Starboard" was the call, followed by similar calls from Mariner. We were perhaps three boat lengths behind Corella and didn't expect the Jin to try to fit into the gap and evasive action had to be taken to avoid a collision. Once the First Jindarra had taken their penalty 360 down near Thelma; Mariner took second place and so the fleet continued to the finish line. All five boats were within 3 minutes and 19 seconds, pretty significant as a day of tight racing.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner.
As a matter of note. Close racing, you bet. Wynella was only 11 seconds off taking first place on handicap. That would have set the cat amongst the pigeons. But well sailed to Bill and his Wednesday crew to take the handicap win on the day.
Chairman Glen has just sent out a brief note on communications with the Waylen Sea scouts. Apparently they have some senior scouts (Rovers) who could be interested in sailing with the fleet. Glen will enter negotiations with them shortly.
Summer Saturday Sailing 22nd February Championship # 5 .
We're just here to make up the numbers &
Welcome back Geoff.
"Ok", said John as he tapped me on the shoulder to go out on this Saturday, "we're just going out to make up the numbers."
A fair call I thought as the battle was going be between Nerrima and Wynella and both the skippers had loaded up for bear with borrowed, scrounged and begged crew from everywhere. And then up rolled Geoff Reason. Blow me down, he even looked rested and refreshed. So quietly welcomed and he slipped onto Andrew Bells boat to fill a slot on the Jin.
But John had put the gear on for the tweekers and all we needed was a fore decky. Hard to find apparently. So we sailed three up and as a JAM boat. A shortened course one in a Sou Wester would have given us a chance to beat Wynella and Nerrima but with a sloppy nor easterly blowing, a spinnaker chase all the way to Brickies left us stranded and no matter what we did, the long relentless down wind runs killed us.
So the race was between Nerrima and Wynella really with Andrew and the First Jindarra, just disappearing out of sight. But Nerrima had grabbed an early lead and Wynella decided to go away from her to try to improve her chances. And was successful in doing so. But sliding up the breeze is tough and with a breeze that was playing hard to find, anyone could and did get a good chance of passing the other. We watched as they both went deep around Dolphin West and then down to Foam with not much between them.
Finding Sanders was the next problem, but a slight lift in the breeze had us moving again and we reached the mark while the three in front were still in sight. The last work up the river to Como was diabolical with huge shifts as the wind swung like a top. One minute we were pointing at Como, the next minute it was across the starboard winches. Where to go and what to do. And what's more was we were running out of time. Como by 1715 hrs and the line would shut at 1730 hrs. Wynella and Nerrima had settled their running order with Wynella taking the second spot and Nerrima electing to take third.. but they would cross the line while the start box was still active. As for us, well we set the pole and started cleaning up the boat, putting things away and readying the boat to be put away.
Cross the line, start the motor, drop the sails and motor in. It really wasn't worth while going up, but to support the others we rocked into the bar to eat our chips, drink the beer and learn that we weren't the only boat to DNF. There were a few.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Nerrima.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Nerrima.
Incidentally. The First Jindarra took 2 hours, 56 minutes and 55 seconds. Wynella took 3 hours, 45 minutes, 24 seconds and Nerrima took 3 hrs, 46 mins and 58 secs. The line had been closed for 5 minutes when we crossed it and the starters were on their way to the club house.
We're just here to make up the numbers &
Welcome back Geoff.
"Ok", said John as he tapped me on the shoulder to go out on this Saturday, "we're just going out to make up the numbers."
A fair call I thought as the battle was going be between Nerrima and Wynella and both the skippers had loaded up for bear with borrowed, scrounged and begged crew from everywhere. And then up rolled Geoff Reason. Blow me down, he even looked rested and refreshed. So quietly welcomed and he slipped onto Andrew Bells boat to fill a slot on the Jin.
But John had put the gear on for the tweekers and all we needed was a fore decky. Hard to find apparently. So we sailed three up and as a JAM boat. A shortened course one in a Sou Wester would have given us a chance to beat Wynella and Nerrima but with a sloppy nor easterly blowing, a spinnaker chase all the way to Brickies left us stranded and no matter what we did, the long relentless down wind runs killed us.
So the race was between Nerrima and Wynella really with Andrew and the First Jindarra, just disappearing out of sight. But Nerrima had grabbed an early lead and Wynella decided to go away from her to try to improve her chances. And was successful in doing so. But sliding up the breeze is tough and with a breeze that was playing hard to find, anyone could and did get a good chance of passing the other. We watched as they both went deep around Dolphin West and then down to Foam with not much between them.
Finding Sanders was the next problem, but a slight lift in the breeze had us moving again and we reached the mark while the three in front were still in sight. The last work up the river to Como was diabolical with huge shifts as the wind swung like a top. One minute we were pointing at Como, the next minute it was across the starboard winches. Where to go and what to do. And what's more was we were running out of time. Como by 1715 hrs and the line would shut at 1730 hrs. Wynella and Nerrima had settled their running order with Wynella taking the second spot and Nerrima electing to take third.. but they would cross the line while the start box was still active. As for us, well we set the pole and started cleaning up the boat, putting things away and readying the boat to be put away.
Cross the line, start the motor, drop the sails and motor in. It really wasn't worth while going up, but to support the others we rocked into the bar to eat our chips, drink the beer and learn that we weren't the only boat to DNF. There were a few.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Nerrima.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Nerrima.
Incidentally. The First Jindarra took 2 hours, 56 minutes and 55 seconds. Wynella took 3 hours, 45 minutes, 24 seconds and Nerrima took 3 hrs, 46 mins and 58 secs. The line had been closed for 5 minutes when we crossed it and the starters were on their way to the club house.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 19th of February
It happened at Heathcote &
Those who were last shall be first.
The weather gods were good to us and despite the stinking heat, we had a seabreeze of sorts to play around with. Half a dozen boats came out and we're waiting for Judith to get her leg back into action so that Alma can come out to play as well. The start was kind to us and gently making our way up to the startline, we hovered until 30 seconds prior and rolled the boat over to get a half way decent start. In fact good enough to put us in front and first to Sampson. From there it was going to be a case of who tacked off first for the dip into the south near Heathcote. Swiftsure Saga was suffering with bad air from The First Jindarra so he rolled away. We went to cover David Locke and Corella who was suffering from our air and the other three hung out for a while in the north.
Wynella was coming back on a blinder and as we were on port, it was a matter of did we have the speed to get through her? We did, but not by much. He was doing well. Once Wynella had transited over into the south, she flicked over and then had to dip us (we were on starboard by then).. He clearly hadn't missed a trick. Good sailing Glen. However our problem wasn't Glen... It was all the other boats over there and they were coming back at us. All of them with the vowed intent of getting past us. Corella was going to be the one to beat as she was sailing high and hard. "Start yelling starboard" I was instructed and so began a throat wrenching call of starboards as we charged into the fray under Heathcote.
We knew we had Andy, so we were waiting for him to toss, but there was the suspicion of a lee-bow to come, so our bow came down a fraction and the Jin flipped in our faces. A gentle push on the helm took us up and over him, only to be met with Corella who was taking advantage of the melee, roaring past us to take a momentary lead. Well sailed Lockie and we then found ourselves being called to tack as the Jin was rapidly reaching the shallow water marks under Heathcote. Damn.. we tacked and lost any advantage we had, in fact we had given up three spots as Wynella was doing very well and we had the other two, Anna and Swiftsure Saga on our tails.
