On the water, in the Bar
The stories of the H28's
of South Perth Yacht club
in 2022
Winter Wednesday Sailing 11th of May 2022
Back on the water again &
A slow day on the river.
There's not much chance of a great days sailing when the breeze has just about shut down on you.
We started on a very light nor wester that just kept on getting lighter and lighter throughout the day, but didn't completely disappear. If we got above 5 knots it was on a broad reach (and there weren't many of those.)
Five boats hit the water and Bill took the opportunity to clean his hull, my word it needed a clean. He was complaining that it wasn't performing well and we know why now. Big John has returned from Melbourne and with a full boat for Bill, I hopped across to Wynella and filled a port trim spot. Gee those winches are set a long way back. However it was a chance to go for a yacht. so no complaining. Dave Lock isn't missing Rita a bit.. she's gone off to Fiji now that the borders have opened up and he got the boat set up with Chloe and one of her friends. So a few changes, but all for the better. The Jin was in Peter Broadbent's hands as Barry Skinner is recovering from Long Covid. (not good at all)
The start was spectacular for us as Ernie was coaching Glen to the inch and we glided across the box end pretty much on time while every one else was going down the to the pin end to try and minimise the distance covered. We were hoping for more breeze that we got and Bill with his clean hull, just slipped away as did the rest of the fleet. By the time we had made Sampson we were 4th of the fleet and it was a choice to make... stay with the fleet or break away.. Which we did.
Up the river we went, it wasn't fast and we were trying to heel the boat by lining the lee side which sort of worked as we fought The First Jindarra for last spot. The others were away, but not by much and the fleet was pretty much together with John Wright sailing immaculately and getting into the lead, only to have a SS27 sail over him and take his breeze, effectively shutting him down. So to Hallmark and then to Armstrong with the boats still quite close together. but we were slow, so slow.
Around Armstrong and set our sights on Como with the sure knowledge that we would get a shortened course as it was 10 to 4 by the time we made Armstrong. So down the breeze we went. Slower and slower we sailed, looking for puffs and gusts everywhere. We did well enough to draw past Peter and the Jin and set our sights on Lockie, but he must have had a bit more luck running for him and he managed to keep his boat running well. John Wright on Anna had kept his lead, but Bill Richards was well in front and managed to keep Swiftsure Saga well in the lead.. in fact almost two minutes in the lead.
We made the bottom mark and headed for the line, just trying to keep ahead of the Jin as Peter had the boat flowing well, but we were doing well enough to stay in front. Over the line and pack up the boat with the rest of the fleets making their way down to the line as well. It was getting quite cool and the sky had clouded over... rain wasn't far away.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna, Corella.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga, Anna.
With any luck, we will see Mariner back on the water next week when Brian and Judi return from Augusta. Rita has gone for the next few weeks to Fiji and good luck to her; Les Brooker was seen working on Nerima and we are all hoping that he is preparing the boat for a summer season filled with glory. (Well I can wish cant I?)
Back on the water again &
A slow day on the river.
There's not much chance of a great days sailing when the breeze has just about shut down on you.
We started on a very light nor wester that just kept on getting lighter and lighter throughout the day, but didn't completely disappear. If we got above 5 knots it was on a broad reach (and there weren't many of those.)
Five boats hit the water and Bill took the opportunity to clean his hull, my word it needed a clean. He was complaining that it wasn't performing well and we know why now. Big John has returned from Melbourne and with a full boat for Bill, I hopped across to Wynella and filled a port trim spot. Gee those winches are set a long way back. However it was a chance to go for a yacht. so no complaining. Dave Lock isn't missing Rita a bit.. she's gone off to Fiji now that the borders have opened up and he got the boat set up with Chloe and one of her friends. So a few changes, but all for the better. The Jin was in Peter Broadbent's hands as Barry Skinner is recovering from Long Covid. (not good at all)
The start was spectacular for us as Ernie was coaching Glen to the inch and we glided across the box end pretty much on time while every one else was going down the to the pin end to try and minimise the distance covered. We were hoping for more breeze that we got and Bill with his clean hull, just slipped away as did the rest of the fleet. By the time we had made Sampson we were 4th of the fleet and it was a choice to make... stay with the fleet or break away.. Which we did.
Up the river we went, it wasn't fast and we were trying to heel the boat by lining the lee side which sort of worked as we fought The First Jindarra for last spot. The others were away, but not by much and the fleet was pretty much together with John Wright sailing immaculately and getting into the lead, only to have a SS27 sail over him and take his breeze, effectively shutting him down. So to Hallmark and then to Armstrong with the boats still quite close together. but we were slow, so slow.
Around Armstrong and set our sights on Como with the sure knowledge that we would get a shortened course as it was 10 to 4 by the time we made Armstrong. So down the breeze we went. Slower and slower we sailed, looking for puffs and gusts everywhere. We did well enough to draw past Peter and the Jin and set our sights on Lockie, but he must have had a bit more luck running for him and he managed to keep his boat running well. John Wright on Anna had kept his lead, but Bill Richards was well in front and managed to keep Swiftsure Saga well in the lead.. in fact almost two minutes in the lead.
We made the bottom mark and headed for the line, just trying to keep ahead of the Jin as Peter had the boat flowing well, but we were doing well enough to stay in front. Over the line and pack up the boat with the rest of the fleets making their way down to the line as well. It was getting quite cool and the sky had clouded over... rain wasn't far away.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna, Corella.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga, Anna.
With any luck, we will see Mariner back on the water next week when Brian and Judi return from Augusta. Rita has gone for the next few weeks to Fiji and good luck to her; Les Brooker was seen working on Nerima and we are all hoping that he is preparing the boat for a summer season filled with glory. (Well I can wish cant I?)
Saturday Summer Sailing. Closing Day 23rd of April 2022.
The Commodores Trophy Pursuit Race.
The three of us &
Set fair.
The day was almost perfect with a reliable ( well it was an easterly) breeze that stayed in for the day. And they sent us on a run all the way to Brickies A & B with a return to Dolphin West and then back up again.
The trip was actually designed that all the boats could take along water bombs and super drencher pistols and have a whale of a time out on the water. It would have been perfect for the day.
However we took off along with a number of others right on 20 minutes and found ourselves being over run by an ambitious blue boat with a Greek name. So up we went. He pretty quickly understood and eased back on his ambitions, preparing for a kite run on the way down to Brickies A and B. Ok. we were sailing jib and main for the day, though it was to be to our detriment as the H28's slipped to the back of the fleet quickly.
As the back marker for the H28's we had 5 minutes to catch up with Aloha and 2 minutes on Wynella and the latter stayed in front all the way with some rather adventuresome use of his pole around Brickies A and B. However the return trip up the breeze to Dolphin West was a fine battle for the two of us with the boats duelling on the water for the best part of twenty minutes. Finally Swiftsure Saga broke through, but well done Wynella for the tussle on the water.
Having made Dolphin West it was going to be clear that we would be a while going back and there was a real regret that we hadn't opted for Spinnakers to keep up with the fleet. Even three up we could have managed with the day and it was only the occasional gust that kept us moving. Around Brickies again and off to Como with the skipper wondering why everyone went right. Well that's where the breeze was, so we followed suit. Zig zagging across the river we made our way up the track to Como and finally rounded the mark and headed for home. Along the way we were fascinated by a shoal of bait fish skipping across the
river surface clearly being pursued by something bigger.
Enough:- Over the line and a hoot from the starters and inside for a chip and a beer.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha. Many thanks to all who sailed for the day.