So to Robins, having tacked in toward Frenchies and come out high enough to make it in one tack to Robins. Beauty! Around we went and started chasing Wynella. We got past her by Dolphin East and on the downhill to Como we utilised the poled out jib in a two sail reach and powered up nicely, keeping up with the two in front. Around Como and then try to get to the outer startline in one tack.
No, it wasn't going to happen and the wiser heads in front of us just kept the power on, going faster that we were (we were still trying to make the outer startline in one). They had cleared out and a quick tack and tack again had them around the mark and away. Eventually we made it, got around the mark with a double tack and watched them galloping off into the distance. Hummm. So follow them and keep the boat flowing ahead of the rest of the fleet. Anna by now had established herself as the lead boat of the three and Swiftsure Saga was making designs on Wynella. Around Sampson again and dash off to King thinking we were doing well, only to see that the boys had utilised the southerly coming out of the Canning and had pushed along well, then a tack into the breeze and they were doing very well thank you. Another increase in lead for Andy Bell. So follow the fleet and Wynella was still leading Swiftsure Saga around the marks.
Then to Thelma and as I looked back I saw all three boats behind us, and Glen had decided to go along the beach. Bill flipped at the mark and barrelled straight toward the line. Smart move because it gave him fifth place over the line instead of sixth. However...…
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella, Mariner, Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella
On handicap: Wynella, The First Jindarra, Corella, Anna, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga. (Where's the bloody handicapper!?)
Actually Glen has been very canny, keeping his handicap reasonably low.... and this is what happens. Look out all of you.
Bob Williams was remembered at Bowra and O'Dea in South St Hilton on Thursday. The Commodore was present as were four other past commodores and a number of H28 sailors were there to remember Bobs contribution to both his family and his sailing. Thanks to all who attended.
It happened at Heathcote &
Those who were last shall be first.
The weather gods were good to us and despite the stinking heat, we had a seabreeze of sorts to play around with. Half a dozen boats came out and we're waiting for Judith to get her leg back into action so that Alma can come out to play as well. The start was kind to us and gently making our way up to the startline, we hovered until 30 seconds prior and rolled the boat over to get a half way decent start. In fact good enough to put us in front and first to Sampson. From there it was going to be a case of who tacked off first for the dip into the south near Heathcote. Swiftsure Saga was suffering with bad air from The First Jindarra so he rolled away. We went to cover David Locke and Corella who was suffering from our air and the other three hung out for a while in the north.
Wynella was coming back on a blinder and as we were on port, it was a matter of did we have the speed to get through her? We did, but not by much. He was doing well. Once Wynella had transited over into the south, she flicked over and then had to dip us (we were on starboard by then).. He clearly hadn't missed a trick. Good sailing Glen. However our problem wasn't Glen... It was all the other boats over there and they were coming back at us. All of them with the vowed intent of getting past us. Corella was going to be the one to beat as she was sailing high and hard. "Start yelling starboard" I was instructed and so began a throat wrenching call of starboards as we charged into the fray under Heathcote.
We knew we had Andy, so we were waiting for him to toss, but there was the suspicion of a lee-bow to come, so our bow came down a fraction and the Jin flipped in our faces. A gentle push on the helm took us up and over him, only to be met with Corella who was taking advantage of the melee, roaring past us to take a momentary lead. Well sailed Lockie and we then found ourselves being called to tack as the Jin was rapidly reaching the shallow water marks under Heathcote. Damn.. we tacked and lost any advantage we had, in fact we had given up three spots as Wynella was doing very well and we had the other two, Anna and Swiftsure Saga on our tails.
So to Robins, having tacked in toward Frenchies and come out high enough to make it in one tack to Robins. Beauty! Around we went and started chasing Wynella. We got past her by Dolphin East and on the downhill to Como we utilised the poled out jib in a two sail reach and powered up nicely, keeping up with the two in front. Around Como and then try to get to the outer startline in one tack.
No, it wasn't going to happen and the wiser heads in front of us just kept the power on, going faster that we were (we were still trying to make the outer startline in one). They had cleared out and a quick tack and tack again had them around the mark and away. Eventually we made it, got around the mark with a double tack and watched them galloping off into the distance. Hummm. So follow them and keep the boat flowing ahead of the rest of the fleet. Anna by now had established herself as the lead boat of the three and Swiftsure Saga was making designs on Wynella. Around Sampson again and dash off to King thinking we were doing well, only to see that the boys had utilised the southerly coming out of the Canning and had pushed along well, then a tack into the breeze and they were doing very well thank you. Another increase in lead for Andy Bell. So follow the fleet and Wynella was still leading Swiftsure Saga around the marks.
Then to Thelma and as I looked back I saw all three boats behind us, and Glen had decided to go along the beach. Bill flipped at the mark and barrelled straight toward the line. Smart move because it gave him fifth place over the line instead of sixth. However...…
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella, Mariner, Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella
On handicap: Wynella, The First Jindarra, Corella, Anna, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga. (Where's the bloody handicapper!?)
Actually Glen has been very canny, keeping his handicap reasonably low.... and this is what happens. Look out all of you.
Bob Williams was remembered at Bowra and O'Dea in South St Hilton on Thursday. The Commodore was present as were four other past commodores and a number of H28 sailors were there to remember Bobs contribution to both his family and his sailing. Thanks to all who attended.
Missing a week on the water. 12th and the 15th of February
A busy Wednesday and a Lyn Rue Davey memorial Saturday.
&
What we should have done at Print.
Its inevitable, the older you get the more the doctors want to take money out of your pockets and apparently I'm no exception. Wednesday am, quite early I gave up a chunk of my scalp to scientific research and hopefully that's all he wants to take. However he made it quite clear that I'm not to do anything to upset his fancy stitches on my head. So I'm taking it easy this week.
However sailing progressed in a fair breeze on Wednesday and seven boats got onto the water. While the weather on the day was reasonable and a sou wester was in, the racing had The First Jindarra take the win with Corella second over the line and Mariner third. Handicap results had Mariner and Corella swap places and the Jin remained up front, adding another point to her handicap. Anna, Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Aloha were also on the river.
Saturday and a cloudy day, but the breeze was still out of the sou-west building to a steady 15 to 20 knots (and I trusted seabreeze.. it was a nor wester that was wandering) . Predictably a course one with four boats on the water, three of which would have had the ability to throw a kite up. (I got that wrong, it was a course three)
Here's Brian's report of the day. Best left to him to tell the tale.. he was there. (anything in brackets apart from names are comments I've made)
On an overcast and shifty wind afternoon, with the wind at the start coming from the WNW, the starters saw fit to put up a course three for the H28’s. The fleet consisted of Anna (John Wright), Napier of Carrick (James Spittle), Nerrima (Les Brooker) and Wynella (Glen Stanley).
Anna with John on the helm decided to do a conservative start, and was a wee way back. While all the other boats headed for the southern bank John in his years of experience decided to head north. Deliberate delay in the start I hear you ask?? I think maybe. When the boats came back we put about and went back towards the SW on a nice lift which saw us in front of Nerrima and Wynella but a blinding drive by James Spittle had him cross ahead of us. (well done Jimmy)
John decided to keep going on the lift that he had and when we looked back, Les had decided to take Nerrima right in and along the north bank of the river. Jimmy had moved back onto the SW course the same as us and Glen was following behind us some distance back.
John then made the call to go about and start to head up to Bartlett, which was our first rounding mark. On the cross with Nerrima finally coming out on a starboard tack, we crossed her with about 20 metres clear. So around the top mark was Anna, Nerrima, Napier of Carrick and Wynella. Then the long run down to Thelma via Dolphin East.
Did we put up the spinnaker? No. One could see by the look in Johns face, even with his sunnies on, that he was ruing the day he didn’t put all the fittings on the boat to enable the kite to be used. I can be assured they will be on for next Saturday. By the time we reached Thelma both Nerrima and Wynella had passed John with his poled out headsail and he was going to have some work to do to get back in front. And yes he did. The boat was going fast and pointing very well. Anna put in a couple of lifting tacks and that along with good helming from John had Anna back in front by about 40 meters by the time they made Deepwater and for the reach across to Bartlett again.
This time the leg down to Addison had Nerrima back in front again and with a shy reach across to Thelma, there was no opportunity to catch him. The next leg up to Dolphin East had us staying with Nerrima and we rounded Dolphin East about 10 meters behind Nerrima with Glen about 100 meters behind. As expected, Nerrima pulled a bit more out of us on the run back down to Addison again, but holding our poled out headsail right to the mark had us close up about 20 metres. John pulled every ounce of boat speed out of Anna on the shy reach across to Thelma, and we rounded the mark the gap was less than 10 meters behind. (Les had cause to remember what John did to him last week)
Now the slog to the finish. Sitting behind Nerrima wasn’t going to give us any options so John decided to tack away. This is normally a loser but you have no option when you are sitting in dirty air. Perfectly executing the tack back, Anna called Nerrima just metres from the line and Anna took the win from Nerrima. (but graciously left him enough room to cross the line below him.)
Lockie said that when John walked into the bar, he had a grin from ear to ear. The old bugger still has plenty left in him, that’s for sure. (Sic)
A tight field meant that handicaps came into play and Anna dropped to last while Wynella won the Lyn Rue Davey Memorial by a decent margin with Napier of Carrick taking second and Nerrima in third place. (But I don't think that Les will forget that finish for a while.)
Now to the case of Print.
If you will remember the mark had gone walk about ( 22nd of January ) and ended up down at Addison. The First Jindarra took off after it and went around it and we all followed like lost sheep. However, this was racing on fixed marks on the river, not racing with placed marks. All we had to do is to turn at where we should have reasonably suspected the mark to be and proceeded on to the next mark. Remember this for the next time a mark is missing from its assigned spot.
To the Australian Wooden Boat Festival and I've already sent out an email letting you know that accommodation is now open for booking in Hobart, so its now up to you to get your booking in and I've received an email from Fiona and John Peate who own Anita/Oyster in Hobart and will be our show boat in the wooden boat festival. The boat is currently in the shipwrights hands for some work on the deck, splining and replacement of her running rigging. Sounds good. We ( the H28's ) look forward to seeing both boat and Fiona and John in good nick when we arrive over there in a years time.
The image below is Oyster/Anita coming out of the water to be worked on. ( Down in Hobart )
A busy Wednesday and a Lyn Rue Davey memorial Saturday.
&
What we should have done at Print.
Its inevitable, the older you get the more the doctors want to take money out of your pockets and apparently I'm no exception. Wednesday am, quite early I gave up a chunk of my scalp to scientific research and hopefully that's all he wants to take. However he made it quite clear that I'm not to do anything to upset his fancy stitches on my head. So I'm taking it easy this week.
However sailing progressed in a fair breeze on Wednesday and seven boats got onto the water. While the weather on the day was reasonable and a sou wester was in, the racing had The First Jindarra take the win with Corella second over the line and Mariner third. Handicap results had Mariner and Corella swap places and the Jin remained up front, adding another point to her handicap. Anna, Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Aloha were also on the river.
Saturday and a cloudy day, but the breeze was still out of the sou-west building to a steady 15 to 20 knots (and I trusted seabreeze.. it was a nor wester that was wandering) . Predictably a course one with four boats on the water, three of which would have had the ability to throw a kite up. (I got that wrong, it was a course three)
Here's Brian's report of the day. Best left to him to tell the tale.. he was there. (anything in brackets apart from names are comments I've made)
On an overcast and shifty wind afternoon, with the wind at the start coming from the WNW, the starters saw fit to put up a course three for the H28’s. The fleet consisted of Anna (John Wright), Napier of Carrick (James Spittle), Nerrima (Les Brooker) and Wynella (Glen Stanley).
Anna with John on the helm decided to do a conservative start, and was a wee way back. While all the other boats headed for the southern bank John in his years of experience decided to head north. Deliberate delay in the start I hear you ask?? I think maybe. When the boats came back we put about and went back towards the SW on a nice lift which saw us in front of Nerrima and Wynella but a blinding drive by James Spittle had him cross ahead of us. (well done Jimmy)
John decided to keep going on the lift that he had and when we looked back, Les had decided to take Nerrima right in and along the north bank of the river. Jimmy had moved back onto the SW course the same as us and Glen was following behind us some distance back.
John then made the call to go about and start to head up to Bartlett, which was our first rounding mark. On the cross with Nerrima finally coming out on a starboard tack, we crossed her with about 20 metres clear. So around the top mark was Anna, Nerrima, Napier of Carrick and Wynella. Then the long run down to Thelma via Dolphin East.
Did we put up the spinnaker? No. One could see by the look in Johns face, even with his sunnies on, that he was ruing the day he didn’t put all the fittings on the boat to enable the kite to be used. I can be assured they will be on for next Saturday. By the time we reached Thelma both Nerrima and Wynella had passed John with his poled out headsail and he was going to have some work to do to get back in front. And yes he did. The boat was going fast and pointing very well. Anna put in a couple of lifting tacks and that along with good helming from John had Anna back in front by about 40 meters by the time they made Deepwater and for the reach across to Bartlett again.
This time the leg down to Addison had Nerrima back in front again and with a shy reach across to Thelma, there was no opportunity to catch him. The next leg up to Dolphin East had us staying with Nerrima and we rounded Dolphin East about 10 meters behind Nerrima with Glen about 100 meters behind. As expected, Nerrima pulled a bit more out of us on the run back down to Addison again, but holding our poled out headsail right to the mark had us close up about 20 metres. John pulled every ounce of boat speed out of Anna on the shy reach across to Thelma, and we rounded the mark the gap was less than 10 meters behind. (Les had cause to remember what John did to him last week)
Now the slog to the finish. Sitting behind Nerrima wasn’t going to give us any options so John decided to tack away. This is normally a loser but you have no option when you are sitting in dirty air. Perfectly executing the tack back, Anna called Nerrima just metres from the line and Anna took the win from Nerrima. (but graciously left him enough room to cross the line below him.)
Lockie said that when John walked into the bar, he had a grin from ear to ear. The old bugger still has plenty left in him, that’s for sure. (Sic)
A tight field meant that handicaps came into play and Anna dropped to last while Wynella won the Lyn Rue Davey Memorial by a decent margin with Napier of Carrick taking second and Nerrima in third place. (But I don't think that Les will forget that finish for a while.)
Now to the case of Print.
If you will remember the mark had gone walk about ( 22nd of January ) and ended up down at Addison. The First Jindarra took off after it and went around it and we all followed like lost sheep. However, this was racing on fixed marks on the river, not racing with placed marks. All we had to do is to turn at where we should have reasonably suspected the mark to be and proceeded on to the next mark. Remember this for the next time a mark is missing from its assigned spot.