Thirty one boats sailed the last day.. on par for the numbers we have been getting on the river recently. Its a pity.
Thus ends the sailing season for 2021-22.
The Commodores Trophy Pursuit Race.
The three of us &
Set fair.
The day was almost perfect with a reliable ( well it was an easterly) breeze that stayed in for the day. And they sent us on a run all the way to Brickies A & B with a return to Dolphin West and then back up again.
The trip was actually designed that all the boats could take along water bombs and super drencher pistols and have a whale of a time out on the water. It would have been perfect for the day.
However we took off along with a number of others right on 20 minutes and found ourselves being over run by an ambitious blue boat with a Greek name. So up we went. He pretty quickly understood and eased back on his ambitions, preparing for a kite run on the way down to Brickies A and B. Ok. we were sailing jib and main for the day, though it was to be to our detriment as the H28's slipped to the back of the fleet quickly.
As the back marker for the H28's we had 5 minutes to catch up with Aloha and 2 minutes on Wynella and the latter stayed in front all the way with some rather adventuresome use of his pole around Brickies A and B. However the return trip up the breeze to Dolphin West was a fine battle for the two of us with the boats duelling on the water for the best part of twenty minutes. Finally Swiftsure Saga broke through, but well done Wynella for the tussle on the water.
Having made Dolphin West it was going to be clear that we would be a while going back and there was a real regret that we hadn't opted for Spinnakers to keep up with the fleet. Even three up we could have managed with the day and it was only the occasional gust that kept us moving. Around Brickies again and off to Como with the skipper wondering why everyone went right. Well that's where the breeze was, so we followed suit. Zig zagging across the river we made our way up the track to Como and finally rounded the mark and headed for home. Along the way we were fascinated by a shoal of bait fish skipping across the
river surface clearly being pursued by something bigger.
Enough:- Over the line and a hoot from the starters and inside for a chip and a beer.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha. Many thanks to all who sailed for the day.
Thirty one boats sailed the last day.. on par for the numbers we have been getting on the river recently. Its a pity.
Thus ends the sailing season for 2021-22.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 20th of April.
The last day of Wednesday sailing for the summer &
Hughie's call.
Its been a funny few weeks without a skipper to sail with, but I've done a few guest spots and this week I was hanging off the safety boat with a camera.. unfortunately they had their own agenda so I stepped off around 4pm, but it was fascinating watching the breeze taking charge of the racing.
You guessed it... an Easterly again and with a certain amount of nerve RO Lynne Newton sent them away on a light breezes course 4. The drag race down to Sampson was exactly that.. they were all dragging large chains behind them. Riding the safety boat we went off to Foam where the crew of the boat were content to sit in the middle of the river and monitor everything. How times have changed.
The seabreeze began to form down around Deepwater and you could see it begin to fill in the north side of the river. There were still boats who had been lured over to the south where the last of the easterly was playing and they along with the remnants of the div one and two boats fell into doldrums. The certain few who had though about it were over in the North and sure enough, they got away.
The H28's, well the last boats over the start line were Swiftsure Saga and Wynella.. the two who were in contention for the seasons win. Up front we had David Locke driving his newly repaired Corella and he was hotly pursued by Peter Broadbent who had The First Jindarra flying. Fascinating watching as the handicap split was enough to guarantee that The Jin would get the nod if they finished within 2 minutes. John Wright was smack in the middle and was doing fine except for a bit of finessing required around Robins with another boat trying to fit into his water.
The battle for 4th and 5th continued with Bill getting past Glen around Como and that let them get away for a chance to get further ahead. But all to no avail as the final lap had them only a minute ahead when at least 4 minutes was required. But for the lack of a breeze a championship was lost.. and if they had managed to get that lead and end up in front of Wynella they would have tied on points with drops and won on the number of firsts. Bill has proved that his boat likes a breeze and it would have been a fine finish to the season, but after all... well its Hughie's call.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Anna.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Corella and Wynella.
For the season: Wynella 24 points, Swiftsure Saga 25 points and Mariner with a whopping 46 just edging out Corella on 47.
The first two slides.. well this is Corella up on the slips about to be repaired and the second is Aloha getting new shrouds, being put on by the owner Andrew Minto.
I will be away in Melbourne for the next week or so.
The last day of Wednesday sailing for the summer &
Hughie's call.
Its been a funny few weeks without a skipper to sail with, but I've done a few guest spots and this week I was hanging off the safety boat with a camera.. unfortunately they had their own agenda so I stepped off around 4pm, but it was fascinating watching the breeze taking charge of the racing.
You guessed it... an Easterly again and with a certain amount of nerve RO Lynne Newton sent them away on a light breezes course 4. The drag race down to Sampson was exactly that.. they were all dragging large chains behind them. Riding the safety boat we went off to Foam where the crew of the boat were content to sit in the middle of the river and monitor everything. How times have changed.
The seabreeze began to form down around Deepwater and you could see it begin to fill in the north side of the river. There were still boats who had been lured over to the south where the last of the easterly was playing and they along with the remnants of the div one and two boats fell into doldrums. The certain few who had though about it were over in the North and sure enough, they got away.
The H28's, well the last boats over the start line were Swiftsure Saga and Wynella.. the two who were in contention for the seasons win. Up front we had David Locke driving his newly repaired Corella and he was hotly pursued by Peter Broadbent who had The First Jindarra flying. Fascinating watching as the handicap split was enough to guarantee that The Jin would get the nod if they finished within 2 minutes. John Wright was smack in the middle and was doing fine except for a bit of finessing required around Robins with another boat trying to fit into his water.
The battle for 4th and 5th continued with Bill getting past Glen around Como and that let them get away for a chance to get further ahead. But all to no avail as the final lap had them only a minute ahead when at least 4 minutes was required. But for the lack of a breeze a championship was lost.. and if they had managed to get that lead and end up in front of Wynella they would have tied on points with drops and won on the number of firsts. Bill has proved that his boat likes a breeze and it would have been a fine finish to the season, but after all... well its Hughie's call.
Over the line: Corella, The First Jindarra and Anna.
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Corella and Wynella.
For the season: Wynella 24 points, Swiftsure Saga 25 points and Mariner with a whopping 46 just edging out Corella on 47.
The first two slides.. well this is Corella up on the slips about to be repaired and the second is Aloha getting new shrouds, being put on by the owner Andrew Minto.
I will be away in Melbourne for the next week or so.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 13th of April
Vale Past Commodore Bruce Williams
It is with the greatest sadness we announce the passing of Past Commodore Bruce Williams who died peacefully at his home on Saturday 2nd of April 2022. In his own words, at his birthday in February over a favourite meal of Swan River crabs, he said, “I have had a wonderful 97 years and it doesn't get any better than being surrounded by what I love most, my family.”
Bruce grew up in Applecross by the river. A proud South of Perth Yacht Club man of 57 years and Commodore in 1974 -75. He served on protest committees for many years at the Club and at State and International level. Lovingly supported by his beloved wife, Joan (dec).
Among his accomplishments he chaired the YAWA racing Rules Committee and was appointed WA's first international yachting judge for the International Yacht Racing Union, now World Sailing. He chaired the protest jury for the America's Cup Defence selection in 1987. Bruce was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his contribution to yachting. He was a life member of YAWA and also of our Club.
Bruce was a passionate ambassador for the Club throughout his involvement in international yachting and the Naval Association of Australia. The Club offers something for all members of a family, it supports family values and Bruce was particularly proud of this. He was delighted that his extended family, at one stage could count over 500 years of accumulated membership.