To the Australian Wooden Boat Festival and I've already sent out an email letting you know that accommodation is now open for booking in Hobart, so its now up to you to get your booking in and I've received an email from Fiona and John Peate who own Anita/Oyster in Hobart and will be our show boat in the wooden boat festival. The boat is currently in the shipwrights hands for some work on the deck, splining and replacement of her running rigging. Sounds good. We ( the H28's ) look forward to seeing both boat and Fiona and John in good nick when we arrive over there in a years time.
The image below is Oyster/Anita coming out of the water to be worked on. ( Down in Hobart )
Vale Robert (Bob) Williams
9th of February 2020
9th of February 2020
With great respect to the Williams / Murray and Colquhoun families.
The passing of Bob Williams at 102 years of age. He and his boat Alma sailed the waters of the Canning and the Swan with son John, grandson Andrew and a fair number of the Murray progeny as well. In fact the last few years of Alma's life in the Williams family gave him his greatest pleasure as Alma took an H28 championship with the assistance of a trio of Murray grandsons who would throw up a kite at any opportunity. His family will always be welcome within the fleet.
The passing of Bob Williams at 102 years of age. He and his boat Alma sailed the waters of the Canning and the Swan with son John, grandson Andrew and a fair number of the Murray progeny as well. In fact the last few years of Alma's life in the Williams family gave him his greatest pleasure as Alma took an H28 championship with the assistance of a trio of Murray grandsons who would throw up a kite at any opportunity. His family will always be welcome within the fleet.
Summer Saturday Sailing 8th of February Championship # 4
Unbeatable &
A busted block.
With Bill Richards still not sailing Saturdays thanks to his operation, I was tapped on the shoulder by John Wright of Anna to join him on the boat and sail on her as a guest main. Gee its in good nick. A delight to behold and John is quite happy to sail her as such. But with one change to the set up .. no tweekers so we cant fly a kite. Pity, but it means that to beat a boat with a spinnaker, you just have to sail a bit better.
The day started with a west sou wester of 10 to 12 knots and a championship course 1 (the long one). Six boats hit the course and Jim Spittle (Napea of Carrick) had his spinnaker ready to go. Wynella, Nerrima, Corella and The First Jindarra were all rigged for spinnakers. Our challenge was to see how many boats we could keep behind us. The breeze was to fluctuate all afternoon, rising and dropping in pace and moving around a little into the sou west, so someone who could read the breeze was going to do alright. Andy Bell on the Jin just took off, with David Locke in hot pursuit on Corella leaving the rest to battle it out between ourselves. Fine.. let Lockie and Andrew chase each other. We had other fish to fry. Like staying in front of three boats with spinnakers.
The run up to Brickies A and B is a bit of a bugger particularly when you are trying to put as much space between yourselves and the others before the long down wind runs under a spinnaker, but John is adept in working the wind to his advantage and we rounded Brickies with a fair lead. Les Brooker and Nerrima were around next and managed to get a kite up swiftly. Wynella was next and with Phil Lammonby running the main for him Glen was able to sport a borrowed spinnaker with Soraya's old spinnaker flying in front of Wynella. Looked fine too.
Sure enough, Nerrima got through us and Wynella wasn't far off our stern either. So around at Dolphin West, across to Foam and then back up to Sanders with John using the now solid sou wester to get him a little advantage on Nerrima and Wynella. Better height and speed giving him the edge to get past Nerrima again, plus some good trimming by the pair of Peter and Colin. Then the next down wind and this time all the way to Addison. Yes Nerrima got past us again and we were really vexed.. would he do this on the third lap? But there was only one way to find out and John decided to throw down the gauntlet again and away we went again. This time to Deepwater and a brief look at The First Jindarra and Corella as they fought out their own private battles.
We weren't that worried, much more fun with trying to keep Les Brooker at bay. Unfortunately Glen had had to retire. He was last seen with his jib flapping around the forestay. The top block on the mast had broken and dumped his foresail on the deck. Oh well, another handicap improver. Our job was to stay in front of Les and he had finally caught up with us on the last trip down to Addison. He was actually in front and clear of us, then had to drop his spinnaker. We caught up and got inside his transom before the 3 boat length rule could be invoked. Beauty.. away we went and we knew we had a fairly open reach to Thelma and a run along the beach before we tacked off to the outer startline.
In front and staying in front.. he's unbeatable.
Over the line. The First Jindarra, Corella and Anna.
On handicap. The First Jindarra, Nerrima and Corella.
The report on Karoleeya. Steve has mentioned that work will commence on her in due course and that it will be fairly extensive. It sounds like the collision shivered a few timbers as Steve was extremely lucky to be able to sail her back from Cockburn Sound without her going to the bottom of the sound.
Unbeatable &
A busted block.
With Bill Richards still not sailing Saturdays thanks to his operation, I was tapped on the shoulder by John Wright of Anna to join him on the boat and sail on her as a guest main. Gee its in good nick. A delight to behold and John is quite happy to sail her as such. But with one change to the set up .. no tweekers so we cant fly a kite. Pity, but it means that to beat a boat with a spinnaker, you just have to sail a bit better.
The day started with a west sou wester of 10 to 12 knots and a championship course 1 (the long one). Six boats hit the course and Jim Spittle (Napea of Carrick) had his spinnaker ready to go. Wynella, Nerrima, Corella and The First Jindarra were all rigged for spinnakers. Our challenge was to see how many boats we could keep behind us. The breeze was to fluctuate all afternoon, rising and dropping in pace and moving around a little into the sou west, so someone who could read the breeze was going to do alright. Andy Bell on the Jin just took off, with David Locke in hot pursuit on Corella leaving the rest to battle it out between ourselves. Fine.. let Lockie and Andrew chase each other. We had other fish to fry. Like staying in front of three boats with spinnakers.
The run up to Brickies A and B is a bit of a bugger particularly when you are trying to put as much space between yourselves and the others before the long down wind runs under a spinnaker, but John is adept in working the wind to his advantage and we rounded Brickies with a fair lead. Les Brooker and Nerrima were around next and managed to get a kite up swiftly. Wynella was next and with Phil Lammonby running the main for him Glen was able to sport a borrowed spinnaker with Soraya's old spinnaker flying in front of Wynella. Looked fine too.
Sure enough, Nerrima got through us and Wynella wasn't far off our stern either. So around at Dolphin West, across to Foam and then back up to Sanders with John using the now solid sou wester to get him a little advantage on Nerrima and Wynella. Better height and speed giving him the edge to get past Nerrima again, plus some good trimming by the pair of Peter and Colin. Then the next down wind and this time all the way to Addison. Yes Nerrima got past us again and we were really vexed.. would he do this on the third lap? But there was only one way to find out and John decided to throw down the gauntlet again and away we went again. This time to Deepwater and a brief look at The First Jindarra and Corella as they fought out their own private battles.
We weren't that worried, much more fun with trying to keep Les Brooker at bay. Unfortunately Glen had had to retire. He was last seen with his jib flapping around the forestay. The top block on the mast had broken and dumped his foresail on the deck. Oh well, another handicap improver. Our job was to stay in front of Les and he had finally caught up with us on the last trip down to Addison. He was actually in front and clear of us, then had to drop his spinnaker. We caught up and got inside his transom before the 3 boat length rule could be invoked. Beauty.. away we went and we knew we had a fairly open reach to Thelma and a run along the beach before we tacked off to the outer startline.
In front and staying in front.. he's unbeatable.
Over the line. The First Jindarra, Corella and Anna.
On handicap. The First Jindarra, Nerrima and Corella.
The report on Karoleeya. Steve has mentioned that work will commence on her in due course and that it will be fairly extensive. It sounds like the collision shivered a few timbers as Steve was extremely lucky to be able to sail her back from Cockburn Sound without her going to the bottom of the sound.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 5th of February
One wrong step &
A guest on board Mariner.
First of all a humble apology to John Mewit, whose name I have been misspelling all these years. Sorry John. I corrected the entries on this year, but the rest will just have to be read as Mewit, not Mewitt. :-)
Poor Judith. When she was out with Glen a week or two ago, she took a tumble and managed to break a leg. A launch from the cabin top into the cockpit did the trick and she will probably be annoying the hell out of Neil for the next few weeks until she is better. Just one wrong step.
We started with 6 boats on the water and a nice little west sou wester with Aloha joining us to make it seven boats. Quite a good fleet really. Anna, Mariner, Wynella, Corella, Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra made up the fleet with Aloha and the starters chose a course two for us. On board Mariner we had the company of Ross Barnett from the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Ross, (Roscoe) is over here to meet the h28 fleet and secure Rugged (a lovely little 23 footer designed and sailed (at one stage) by Len Randell), one of the clubs vice patrons. Rugged is owned by Vic Court's brother Ken and its hoped that she will cross the Nullarbor to join the WA H28 Oyster that resides in Hobart for the AWBF 2021. Len has been invited to be one of the speakers at the Wooden Boat symposium held in conjunction with the festival and Roscoe came over to meet him in that regard.
Ok, when you have a boat race, the object of the game is to be first to the next mark.. Sampson and Mariner was doing very well thank you. The skipper was in tune and once every one had peeled off to go into the east after Sampson we threw a leisurely cover on them and continued on our way up the wind. Possibly the correct thing to do would have been to stay on that side, but we took a chance and went into the north around the Royal Perth fleet only finding ourselves giving up not one, but two places with both Andy Bell and the Jin and David Locke's Corella slipping through us. Then the battle into Hallmark with the chance of getting back past Lockie thwarted by a bad knock. Oh well.. up to Armstrong and think about the down wind run.
For once the idea of sailing hotter angles worked and one or two gybes had us on the starboard side of Lockie and running past him on the way to Como. Once inside him, the next effort was to stay in front and he, Rita and Ian Weaver were forever tapping away at our transom and as a result they featured in a lot of the photos I took. They were again on our tail on the way up to Dolphin East and got past us on the way up, but in a surprising move, managed to lose all that lead and gave us a chance to get past him. Never to be repeated though and we worked to maintain the lead all the way down from DE on a poled out run to Print, then a nearly beam reach to Como with the pole still out to the windward side. Then the trimming was all up to Roscoe as we firmed up a little to get to Thelma and then a tight reach across to the finish line. Second over the line and 19 seconds ahead of Corella. A great race on a softish day. John Wright did well to keep the rest at bay taking away a fourth spot with Bill Richards Swiftsure Saga (5th) breaking doctors rules to stay in front of Wynella in 6th place and Aloha rounding up the back end.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Corella
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella
A note of interest: Drew Minto (the younger) has been accepted to study applied maths at Melbourne University and consequently will be heading over there shortly. Andrew (dad) has reservations about the boat sailing without Drew and I fervently hope that Andrew can be convinced that there are skippers who both would like to keep her sailing and are prepared to go out with Aloha. Give it a shot please.
Now to the windward leeward racing last week. Congratulations to both Glen (Wynella) and Jim Spittle (Napea of Carrick) who contested the afternoon and sailed in what Glen described as "interesting breezes" i.e. it blew like crazy. Unfortunately Jim hadn't signed up for the event and only Glens effort was noted. Pity.
And last Wednesday. I was over at the match racing on Perth Waters but although the usual suspects crossed the line one, two, three. Wynella stole the handicap win with a great run that left him less than two minutes behind the lead boat ( the Jin ) and consequently snapped up the flags. Good sailing Wynella.
One wrong step &
A guest on board Mariner.
First of all a humble apology to John Mewit, whose name I have been misspelling all these years. Sorry John. I corrected the entries on this year, but the rest will just have to be read as Mewit, not Mewitt. :-)
Poor Judith. When she was out with Glen a week or two ago, she took a tumble and managed to break a leg. A launch from the cabin top into the cockpit did the trick and she will probably be annoying the hell out of Neil for the next few weeks until she is better. Just one wrong step.
We started with 6 boats on the water and a nice little west sou wester with Aloha joining us to make it seven boats. Quite a good fleet really. Anna, Mariner, Wynella, Corella, Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra made up the fleet with Aloha and the starters chose a course two for us. On board Mariner we had the company of Ross Barnett from the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Ross, (Roscoe) is over here to meet the h28 fleet and secure Rugged (a lovely little 23 footer designed and sailed (at one stage) by Len Randell), one of the clubs vice patrons. Rugged is owned by Vic Court's brother Ken and its hoped that she will cross the Nullarbor to join the WA H28 Oyster that resides in Hobart for the AWBF 2021. Len has been invited to be one of the speakers at the Wooden Boat symposium held in conjunction with the festival and Roscoe came over to meet him in that regard.
Ok, when you have a boat race, the object of the game is to be first to the next mark.. Sampson and Mariner was doing very well thank you. The skipper was in tune and once every one had peeled off to go into the east after Sampson we threw a leisurely cover on them and continued on our way up the wind. Possibly the correct thing to do would have been to stay on that side, but we took a chance and went into the north around the Royal Perth fleet only finding ourselves giving up not one, but two places with both Andy Bell and the Jin and David Locke's Corella slipping through us. Then the battle into Hallmark with the chance of getting back past Lockie thwarted by a bad knock. Oh well.. up to Armstrong and think about the down wind run.
For once the idea of sailing hotter angles worked and one or two gybes had us on the starboard side of Lockie and running past him on the way to Como. Once inside him, the next effort was to stay in front and he, Rita and Ian Weaver were forever tapping away at our transom and as a result they featured in a lot of the photos I took. They were again on our tail on the way up to Dolphin East and got past us on the way up, but in a surprising move, managed to lose all that lead and gave us a chance to get past him. Never to be repeated though and we worked to maintain the lead all the way down from DE on a poled out run to Print, then a nearly beam reach to Como with the pole still out to the windward side. Then the trimming was all up to Roscoe as we firmed up a little to get to Thelma and then a tight reach across to the finish line. Second over the line and 19 seconds ahead of Corella. A great race on a softish day. John Wright did well to keep the rest at bay taking away a fourth spot with Bill Richards Swiftsure Saga (5th) breaking doctors rules to stay in front of Wynella in 6th place and Aloha rounding up the back end.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Corella
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Wynella
A note of interest: Drew Minto (the younger) has been accepted to study applied maths at Melbourne University and consequently will be heading over there shortly. Andrew (dad) has reservations about the boat sailing without Drew and I fervently hope that Andrew can be convinced that there are skippers who both would like to keep her sailing and are prepared to go out with Aloha. Give it a shot please.
Now to the windward leeward racing last week. Congratulations to both Glen (Wynella) and Jim Spittle (Napea of Carrick) who contested the afternoon and sailed in what Glen described as "interesting breezes" i.e. it blew like crazy. Unfortunately Jim hadn't signed up for the event and only Glens effort was noted. Pity.
And last Wednesday. I was over at the match racing on Perth Waters but although the usual suspects crossed the line one, two, three. Wynella stole the handicap win with a great run that left him less than two minutes behind the lead boat ( the Jin ) and consequently snapped up the flags. Good sailing Wynella.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 22nd of January
Back flips into the drink. A broken spinnaker pole &
Where the bloody hell is Print?