His greatest sailing love was his H28 Lynda, which he sailed for over 22 years. He introduced his brother Bob (H28 Alma) and brother-in-law Bob Colquhoun (H28 Karina) to the joys of sailing and the Club. After selling Lynda he went on to the power boat Momo and then Dividend.
Bruce is survived by his sisters Delys and Helen, brother Max and his three children Peter, Lesley and Julie. His grandchildren Simon, Kate, Jess, Elliott, Phil, Brendan, Tess and Sam and great grandchildren Oscar, Alice, Finn, Madeline and Eliza.
This piece was published as a SoPYC announcement and was written by a family member.
Sailing Results for the day.
Over the line: Anna, Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra
On handicap: Wynella, Anna and The First Jindarra.
There was no sailing over Easter.
Vale Past Commodore Bruce Williams
It is with the greatest sadness we announce the passing of Past Commodore Bruce Williams who died peacefully at his home on Saturday 2nd of April 2022. In his own words, at his birthday in February over a favourite meal of Swan River crabs, he said, “I have had a wonderful 97 years and it doesn't get any better than being surrounded by what I love most, my family.”
Bruce grew up in Applecross by the river. A proud South of Perth Yacht Club man of 57 years and Commodore in 1974 -75. He served on protest committees for many years at the Club and at State and International level. Lovingly supported by his beloved wife, Joan (dec).
Among his accomplishments he chaired the YAWA racing Rules Committee and was appointed WA's first international yachting judge for the International Yacht Racing Union, now World Sailing. He chaired the protest jury for the America's Cup Defence selection in 1987. Bruce was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his contribution to yachting. He was a life member of YAWA and also of our Club.
Bruce was a passionate ambassador for the Club throughout his involvement in international yachting and the Naval Association of Australia. The Club offers something for all members of a family, it supports family values and Bruce was particularly proud of this. He was delighted that his extended family, at one stage could count over 500 years of accumulated membership.
His greatest sailing love was his H28 Lynda, which he sailed for over 22 years. He introduced his brother Bob (H28 Alma) and brother-in-law Bob Colquhoun (H28 Karina) to the joys of sailing and the Club. After selling Lynda he went on to the power boat Momo and then Dividend.
Bruce is survived by his sisters Delys and Helen, brother Max and his three children Peter, Lesley and Julie. His grandchildren Simon, Kate, Jess, Elliott, Phil, Brendan, Tess and Sam and great grandchildren Oscar, Alice, Finn, Madeline and Eliza.
This piece was published as a SoPYC announcement and was written by a family member.
Sailing Results for the day.
Over the line: Anna, Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra
On handicap: Wynella, Anna and The First Jindarra.
There was no sailing over Easter.
Saturday Summer Sailing 9th of April The 7th and final Championship
Nothing less than a course one &
Sailors have feelings too.
It turned into a lovely day. A little cool, but a sparkling breeze turned up out of the south but it did have a distinct bend in it down near the Canning river end. Made it interesting to carry a kite when we got down that end. But the usual three turned out for the event with two boats out of action and a skipper with his hands out of action. So Wynella, Aloha and Swiftsure Saga.
The start boat wobbled backwards and forwards on the Canning influence and the day buoys were there or not with the AP rising and falling. But we didn't mind as it was a nice breeze and we had four on the boat, yes we could pop a kite up. Eventually we got under way and headed across the start line with the other two boats above us. No matter, we could duck under them if we needed to and then work our way up the river. Sure enough, a course one from the starters and at least we had a half way decent breeze to go sailing on. But it was cool so there wasn't a sting in its tail. Just right for a spinnaker.
Away we went up the river with a solid work up to Brickies; jeepers the boat is predictable. There is a groove which carries Wynella's track up the river and I swear that he tacks on the same spot every time. However that's ok we know where he is most times. So for once a clean run up to Brickies with no battles with opposing fleets. Apparently the other clubs had fired them off on different tracks. Good one. Around the marks and Grahame who had joined us for the afternoon was interested in the make up of "the other end of the river". He's principally only sailed up at the top end. But he was a competent man and had the spinnaker under control pretty quickly. Well done Eric up the front.
Down to Dolphin West with a rather worried Couta boat trying to get around us and having to go behind us. Sorry mate we've been there before. And then a rather large cruiser coming in from port and aiming at D-W with the idea of going around the mark. Fortunately we managed to get through her as we were on our way to Foam and it would have been a pain in the bum. So down to Foam with a spinnaker that was beginning to go sideways as the breeze went forward. Lots of fun. So down and around with aplomb and back up to Sanders. By this time we had about 100 metres lead.
Finding Sanders was the next chore and with a bit of luck we picked it up early and shot off to the mark forthwith. Up went the kite again and this time we were ploughing our way through a bunch of boats from the Perth Dinghy club, Sharpies, Cherubs, the occasional crabber who had strayed onto Robins as a spot to put crab nets and rapidly learnt that sailors have feelings too. Well its clear that if you start swearing at a yacht owner who has fouled his rudder on your nets, the yacht owner has at least 5 mates with him on his boat and you (the crabber) have ruined their day. The crabbers weren't there the next time around.
So down to Como and around again and back up past Robins to see it swept bare of crabbers. Mind you we had to fight our way through a large collection of dinghies again and we were carried away a couple of times by a wall of Sharpies or Cherubs. Oh well, that's life. Back up past Robins and out to Deepwater and set a kite to get to Dolphin East. A gybe or two and we were there with a final run to Addison. "My word" said Grahame. "This is a long day out on the water". We then had to explain how much longer it is when the breeze is lighter. And it would have been a lot longer for someone at the back of the fleet.
Down to Thelma and across the line to hear the horn go off. Thank goodness for that.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Aloha
Provisional season results!
For the season: Championship-- Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha 6 races and 5 to be counted.
For the season: Consistency ---- Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha 18 races and 15 to be counted.
Once again thanks to Hayden who was wandering around on the foredeck of Wynella with a camera.
His are the second lot of photos.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 6th of April 2022
Sailing with the beer snafflers &
The dreaded nor easters.
Sliding down to the club I was of about 3 different minds. Go sailing (and with whom). Join the start team again (unlikely) or go out with Greg on the rescue boat to try to get some photos.
After having made my mind up to go with Greg once I'd noticed that John P's wife Helen was back on deck, the beer snaffler himself offered me a ride on Wynella. I had either forgotten that Bill had indicated that he was looking for another body on Wednesday, or he had thought that he had told me. No matter, that's another story.
So four boats set off today and it was on an easterly that we began our battle. Ernie nailed the start, showing a lot of faith in his crew as we pirouetted around the start area with gybes and tacks in abundance. And cursed as we were over run by the boats behind us.. everyone stole our breeze and by the time we reached Sampson on a light winds course four Wynella had slipped to the back. But not far behind.
Down to Robins was the next run and it was slow, we were looking for puffs on the water and it is very hard to determine which side of the river the next band of pressure is coming from. As we made Robins you could have thrown a ( rather large) blanket over all four boats, but John Wright had his boat sliding through the water deceptively quickly and had managed to put Bill on Swiftsure Saga behind him and the pair of them picked up a little pressure band after Robins and took off to Dolphin East leaving The First Jindarra and Wynella to struggle around Robins in their wake.
But John went too far and it was a sorry sight to watch a good lead thrown away as Swiftsure slid around Dolphin East into the fore. He quickly retraced his tracks and took second again, but there must have been much cursing on the vessel as they reviewed their folly. Didn't bother us though we were still slipping along slowly with occasional gusts pushing s down the track. To tack over to the south and be closer to the breeze coming out of the now sou easterly? or stay on the same track. Well we took a half and half approach when we tacked to go over to the middle and because we were knocking so badly we tacked back and then began to knock again, badly.
No, we weren't going to win that one were we?
So follow The First Jindarra all the way back with a willy-willy knocking us around with an instant gybe happening. As the clock ticked down to 4pm we began to second guess the starters (never a good idea) and sure enough as soon as a div two boat cleared the outer start line they threw up the 'on station /finish line' flag and hoisted a shortened course for Div 3 and the H28's.
So slide over the line, pack the boat up and head for the pens.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and the First Jindarra
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Anna and Swiftsure Saga
Yes... stone motherless last. I'm beginning to think I'm an albatross.
Otherwise John P has had to shoot through to Melbourne following the sudden death of a close relative and Peter Shepherd is a grandfather again. Glen is still recuperating with the bruises on his face really showing up. Brian Cross came down to very carefully lap his pinot out of a wineglass, holding his hands very gingerly. Only another 2 or 3 weeks to go.
The two injured H28's are slowly undergoing repair with the hole in Georgina tidied up in preparation to putting a piece of timber in. Lockie joined us for a beer after sailing as he had been pulling the damage on Corella to pieces and beginning the restoration process. Good to see that he's regained a sense of humour again.
Sailing with the beer snafflers &
The dreaded nor easters.
Sliding down to the club I was of about 3 different minds. Go sailing (and with whom). Join the start team again (unlikely) or go out with Greg on the rescue boat to try to get some photos.
After having made my mind up to go with Greg once I'd noticed that John P's wife Helen was back on deck, the beer snaffler himself offered me a ride on Wynella. I had either forgotten that Bill had indicated that he was looking for another body on Wednesday, or he had thought that he had told me. No matter, that's another story.
So four boats set off today and it was on an easterly that we began our battle. Ernie nailed the start, showing a lot of faith in his crew as we pirouetted around the start area with gybes and tacks in abundance. And cursed as we were over run by the boats behind us.. everyone stole our breeze and by the time we reached Sampson on a light winds course four Wynella had slipped to the back. But not far behind.
Down to Robins was the next run and it was slow, we were looking for puffs on the water and it is very hard to determine which side of the river the next band of pressure is coming from. As we made Robins you could have thrown a ( rather large) blanket over all four boats, but John Wright had his boat sliding through the water deceptively quickly and had managed to put Bill on Swiftsure Saga behind him and the pair of them picked up a little pressure band after Robins and took off to Dolphin East leaving The First Jindarra and Wynella to struggle around Robins in their wake.
But John went too far and it was a sorry sight to watch a good lead thrown away as Swiftsure slid around Dolphin East into the fore. He quickly retraced his tracks and took second again, but there must have been much cursing on the vessel as they reviewed their folly. Didn't bother us though we were still slipping along slowly with occasional gusts pushing s down the track. To tack over to the south and be closer to the breeze coming out of the now sou easterly? or stay on the same track. Well we took a half and half approach when we tacked to go over to the middle and because we were knocking so badly we tacked back and then began to knock again, badly.
No, we weren't going to win that one were we?
So follow The First Jindarra all the way back with a willy-willy knocking us around with an instant gybe happening. As the clock ticked down to 4pm we began to second guess the starters (never a good idea) and sure enough as soon as a div two boat cleared the outer start line they threw up the 'on station /finish line' flag and hoisted a shortened course for Div 3 and the H28's.
So slide over the line, pack the boat up and head for the pens.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and the First Jindarra
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Anna and Swiftsure Saga
Yes... stone motherless last. I'm beginning to think I'm an albatross.
Otherwise John P has had to shoot through to Melbourne following the sudden death of a close relative and Peter Shepherd is a grandfather again. Glen is still recuperating with the bruises on his face really showing up. Brian Cross came down to very carefully lap his pinot out of a wineglass, holding his hands very gingerly. Only another 2 or 3 weeks to go.
The two injured H28's are slowly undergoing repair with the hole in Georgina tidied up in preparation to putting a piece of timber in. Lockie joined us for a beer after sailing as he had been pulling the damage on Corella to pieces and beginning the restoration process. Good to see that he's regained a sense of humour again.
Saturday Summer Sailing 2nd of April 2022
The same two &
Piggy in the middle/ Glass out.
Oh bugger. They gave us a course one. The long one. Heading off on a nor easter, we left the pen with a foreigner on the boat. Welcome Steve! He had very little big boat experience, but he had done 4 days on a boat handling course down south and wasn't entirely useless. In fact half way down to Brickies he had his hands on the spinnaker strings and was doing ok.
However we were up against Ernie Little and his well trained team of beer snafflers on Wynella. Down to the line we went and it was going to be a close thing as we eased ourselves over the line on port and refused the opportunity to take them up over the line.. well we could have! Then the race to the turning marks and we made it just in front of them thanks to a bit of luck on the water as the fitful breeze flicked our way for once.
Up went the spinnaker with Eric in fine form.. a few technical bumps and up we went. At the same time, Wynella was doing similar and for some reason they walked right past us with Hayden's camera clicking away. Thanks mate!
Then began an absorbing battle as we worked on our way down to Brickies A and B. A little separation and the challenge was on as we kept the kites aloft in the breeze that was disappearing. But we had enough and that's all that mattered. Approaching two thirds of the way we pointed out Sanders to Steve, challenging him to find it again when it mattered to us. But we had to get around Brickies and with Wynella just to port and a SS27 bearing down on us from the vicinity of Smith we had to drop, bring the pole in and then run the boat comfortably down along the line between A and B. Surprisingly the SS 27 let us get away with it and we made it around Brickies B clear ahead.
Wynella was in trouble and behind the SS 27. They were locked in behind them as they turned right and Wynella was looking at being carted off to China. So they went with the flow.
A wise move as it turned out, as they were in light but constant pressure all the way and were well in front ( though a long way off ). We were sitting in a wash-pool of power boat wakes with several other yachts suffering the same problems. Even sports boats like The Cadillac were tied down by the lack of breeze. Shocking.
Eventually the radio began to crackle with one or two boats asking whether an abandonment was in the offing. Of course the RO wasn't going to say boo. There were several fleets sailing for Championship points and the RO wasn't going to let it go easily. We battled our way on down past Perth Flying Squadron Yacht club and found the breeze swing around the clock with boats in front running kites toward us and boats behind us running kites towards us. Piggy in the middle... no breeze at all
Crackle, crackle.. "All boats SoPYC fleet All boats SoPYC fleet. Racing is shortened Racing is shortened." A fat lot of good that will do us... its nearly 4 pm and the breeze just aint there. So down came the spinnaker and the motor was switched on. Wynella saw us gliding along and dropped their spinnaker as well.. A motor was clearly turned on and the radio crackled again with Wynella announcing the fact that they were retiring and that we had as well. As we made out way home, the freeway special started up and the Canning river breeze fired up. But it wasn't going anywhere and if our next trip was to Sanders we would have sailed into glass as the middle of the river was under a magic spell.
We were back to the pens by 1630 and cleaned up shortly afterwards. A couple of beers in the bar and then off home as the stragglers started to roll into the club. Hot, thirsty and no championship points. It wasn't a pretty picture. The club was in conciliation mode with free beers and chips being offered to mollify the sailors. I presume that the starters tab was being charged for that.
No results and some very cooked sailors.
The same two &
Piggy in the middle/ Glass out.