It doesn't take much to spin a sorry tale and a broken spinnaker pole cost John Mewit and his crew on Swiftsure Saga a chance at a second place over the line. But there was more to this as the story of the day unfolds.
It was going to be a feisty day and a run up to Martin-Weaver was inevitable with a big breeze on the water. Most of us had gone for # 2's or a 1 and an half. Surprisingly they didn't ask us wear life jackets, but the breezes built from low 17's to mid 20's with gusts coming through at 25 knots or better. While we were moving out, The First Jindarra had a momentary stoppage and the vessel moved into the pens opposite, prompting a need to push her out. Sure enough Mark Rodereda was doing his level best and managed to do the splits as he and the vessel parted company and he was seen to do an elegant backflip into the water. He rose to the surface and the lads hauled him up out of the water and he proceeded to drip dry while the boat motored out of the pen.
Five of us out on the water with John Wright joining us on a day that we were a little surprised to see him on, but he had Peter and borrowed Colin from Glen. Otherwise the aforementioned 1st Jindarra, Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were to perform mighty feats on the water.
A good start had us second off the line and we squeezed our way up to Martin on a gusty southerly. Around we went and across to Weaver on our way on a course number one. The battle to get to Sampson ensured and it was a dash that had John Mewit challenging us all the way, tapping on our transom (figuratively) and we could only take him up so far rather than let the others through. And he knew it. Knowing what Andy Bell would do at Sampson, we chose to tack off early and headed over to the channel before a work up through the heavy slop that the wind fetch was giving us. A couple of sets of tacks had us appraising the new number two jib and screwing it down hard to get all the effort out of it. But The Jin was getting away and Swiftsure had gone into the north for a full on run up the river.. less tacks too. Probably cost us a bit of time our two sets of tacks but we were happy. Swiftsure passed us by the time we reached Deepwater and looking back, the pair of Wynella and Anna ran into the Royal Perth fleet with Anna skimming past the leaders and Wynella having to toss.
Around the top and away to Print... but where was it? Andrew passed where it should have been and kept going...he had seen it down past Addison and it was in a patch that was fraught with danger. So gingerly he made his way down and rounded the mark, touching the bottom as he did so. Swiftsure Saga was next and with a shallower draught, rounded without difficulty. We lurched our way around going from one side to another to try and keep the boat on an angle as far as possible. No touching and we then made our way back up to Robins, pretty much in the same order as before. Back down via Dolphin East and we were around the outer startline without problems. The Jin was getting away nicely now with the number one headsail drawing them further and further ahead. But we were steadily catching Swiftsure Saga and the reason given afterwards that something had given way on the spinnaker pole and they couldn't pole out and go faster. We simply drag raced past them. But once we were both on the reach, they were as quick as us and they were on our tail for the rest of the day.
Away to King and then back to never - never land where the Print buoy ended up. But as Les Swinton observed afterwards, if it had been lying over, then it would have been too shallow, so both we and C fleet were challenged, but not threatened on the day. The dash back to the finish line was a tight reach all the way down to Thelma and even the appearance of a friendly (not) Spirit 28 failed to prevent John Mewit and his hard working crew from putting the pressure on us. All we had to do was to stay between him and the line and so we did.
An addendum to the story, John Wright and Anna retired after the race and I'll get an understanding later on. A pity because he, Peter and Colin sailed well, three up on a pretty big day.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga.
The Championship race on Saturday the 18th of January. ( Race 4 )
Unfortunately I was away on the day but predictably The First Jindarra did very well and took the day, but not without David Locke taking the lead all the way up to Brickies and gear failure on his boom led to needed rapid repairs to attach the boom to the mainsheet again. Of course Andy Bell took the chance, took the lead and stayed there. Nerrima, Wynella and Aloha rounded out the afternoon and it was again a busy day on the water.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Nerrima.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Nerrima and Corella.
While Bill Richards lingers in the hospital zone, Brian and David have been repairing and touching up his boat and the boat is as quick as ever and looks a damned sight better with the keel dried out and sealed with glass and the transom rubbed back and a coat of white two pack applied. Even the toe rails and the rubbing strakes have been rubbed back and recoated. Looks flash.
Glen is having problems with the track ripping off on his starboard side. Just as soon as one part is repaired, another bit comes off. Me thinks a permanent fix is required, not just patch ups.
Andrew Bells boat, the First Jindarra appears to have some separation between the plate holding his forestay onto the stem at the bow. Take no chances Mr Bell, a fix is clearly indicated.
Back flips into the drink. A broken spinnaker pole &
Where the bloody hell is Print?
It doesn't take much to spin a sorry tale and a broken spinnaker pole cost John Mewit and his crew on Swiftsure Saga a chance at a second place over the line. But there was more to this as the story of the day unfolds.
It was going to be a feisty day and a run up to Martin-Weaver was inevitable with a big breeze on the water. Most of us had gone for # 2's or a 1 and an half. Surprisingly they didn't ask us wear life jackets, but the breezes built from low 17's to mid 20's with gusts coming through at 25 knots or better. While we were moving out, The First Jindarra had a momentary stoppage and the vessel moved into the pens opposite, prompting a need to push her out. Sure enough Mark Rodereda was doing his level best and managed to do the splits as he and the vessel parted company and he was seen to do an elegant backflip into the water. He rose to the surface and the lads hauled him up out of the water and he proceeded to drip dry while the boat motored out of the pen.
Five of us out on the water with John Wright joining us on a day that we were a little surprised to see him on, but he had Peter and borrowed Colin from Glen. Otherwise the aforementioned 1st Jindarra, Mariner, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were to perform mighty feats on the water.
A good start had us second off the line and we squeezed our way up to Martin on a gusty southerly. Around we went and across to Weaver on our way on a course number one. The battle to get to Sampson ensured and it was a dash that had John Mewit challenging us all the way, tapping on our transom (figuratively) and we could only take him up so far rather than let the others through. And he knew it. Knowing what Andy Bell would do at Sampson, we chose to tack off early and headed over to the channel before a work up through the heavy slop that the wind fetch was giving us. A couple of sets of tacks had us appraising the new number two jib and screwing it down hard to get all the effort out of it. But The Jin was getting away and Swiftsure had gone into the north for a full on run up the river.. less tacks too. Probably cost us a bit of time our two sets of tacks but we were happy. Swiftsure passed us by the time we reached Deepwater and looking back, the pair of Wynella and Anna ran into the Royal Perth fleet with Anna skimming past the leaders and Wynella having to toss.
Around the top and away to Print... but where was it? Andrew passed where it should have been and kept going...he had seen it down past Addison and it was in a patch that was fraught with danger. So gingerly he made his way down and rounded the mark, touching the bottom as he did so. Swiftsure Saga was next and with a shallower draught, rounded without difficulty. We lurched our way around going from one side to another to try and keep the boat on an angle as far as possible. No touching and we then made our way back up to Robins, pretty much in the same order as before. Back down via Dolphin East and we were around the outer startline without problems. The Jin was getting away nicely now with the number one headsail drawing them further and further ahead. But we were steadily catching Swiftsure Saga and the reason given afterwards that something had given way on the spinnaker pole and they couldn't pole out and go faster. We simply drag raced past them. But once we were both on the reach, they were as quick as us and they were on our tail for the rest of the day.