Oh bugger. They gave us a course one. The long one. Heading off on a nor easter, we left the pen with a foreigner on the boat. Welcome Steve! He had very little big boat experience, but he had done 4 days on a boat handling course down south and wasn't entirely useless. In fact half way down to Brickies he had his hands on the spinnaker strings and was doing ok.
However we were up against Ernie Little and his well trained team of beer snafflers on Wynella. Down to the line we went and it was going to be a close thing as we eased ourselves over the line on port and refused the opportunity to take them up over the line.. well we could have! Then the race to the turning marks and we made it just in front of them thanks to a bit of luck on the water as the fitful breeze flicked our way for once.
Up went the spinnaker with Eric in fine form.. a few technical bumps and up we went. At the same time, Wynella was doing similar and for some reason they walked right past us with Hayden's camera clicking away. Thanks mate!
Then began an absorbing battle as we worked on our way down to Brickies A and B. A little separation and the challenge was on as we kept the kites aloft in the breeze that was disappearing. But we had enough and that's all that mattered. Approaching two thirds of the way we pointed out Sanders to Steve, challenging him to find it again when it mattered to us. But we had to get around Brickies and with Wynella just to port and a SS27 bearing down on us from the vicinity of Smith we had to drop, bring the pole in and then run the boat comfortably down along the line between A and B. Surprisingly the SS 27 let us get away with it and we made it around Brickies B clear ahead.
Wynella was in trouble and behind the SS 27. They were locked in behind them as they turned right and Wynella was looking at being carted off to China. So they went with the flow.
A wise move as it turned out, as they were in light but constant pressure all the way and were well in front ( though a long way off ). We were sitting in a wash-pool of power boat wakes with several other yachts suffering the same problems. Even sports boats like The Cadillac were tied down by the lack of breeze. Shocking.
Eventually the radio began to crackle with one or two boats asking whether an abandonment was in the offing. Of course the RO wasn't going to say boo. There were several fleets sailing for Championship points and the RO wasn't going to let it go easily. We battled our way on down past Perth Flying Squadron Yacht club and found the breeze swing around the clock with boats in front running kites toward us and boats behind us running kites towards us. Piggy in the middle... no breeze at all
Crackle, crackle.. "All boats SoPYC fleet All boats SoPYC fleet. Racing is shortened Racing is shortened." A fat lot of good that will do us... its nearly 4 pm and the breeze just aint there. So down came the spinnaker and the motor was switched on. Wynella saw us gliding along and dropped their spinnaker as well.. A motor was clearly turned on and the radio crackled again with Wynella announcing the fact that they were retiring and that we had as well. As we made out way home, the freeway special started up and the Canning river breeze fired up. But it wasn't going anywhere and if our next trip was to Sanders we would have sailed into glass as the middle of the river was under a magic spell.
We were back to the pens by 1630 and cleaned up shortly afterwards. A couple of beers in the bar and then off home as the stragglers started to roll into the club. Hot, thirsty and no championship points. It wasn't a pretty picture. The club was in conciliation mode with free beers and chips being offered to mollify the sailors. I presume that the starters tab was being charged for that.
No results and some very cooked sailors.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 30th March 2022
Two boats &
A sore and sorry skipper.
Well done to the weather with a fraudulent easterly masquerading as a nor easter and even a south easter with embedded gusts that had Phil reach for the phone and call off our day on the water. Fair enough I guess with only three available for the boat and a gusty day forecast.
So Wynella and Swiftsure Saga saddled up to sail. Me, well I went up on the start box and pulled flags for a while. Fun I guess. And it allowed me to take those snaps from the top that most people don't get to see.
No surprises, as Ernie was driving instead of Glen, who is taking some time off to have a rearrangement of his eyebrow and they stacked the rail with big fellas to make sure they had a good day out. Ernie nailed the start, but between leading at the top and getting around Martin and Weaver, Swiftsure just took off and was leading the dash down to Sampson.
And that was the last I saw of them until later on as I turned up to watch the finish and sure enough, there was Bill and the crew, belting down to the line from Thelma with of all things, a poled out jib. I guess it was a case of, "it was already up, so just keep sailing with it" .
Six minutes and 53 seconds ahead. It was just enough to keep Wynella from swallowing up first place on handicap ( 58 seconds off) Well sailed Bill, Eric and Graeme.
And Brian Cross is wandering around trying to work out when he can hold a beer in his hands. Double carpel tunnel operations have left him armless :-)
Two boats &
A sore and sorry skipper.
Well done to the weather with a fraudulent easterly masquerading as a nor easter and even a south easter with embedded gusts that had Phil reach for the phone and call off our day on the water. Fair enough I guess with only three available for the boat and a gusty day forecast.
So Wynella and Swiftsure Saga saddled up to sail. Me, well I went up on the start box and pulled flags for a while. Fun I guess. And it allowed me to take those snaps from the top that most people don't get to see.
No surprises, as Ernie was driving instead of Glen, who is taking some time off to have a rearrangement of his eyebrow and they stacked the rail with big fellas to make sure they had a good day out. Ernie nailed the start, but between leading at the top and getting around Martin and Weaver, Swiftsure just took off and was leading the dash down to Sampson.
And that was the last I saw of them until later on as I turned up to watch the finish and sure enough, there was Bill and the crew, belting down to the line from Thelma with of all things, a poled out jib. I guess it was a case of, "it was already up, so just keep sailing with it" .
Six minutes and 53 seconds ahead. It was just enough to keep Wynella from swallowing up first place on handicap ( 58 seconds off) Well sailed Bill, Eric and Graeme.
And Brian Cross is wandering around trying to work out when he can hold a beer in his hands. Double carpel tunnel operations have left him armless :-)
Saturday Summer Sailing 26th of March 6th Championship Race
All dressed up &
Nowhere to go.
Amongst the flurries of rain that scudded across the tarmac and onto the jetty tops..could be seen the crews of three H28's, yup the same old three. Aloha, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
SSS was three up, but thought that they could fly a kite anyway, Wynella was five up and was prepared to give us a hard time and there were at least three or four on Aloha and with Mark out the front they would certainly run a kite.
Boats made ready, lunches quickly eaten, repairs done while we had the time and the radio switched on.
It was out of the nor west and gusting a little, but nothing to be alarmed about. We were all settling into the usual banter about who would put up a kite first and which course we were to get. A course two or three was decided upon and the radio crackled. " All South of Perth boats, all south of Perth boats all South of Perth boats. This is Coffee Pointers start boat. Racing is cancelled for the day, repeat Racing is cancelled for the day."
We looked around and most of the other boats on our jetty and adjacent jetties were doing the same. Disbelief was etched on our faces. A war council was held and as we did so, the message was repeated.
Ok, its all over. So what do we do? Go for a yot anyway? The consensus was a no, so we all packed up and quietly filed ashore. An N over A was in evidence on the club flag pole. Sailing cancelled for the day and an enquiry of a passing safety boat driver explained that the river had closed down for fear of lightning and that no other clubs were sailing either.
The radar was as clear as a bell beyond the current squalls and what was a good day in hand turned into a chat session on the lawn over a beer. Yes, we would have sailed and by 1500 hrs the breeze had settled into a lovely 10 to 14 knots. Sure it had been a little frisky at 1330 but we had the assurance that there was little behind it.
The safety of the yachts is paramount without question, however it is every boats choice to sail and the club simply offers the skippers a chance to race. A good day was lost to caution.
All dressed up &
Nowhere to go.
Amongst the flurries of rain that scudded across the tarmac and onto the jetty tops..could be seen the crews of three H28's, yup the same old three. Aloha, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga.
SSS was three up, but thought that they could fly a kite anyway, Wynella was five up and was prepared to give us a hard time and there were at least three or four on Aloha and with Mark out the front they would certainly run a kite.
Boats made ready, lunches quickly eaten, repairs done while we had the time and the radio switched on.
It was out of the nor west and gusting a little, but nothing to be alarmed about. We were all settling into the usual banter about who would put up a kite first and which course we were to get. A course two or three was decided upon and the radio crackled. " All South of Perth boats, all south of Perth boats all South of Perth boats. This is Coffee Pointers start boat. Racing is cancelled for the day, repeat Racing is cancelled for the day."
We looked around and most of the other boats on our jetty and adjacent jetties were doing the same. Disbelief was etched on our faces. A war council was held and as we did so, the message was repeated.
Ok, its all over. So what do we do? Go for a yot anyway? The consensus was a no, so we all packed up and quietly filed ashore. An N over A was in evidence on the club flag pole. Sailing cancelled for the day and an enquiry of a passing safety boat driver explained that the river had closed down for fear of lightning and that no other clubs were sailing either.
The radar was as clear as a bell beyond the current squalls and what was a good day in hand turned into a chat session on the lawn over a beer. Yes, we would have sailed and by 1500 hrs the breeze had settled into a lovely 10 to 14 knots. Sure it had been a little frisky at 1330 but we had the assurance that there was little behind it.
The safety of the yachts is paramount without question, however it is every boats choice to sail and the club simply offers the skippers a chance to race. A good day was lost to caution.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 23rd March
A tactician &
Two down.
Another day with the easterlies in hand and the promise of a course two with Kate Lammonby subbing for Phil who was driving a truck down from Darwin. Interesting side-line that man has. However the skipper in his wisdom offered Kate the stick on the proviso that he ran the main and acted as tactician. We also watched as a large chunk of coral was knocked off the bottom of Georgina near the keel. Oh dear - a visit to the slips is required.
But before we started racing, Corella and Georgina retired from the course and its believed that there was a coming together. Each boat was at least three up and I'm sure that what ever happened has been discussed between the skippers.
So away on a course two with a run up to Martin-Weaver to make it interesting. Making the top mark was going to be a couple of tacks and a bit of luck with the breeze. Well we had the luck and the breeze and got around the top first with enough room around the second mark to roll around comfortably.
Next was the run down the breeze to Sampson on a fluctuating sou easter that had the pole out and not and shy chances as the breeze swung into the north and back again. Interesting would be an understatement. However we made it to Sampson and set off on the journey to Hallmark, pretty much aimed straight at it and ensuring that we got through the Royal Perth fleet without much trauma. Then finding Hallmark.. it was made easy for us as the div one boats were rounding it and that certainly helped.
So around the mark we went and changed our aim a little for Armstrong. Swiftsure Saga was having a spirited battle with The First Jindarra and even though Bill was only two up, they were doing well. We got to see a couple of old H28 sailors out on the new div one boats and good on them. But the next leg was down to Como and turn right for the outer startline. And Bill just sailed past us. Did we cover him well enough? Did he pick up a vagrant puff that took him past us? Didn't matter, we were knocking all the way down to Como and we had to go that little bit further, Bill did far better and simply made it his own.
Around the outer startline and then chase Bill.. sounds familiar? We've been doing this all summer. On our way to Dolphin East and simply find the two red spits and aim for the middle. Behind us loomed the First Jindarra and Wynella, who had been improving all day, or maybe we had not been doing as well as can be expected? Around the mark and set sail to go past Print and then all the way into the beach/freeway and then tack across to get to Como and then down to Thelma. Well, speaking to Wynella afterwards, Ernie Little a seasoned sailor commented on how close we got to the shore line. He expected us to stick in the mud at any moment. My thoughts were, we are well past Addison and I can see the freeway clearly. Time to go.
However Wynella had tacked across earlier and was steaming down the middle as was The Jin and it looked as though we were going to be stone motherless. Well nearly, we just squeaked past Wynella with loud protests and got past her on the next toss, but on the final tack she had us cold and we had to dip her before Thelma. Too late, she was ahead and the Jin wasn't that far behind anyway. Around we went and then aimed at the finish line with Wynella closing the door on us to ensure we couldn't get past below her.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, The First Jindarra and Mariner.
Kate and I had a side bet that the sou westerly would come in.. I was against and she was for it. See the wind report to see where the wind went.
John Pierzak is still suffering from the effects of Covid.. all of us have been tested and are clear, but its a strong sign that no one is immune from the effect of the darned thing. Stay healthy folks.
Brian Cross is heading into hospital for operations on his hands. He will be out of action for at least 6 weeks. Lets see how long he can last.
A tactician &
Two down.
Another day with the easterlies in hand and the promise of a course two with Kate Lammonby subbing for Phil who was driving a truck down from Darwin. Interesting side-line that man has. However the skipper in his wisdom offered Kate the stick on the proviso that he ran the main and acted as tactician. We also watched as a large chunk of coral was knocked off the bottom of Georgina near the keel. Oh dear - a visit to the slips is required.
But before we started racing, Corella and Georgina retired from the course and its believed that there was a coming together. Each boat was at least three up and I'm sure that what ever happened has been discussed between the skippers.
So away on a course two with a run up to Martin-Weaver to make it interesting. Making the top mark was going to be a couple of tacks and a bit of luck with the breeze. Well we had the luck and the breeze and got around the top first with enough room around the second mark to roll around comfortably.
Next was the run down the breeze to Sampson on a fluctuating sou easter that had the pole out and not and shy chances as the breeze swung into the north and back again. Interesting would be an understatement. However we made it to Sampson and set off on the journey to Hallmark, pretty much aimed straight at it and ensuring that we got through the Royal Perth fleet without much trauma. Then finding Hallmark.. it was made easy for us as the div one boats were rounding it and that certainly helped.
So around the mark we went and changed our aim a little for Armstrong. Swiftsure Saga was having a spirited battle with The First Jindarra and even though Bill was only two up, they were doing well. We got to see a couple of old H28 sailors out on the new div one boats and good on them. But the next leg was down to Como and turn right for the outer startline. And Bill just sailed past us. Did we cover him well enough? Did he pick up a vagrant puff that took him past us? Didn't matter, we were knocking all the way down to Como and we had to go that little bit further, Bill did far better and simply made it his own.
Around the outer startline and then chase Bill.. sounds familiar? We've been doing this all summer. On our way to Dolphin East and simply find the two red spits and aim for the middle. Behind us loomed the First Jindarra and Wynella, who had been improving all day, or maybe we had not been doing as well as can be expected? Around the mark and set sail to go past Print and then all the way into the beach/freeway and then tack across to get to Como and then down to Thelma. Well, speaking to Wynella afterwards, Ernie Little a seasoned sailor commented on how close we got to the shore line. He expected us to stick in the mud at any moment. My thoughts were, we are well past Addison and I can see the freeway clearly. Time to go.
However Wynella had tacked across earlier and was steaming down the middle as was The Jin and it looked as though we were going to be stone motherless. Well nearly, we just squeaked past Wynella with loud protests and got past her on the next toss, but on the final tack she had us cold and we had to dip her before Thelma. Too late, she was ahead and the Jin wasn't that far behind anyway. Around we went and then aimed at the finish line with Wynella closing the door on us to ensure we couldn't get past below her.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, The First Jindarra and Mariner.