Away to King and then back to never - never land where the Print buoy ended up. But as Les Swinton observed afterwards, if it had been lying over, then it would have been too shallow, so both we and C fleet were challenged, but not threatened on the day. The dash back to the finish line was a tight reach all the way down to Thelma and even the appearance of a friendly (not) Spirit 28 failed to prevent John Mewit and his hard working crew from putting the pressure on us. All we had to do was to stay between him and the line and so we did.
An addendum to the story, John Wright and Anna retired after the race and I'll get an understanding later on. A pity because he, Peter and Colin sailed well, three up on a pretty big day.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga.
The Championship race on Saturday the 18th of January. ( Race 4 )
Unfortunately I was away on the day but predictably The First Jindarra did very well and took the day, but not without David Locke taking the lead all the way up to Brickies and gear failure on his boom led to needed rapid repairs to attach the boom to the mainsheet again. Of course Andy Bell took the chance, took the lead and stayed there. Nerrima, Wynella and Aloha rounded out the afternoon and it was again a busy day on the water.
Over the line: The First Jindarra, Corella and Nerrima.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Nerrima and Corella.
While Bill Richards lingers in the hospital zone, Brian and David have been repairing and touching up his boat and the boat is as quick as ever and looks a damned sight better with the keel dried out and sealed with glass and the transom rubbed back and a coat of white two pack applied. Even the toe rails and the rubbing strakes have been rubbed back and recoated. Looks flash.
Glen is having problems with the track ripping off on his starboard side. Just as soon as one part is repaired, another bit comes off. Me thinks a permanent fix is required, not just patch ups.
Andrew Bells boat, the First Jindarra appears to have some separation between the plate holding his forestay onto the stem at the bow. Take no chances Mr Bell, a fix is clearly indicated.
Summer Wednesday Sailing 15th of January
You'd never believe Lockie's luck &
Steely has returned.
Second things first and Steely (David Locke's nephew?) broke the hearts of the older sailors when Bill Richards gave him the helm of Swiftsure Saga several years ago and the son of a gun gave us all a run for the money. Damn he was good. And then he disappeared. Oh well. Time might bring him back and sure enough, up pops Steely and his mate.
It was a classic easterly day with a Martin-Weaver on offer and a course four to boot. Oh great, a reaching course as well. Anna is out of service, Swiftsure is not sailing and Alma has the seats out. Bother, how many boats have we got to sail? Thank goodness the Mintos came looking for a sail, though if they had contacted Glen we could have put extra crew on the boat and made it more viable for them.
Away went the fleet with the pin being the favoured corner and a long run down to the end of the jetties, before tacking out again to have another try. Around Martin and making Weaver on a lucky lift, we could have done better if the pole requested by the skipper had come off as we rounded Weaver. Oh well, next time. We made our way down to Sampson on an Easterly that swirled, but never really blew; rather frustrating for the skipper.
It was a follow me day and we were. On the way up to Robins, Lockie had a good lead and was going to hold it all day if he could, but on the way to Como after Dolphin East, Andy Bell went into the east to get closer to the breeze and it worked. Lockie had kept his run down to a ley line to Como and you could see the rush that The First Jindarra was in. They were steaming and Lockie had missed the boat. Rolled at Como, he tried to come back, but The Jin capitalised on his luck and went across over to Heathcote and kept going toward the outer startline. Still in pressure, Andrew was able to come down to the mark and slip around still in the lead. We still had third place and were trying very hard to catch up. Doing quite well actually. We had shortened the distance markedly.
But Lockie and Rita weren't going to give up yet. Oh no! the small triangle was next. Sampson to King and a great battle going on with all the RP boats coming down to round Como, almost slamming into our fleet and the other fleet of SoPYC boats were making their way over to the outer start line creating havoc with our dash to King. Dodgems anyone. Then away to Print and Lockie was getting no closer, so in a breaker of a move, he too went over to the east to get closer to the breeze and while we were harrying The Jin, Lockie found some luck and just shot away. We went deep into the freeway to see what the breeze was offering and followed The Jin across to Thelma. We were just sniffing at her heels, but Lockie was long gone and across the line almost before we made the mark at Thelma and then it was a case of trimming for the line ourselves. Nice to get there in so close to The First Jindarra.
Wynella managed to cross some six minutes later and Aloha another five and a half minutes further down the line.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Mariner.
On handicap: Mariner, Corella and The First Jindarra.
All that hard work trimming paid off. We were 3 seconds ahead of Corella on handicap. And yes we'll take it..
You'd never believe Lockie's luck &
Steely has returned.
Second things first and Steely (David Locke's nephew?) broke the hearts of the older sailors when Bill Richards gave him the helm of Swiftsure Saga several years ago and the son of a gun gave us all a run for the money. Damn he was good. And then he disappeared. Oh well. Time might bring him back and sure enough, up pops Steely and his mate.
It was a classic easterly day with a Martin-Weaver on offer and a course four to boot. Oh great, a reaching course as well. Anna is out of service, Swiftsure is not sailing and Alma has the seats out. Bother, how many boats have we got to sail? Thank goodness the Mintos came looking for a sail, though if they had contacted Glen we could have put extra crew on the boat and made it more viable for them.
Away went the fleet with the pin being the favoured corner and a long run down to the end of the jetties, before tacking out again to have another try. Around Martin and making Weaver on a lucky lift, we could have done better if the pole requested by the skipper had come off as we rounded Weaver. Oh well, next time. We made our way down to Sampson on an Easterly that swirled, but never really blew; rather frustrating for the skipper.
It was a follow me day and we were. On the way up to Robins, Lockie had a good lead and was going to hold it all day if he could, but on the way to Como after Dolphin East, Andy Bell went into the east to get closer to the breeze and it worked. Lockie had kept his run down to a ley line to Como and you could see the rush that The First Jindarra was in. They were steaming and Lockie had missed the boat. Rolled at Como, he tried to come back, but The Jin capitalised on his luck and went across over to Heathcote and kept going toward the outer startline. Still in pressure, Andrew was able to come down to the mark and slip around still in the lead. We still had third place and were trying very hard to catch up. Doing quite well actually. We had shortened the distance markedly.
But Lockie and Rita weren't going to give up yet. Oh no! the small triangle was next. Sampson to King and a great battle going on with all the RP boats coming down to round Como, almost slamming into our fleet and the other fleet of SoPYC boats were making their way over to the outer start line creating havoc with our dash to King. Dodgems anyone. Then away to Print and Lockie was getting no closer, so in a breaker of a move, he too went over to the east to get closer to the breeze and while we were harrying The Jin, Lockie found some luck and just shot away. We went deep into the freeway to see what the breeze was offering and followed The Jin across to Thelma. We were just sniffing at her heels, but Lockie was long gone and across the line almost before we made the mark at Thelma and then it was a case of trimming for the line ourselves. Nice to get there in so close to The First Jindarra.
Wynella managed to cross some six minutes later and Aloha another five and a half minutes further down the line.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Mariner.
On handicap: Mariner, Corella and The First Jindarra.
All that hard work trimming paid off. We were 3 seconds ahead of Corella on handicap. And yes we'll take it..
Summer Saturday Sailing 11th of January The start of the post Christmas / New Year season.
While we have been celebrating over summer, two or three boats have been up on the slips. Namely Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Alma.
Wynella was up for a touch up and some war paint; Alma was up to get a new coat of anti foul and some work on the toe rails and rubbing strakes with Swiftsure up to get her false keel dried out and glassed in to prevent any more water incursion. While she was there she had her transom and rudder repainted and a coat of antifoul put on. Bill was busy replacing the bearings on the shaft, but had been taken off to hospital with a ruptured appendix. Could have been disastrous, but he's pulled through and will be back on the boat when the pain wears off. Brian and Lockie teamed up and finished the work for him and a bit of work was done on the toe rails as well. All his woodwork needs some attention and this is a start in the right direction for him. Otherwise one of his regular crew John P. was out of action with a heart attack and will be returning once the medication has settled him down. And that was summer.
However this story is about the six boats that took off onto the river on a dodgy nor easter that we were given a course one to sail on. By the time we were around the yellow mark the breeze had dropped out and we were in real strife. Despite good thoughts the boat hadn't been rigged for a kite and as the breeze dropped away the lack of it was felt. We'd gone into the North to try and get some breeze off the shore line, but when everything died, the breeze could be seen, but not made advantage of. And the other boats stayed over to the eastern side and began to progress. Even against an incoming tide. Corella with Andy Bell and Rita were long gone, Glen and Wynella had eventually got past us as did Les on Nerrima with his mixed up crazy crew of Crowbar, Gina, Simon and Mark. oh well. Behind us and like us, refusing to believe that it was worthwhile bothering, Aloha and Jim Spittles crew decided that going home was a better option.
The chatter of the radio after 1500 hours had us aware that they were shortening up the course, but by this time the skipper had decided.. too hot, the beer tasted good. Drop the headsail and put it away. By this time the long awaited seabreeze began to push in and we decided to sail home with a second round of the bush chooks to be opened. Packed the boat up and settled into a session while we waited for the rest of the fleet to come home.
By the time we were looking at the Mornington Brown ale, Lockie was back and they packed up and jumped on board.. shortly after that Nerrima hove into view and they too joined us once packed up. Steve Hill who was sailing on Wynella commented that the bow was further out of the water than he'd seen it for a while. Well with 11 people in or around the cockpit, its no surprise.
Over the line: Corella, Nerrima and Wynella
On handicap: Corella, Nerrima and Wynella
A note: the H28 team to sail in the Little Wheel has been announced and the comment is that we will need a bit of pressure as they have Andy Bell, Brian Cross, Lockie, Mark Rodareda and Kevin Robson. Four of these fellows are in the 80 kg + category. Which may be a fair bit for the Bakewell 8's.
While we have been celebrating over summer, two or three boats have been up on the slips. Namely Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Alma.
Wynella was up for a touch up and some war paint; Alma was up to get a new coat of anti foul and some work on the toe rails and rubbing strakes with Swiftsure up to get her false keel dried out and glassed in to prevent any more water incursion. While she was there she had her transom and rudder repainted and a coat of antifoul put on. Bill was busy replacing the bearings on the shaft, but had been taken off to hospital with a ruptured appendix. Could have been disastrous, but he's pulled through and will be back on the boat when the pain wears off. Brian and Lockie teamed up and finished the work for him and a bit of work was done on the toe rails as well. All his woodwork needs some attention and this is a start in the right direction for him. Otherwise one of his regular crew John P. was out of action with a heart attack and will be returning once the medication has settled him down. And that was summer.
However this story is about the six boats that took off onto the river on a dodgy nor easter that we were given a course one to sail on. By the time we were around the yellow mark the breeze had dropped out and we were in real strife. Despite good thoughts the boat hadn't been rigged for a kite and as the breeze dropped away the lack of it was felt. We'd gone into the North to try and get some breeze off the shore line, but when everything died, the breeze could be seen, but not made advantage of. And the other boats stayed over to the eastern side and began to progress. Even against an incoming tide. Corella with Andy Bell and Rita were long gone, Glen and Wynella had eventually got past us as did Les on Nerrima with his mixed up crazy crew of Crowbar, Gina, Simon and Mark. oh well. Behind us and like us, refusing to believe that it was worthwhile bothering, Aloha and Jim Spittles crew decided that going home was a better option.
The chatter of the radio after 1500 hours had us aware that they were shortening up the course, but by this time the skipper had decided.. too hot, the beer tasted good. Drop the headsail and put it away. By this time the long awaited seabreeze began to push in and we decided to sail home with a second round of the bush chooks to be opened. Packed the boat up and settled into a session while we waited for the rest of the fleet to come home.
By the time we were looking at the Mornington Brown ale, Lockie was back and they packed up and jumped on board.. shortly after that Nerrima hove into view and they too joined us once packed up. Steve Hill who was sailing on Wynella commented that the bow was further out of the water than he'd seen it for a while. Well with 11 people in or around the cockpit, its no surprise.
Over the line: Corella, Nerrima and Wynella
On handicap: Corella, Nerrima and Wynella
A note: the H28 team to sail in the Little Wheel has been announced and the comment is that we will need a bit of pressure as they have Andy Bell, Brian Cross, Lockie, Mark Rodareda and Kevin Robson. Four of these fellows are in the 80 kg + category. Which may be a fair bit for the Bakewell 8's.
From the Cockburn Sound Regatta 2019
Poor old Karoleeya. Can't pull a trick.
Steve did a great job getting her down there and was performing well in the event over all, managing to keep both her handicap in check and her crew on the boat. Then the house battery packed up. No controls for the electric motor etc and more importantly no bilge pump. Needed for a wooden boat of her vintage.
But some funds were found, a new battery installed and she kept on sailing. Until the second last day. Unfortunately she was port and starboarded by none other than Graeme Martin on Sandcrab's Disco. Ouch! Bow to bow and the shock has started the deck from the hull and there is a certain amount of question about the planking at the bow coming away. Graeme admitted liability and its a matter of whether the hull can be mended sufficiently. The battery box dissolved and when I saw it, all the structure had gone and the batteries were a tangled mess on the side of the hull. Still working, but as Steve said, they were getting hot and they smelt a lot.
Its a credit to the crew and the boat that she managed to get home all the way from Rockingham and getting her under the bridges was fraught with danger. Steve hailed a passing power boat and got them to tow them through and most of their problems were resolved. Then it was a matter of getting her home and I arrived just as they were parking up in the jetty. Stopped, listened, sounded sympathetic and looked at the damage. Best to get an expert in and Ian Weaver will be getting a call shortly I'm sure.
Ok, you make your mind up. Here's some photos
Poor old Karoleeya. Can't pull a trick.
Steve did a great job getting her down there and was performing well in the event over all, managing to keep both her handicap in check and her crew on the boat. Then the house battery packed up. No controls for the electric motor etc and more importantly no bilge pump. Needed for a wooden boat of her vintage.
But some funds were found, a new battery installed and she kept on sailing. Until the second last day. Unfortunately she was port and starboarded by none other than Graeme Martin on Sandcrab's Disco. Ouch! Bow to bow and the shock has started the deck from the hull and there is a certain amount of question about the planking at the bow coming away. Graeme admitted liability and its a matter of whether the hull can be mended sufficiently. The battery box dissolved and when I saw it, all the structure had gone and the batteries were a tangled mess on the side of the hull. Still working, but as Steve said, they were getting hot and they smelt a lot.
Its a credit to the crew and the boat that she managed to get home all the way from Rockingham and getting her under the bridges was fraught with danger. Steve hailed a passing power boat and got them to tow them through and most of their problems were resolved. Then it was a matter of getting her home and I arrived just as they were parking up in the jetty. Stopped, listened, sounded sympathetic and looked at the damage. Best to get an expert in and Ian Weaver will be getting a call shortly I'm sure.
Ok, you make your mind up. Here's some photos