Kate and I had a side bet that the sou westerly would come in.. I was against and she was for it. See the wind report to see where the wind went.
John Pierzak is still suffering from the effects of Covid.. all of us have been tested and are clear, but its a strong sign that no one is immune from the effect of the darned thing. Stay healthy folks.
Brian Cross is heading into hospital for operations on his hands. He will be out of action for at least 6 weeks. Lets see how long he can last.
Saturday Summer Sailing 19th of March
A very shy kite run, or two &
Cover him, cover him, cover him.
It was a good day to be on the water and despite the omniscient cloud cover and humidity it was better to be out on the water than cooped up in a house. Three boats all rigged for kites and competent enough crews to fly them.. lets go.
We watched the div one start and we were entertained by the sight of what looked like Glenn Thomas' Problem Child hoist a spinnaker sideways. It was drawing well, why did he take it down? Embarrassment probably.
Lockie got away well from the start and we had a bit of luck at the turning mark, managing to pick a slightly better breeze shift to get us there more or less at the same time. However the next trick on the sou easter was to get a kite up and then run it down the breeze to Bartlett. It was shy to begin, but as we moved down the river we were getting a little squarer as we progressed. Having the palls on the rear set of winches not engaging didn't help though and getting them to work involved crossing over spinnaker sheets and other tricks. All that and the ever changing breeze required constant adjustment.
As we approached Bartlett we were routinely taken up by Lockie and he squeezed his way through, until we were in the position to do the same back to him. Fair do's David. We found Bartlett and fought to get the rounding under control with the drop being quite successful. The next trick was to capitalize on the lead we had. Glen with Wynella wasn't far behind and was a monty to take the win if he kept us in sight.
Work our way up the breeze all the way to Thelma via Dolphin East and then around we went with another really shy spinnaker run to Deepwater. Shy,,,, the pole was almost bouncing off the forestay. But as soon as we had the boat settle, it became comfortable and only once we had rounded Applecross spit did we have problems with a few fresh gusts and a boat coming in on starboard from the left. He had priority and it made our ability to hold the kite a little interesting. But we got around, dropped the headsail and gybed the kite and main. Ok, heading off to Bartlett again and with a big lead as Corella hadn't bothered to fly a kite. They soon propped one up once around Deepwater, but we were doing fine.
Then off to Addison with a fair work up the river and a chance for Lockie to make his fortune by out guessing us. And he did. Cover him! However we were confident and by the time we hit Addison and tacked to go to Thelma the lead had been reduced, but not by that much. Cover him!
By the time we had made it to Thelma and got around it, he had picked up another 40 meters and was perhaps 50 behind. Cover him! And then he hoisted a kite and we had decided not to.
Cover him! So very hastily ,we threw up a kite, but the momentum we had was lost and it was a right stuff up. Side by side we flew down the breeze to Dolphin East and he had the inside. Drop the kite, pull everything on and then try and keep up with him. He had gained a second wind and was just too quick. we had learnt a valuable lesson. Never, ever underestimate David Locke. Particularly with Rita on the boat. Then bend away to the finish line from Thelma. Easy enough.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Corella
To the non event of the Retro race ending up at SoPYC. All sides have been presented and there has been a fair bit of debate. Some of it influenced by other recent events. It is better that we acknowledge that the club we sail from relies heavily on the cash flow from our functions and unfortunately this may have been an influencing factor in availability of a function room by the returning sailors. This post is entirely malice free and simply hopes that the club can become more aligned to being a members club once again.
A very shy kite run, or two &
Cover him, cover him, cover him.
It was a good day to be on the water and despite the omniscient cloud cover and humidity it was better to be out on the water than cooped up in a house. Three boats all rigged for kites and competent enough crews to fly them.. lets go.
We watched the div one start and we were entertained by the sight of what looked like Glenn Thomas' Problem Child hoist a spinnaker sideways. It was drawing well, why did he take it down? Embarrassment probably.
Lockie got away well from the start and we had a bit of luck at the turning mark, managing to pick a slightly better breeze shift to get us there more or less at the same time. However the next trick on the sou easter was to get a kite up and then run it down the breeze to Bartlett. It was shy to begin, but as we moved down the river we were getting a little squarer as we progressed. Having the palls on the rear set of winches not engaging didn't help though and getting them to work involved crossing over spinnaker sheets and other tricks. All that and the ever changing breeze required constant adjustment.
As we approached Bartlett we were routinely taken up by Lockie and he squeezed his way through, until we were in the position to do the same back to him. Fair do's David. We found Bartlett and fought to get the rounding under control with the drop being quite successful. The next trick was to capitalize on the lead we had. Glen with Wynella wasn't far behind and was a monty to take the win if he kept us in sight.
Work our way up the breeze all the way to Thelma via Dolphin East and then around we went with another really shy spinnaker run to Deepwater. Shy,,,, the pole was almost bouncing off the forestay. But as soon as we had the boat settle, it became comfortable and only once we had rounded Applecross spit did we have problems with a few fresh gusts and a boat coming in on starboard from the left. He had priority and it made our ability to hold the kite a little interesting. But we got around, dropped the headsail and gybed the kite and main. Ok, heading off to Bartlett again and with a big lead as Corella hadn't bothered to fly a kite. They soon propped one up once around Deepwater, but we were doing fine.
Then off to Addison with a fair work up the river and a chance for Lockie to make his fortune by out guessing us. And he did. Cover him! However we were confident and by the time we hit Addison and tacked to go to Thelma the lead had been reduced, but not by that much. Cover him!
By the time we had made it to Thelma and got around it, he had picked up another 40 meters and was perhaps 50 behind. Cover him! And then he hoisted a kite and we had decided not to.
Cover him! So very hastily ,we threw up a kite, but the momentum we had was lost and it was a right stuff up. Side by side we flew down the breeze to Dolphin East and he had the inside. Drop the kite, pull everything on and then try and keep up with him. He had gained a second wind and was just too quick. we had learnt a valuable lesson. Never, ever underestimate David Locke. Particularly with Rita on the boat. Then bend away to the finish line from Thelma. Easy enough.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Corella
To the non event of the Retro race ending up at SoPYC. All sides have been presented and there has been a fair bit of debate. Some of it influenced by other recent events. It is better that we acknowledge that the club we sail from relies heavily on the cash flow from our functions and unfortunately this may have been an influencing factor in availability of a function room by the returning sailors. This post is entirely malice free and simply hopes that the club can become more aligned to being a members club once again.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 16th of March
A view from the back &
A man with a mission.
Another day with half a dozen on the race course. The Race start was a little over active and as usual we were hanging around the startline, probably a little early in retrospect. The way up to the line was frenetic as the run to Sampson was going to sort the boats out well and truly on a screaming reach.
"We're going to be early" said the skipper and sure enough we were nearly a boat length over, but that wasn't all the story, so was Corella. But he didn't go back until we had returned and the flag still didn't drop. He had no choice but to return and then chase down the fleet. It was a course 2 on a 12 to 18 knot westerly that flicked into the sou west occasionally, just enough to make it interesting.
As to be expected, Swiftsure Saga got away well as did Anna and Wynella with Ernie driving in Glen's place. In fact everyone was ahead of us except for Lockie and we knew that wouldn't be for long. The long work up to Hallmark was going to be the telling part of the race and while the rest of the boats went over into the east, we bravely bored our way up the right hand side going as deep into Pelican Point as possible. The skippers call on this one! But it spat us out in the right place and made the rest of the work up to Armstrong a doddle. On the way.. yes Lockie got past us and momentarily we were rear enders but Rupert had a technical failure ( the rope holding the main sheet onto the boom broke) or two ( one of the shrouds had the clip undo) Scary thought actually.. and he had to slow down to repair these items. Fortunately he still has his mast.
On the way to Hallmark we noted Wynella going the wrong side of Outer Dolphin and observed Corella holding up a protest flag. Oops. And we had a bit of luck with Wynella crossing on a bad knock and we got through them. Up to Armstrong and get around then look back only to see Wynella clip the mark and do her 360 and in his second attempt at the mark he hit Armstrong again. All carefully noted by the interested eyes of Graeme on the foredeck, resting on the boom and looking back.
Meanwhile the battle up front was was between Corella ( yes he sailed very well) Anna and Swiftsure Saga. Take you up at the mark.. certainly. Give you a hard time on a down wind? Sure, I can do that. The three boats were having a whale of a time and for once it was a pleasure to sit behind them and watch the battle evolve. So clear air and speed was the game, but no matter what we did, the three boats didn't let up. John Wright probably acted a little wisely and hung back a bit, waiting for a chance, but he had a willing team of sailors and kept nipping at their heels.
Around Como and off to the outer startline mark. Another reach and quite quick too. At this stage we would have liked to say that we were pulling the front boats in, but despite a clean bottom, we were no faster. The next few legs had us running up to Dolphin East and having to holler at the RP boats who were coming across on port. Didn't get through to them till quite late in the peace for a couple of them. Once again the trio out front had their battles and it was Corella at the front and then Swiftsure, then back again. I think that Swiftsure had the wood on Corella in that Bill knew where to put his boat to stop any chance of David getting past him.
The run down from Dolphin East was a pole, followed by a reach and then an harden up to the line, which we really wanted to get to in one shot, but no, we were just knocking, so a tack, avoid a SS27 that was doing well and then fall over the line. A good race but a fantastic one for Corella and his all girl team. From the very back to second over the line and first on handicap.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and Anna.
On handicap: Corella, Anna, and Mariner.
Wynella retired once their transgression was pointed out and Ernie spent a few moments explaining to Glen who had come down for a post race beer how he managed to get to the wrong side of a mark.
The fleet Wednesday handicapper has agreed to review what happened with Wynella's withdrawal and the affect of it on the race placings.
John Wright's wife Fay is unwell and we all hope that she can get through this tough period of life. Please respect their privacy.
A view from the back &
A man with a mission.
Another day with half a dozen on the race course. The Race start was a little over active and as usual we were hanging around the startline, probably a little early in retrospect. The way up to the line was frenetic as the run to Sampson was going to sort the boats out well and truly on a screaming reach.
"We're going to be early" said the skipper and sure enough we were nearly a boat length over, but that wasn't all the story, so was Corella. But he didn't go back until we had returned and the flag still didn't drop. He had no choice but to return and then chase down the fleet. It was a course 2 on a 12 to 18 knot westerly that flicked into the sou west occasionally, just enough to make it interesting.
As to be expected, Swiftsure Saga got away well as did Anna and Wynella with Ernie driving in Glen's place. In fact everyone was ahead of us except for Lockie and we knew that wouldn't be for long. The long work up to Hallmark was going to be the telling part of the race and while the rest of the boats went over into the east, we bravely bored our way up the right hand side going as deep into Pelican Point as possible. The skippers call on this one! But it spat us out in the right place and made the rest of the work up to Armstrong a doddle. On the way.. yes Lockie got past us and momentarily we were rear enders but Rupert had a technical failure ( the rope holding the main sheet onto the boom broke) or two ( one of the shrouds had the clip undo) Scary thought actually.. and he had to slow down to repair these items. Fortunately he still has his mast.
On the way to Hallmark we noted Wynella going the wrong side of Outer Dolphin and observed Corella holding up a protest flag. Oops. And we had a bit of luck with Wynella crossing on a bad knock and we got through them. Up to Armstrong and get around then look back only to see Wynella clip the mark and do her 360 and in his second attempt at the mark he hit Armstrong again. All carefully noted by the interested eyes of Graeme on the foredeck, resting on the boom and looking back.
Meanwhile the battle up front was was between Corella ( yes he sailed very well) Anna and Swiftsure Saga. Take you up at the mark.. certainly. Give you a hard time on a down wind? Sure, I can do that. The three boats were having a whale of a time and for once it was a pleasure to sit behind them and watch the battle evolve. So clear air and speed was the game, but no matter what we did, the three boats didn't let up. John Wright probably acted a little wisely and hung back a bit, waiting for a chance, but he had a willing team of sailors and kept nipping at their heels.
Around Como and off to the outer startline mark. Another reach and quite quick too. At this stage we would have liked to say that we were pulling the front boats in, but despite a clean bottom, we were no faster. The next few legs had us running up to Dolphin East and having to holler at the RP boats who were coming across on port. Didn't get through to them till quite late in the peace for a couple of them. Once again the trio out front had their battles and it was Corella at the front and then Swiftsure, then back again. I think that Swiftsure had the wood on Corella in that Bill knew where to put his boat to stop any chance of David getting past him.
The run down from Dolphin East was a pole, followed by a reach and then an harden up to the line, which we really wanted to get to in one shot, but no, we were just knocking, so a tack, avoid a SS27 that was doing well and then fall over the line. A good race but a fantastic one for Corella and his all girl team. From the very back to second over the line and first on handicap.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and Anna.
On handicap: Corella, Anna, and Mariner.
Wynella retired once their transgression was pointed out and Ernie spent a few moments explaining to Glen who had come down for a post race beer how he managed to get to the wrong side of a mark.
The fleet Wednesday handicapper has agreed to review what happened with Wynella's withdrawal and the affect of it on the race placings.
John Wright's wife Fay is unwell and we all hope that she can get through this tough period of life. Please respect their privacy.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 9th of March
The magician has returned &
No catchum.
The sight of John Wright on the water means that we have another person to harass us and frankly we're not sailing all that well at the moment. Any chance to get away from the pack was stymied right from the start with Swiftsure Saga riding right up our transom and rolling us at Sampson. To add more pain, while we were defending Lockie just took the low path and sailed right through us. 1st around the mark.
All of this is after a fairly violent coming together between Eun na Mara and Morpheus prior to the start of Div 1. Both boats were ok and no one hurt, but there was a bowsprit taken off on Eun na Mara and damage to the rail and cabin top of Morpheus. Not good. The discussion was interesting in apportioning responsibility and some believe that it was not just a simple port -starboard. However time will out.
6 boats on the water and a course one on offer so the run to Samson was a Monty.. any reaching boat would do it. we got away to a good start and we were simply run over by Swiftsure Saga.
Once around Sampson, then the trip to Print had us tacking off early as we were breathing Bills bad air. But even that didnt help and we knocked down to have to tack again to make the mark.. and worse John Wright was on our transom by now. Down to Addison and off to Robins with a series of works that didn't pay dividends. Around the top mark, duck a boat or two and set a pole.
Then follow me down to Addison again with a pole up on a fairly slow day. Slow.. the skipper ordered up a beer as we hit the mark. Slow indeed. Or may be he just needed cheering up. The engine had been playing up, but it was the batteries fault. And the usual story, we were there on the boat working away on it till Ron turned up at 1400 hrs. So around the mark and back up to Robins again...where shall we go? which side do we want to be on? and bingo the magician slips past us. We are now fourth.
Up to the top again and the sound of quiet sailing was evident. "how can I get the boat to go faster"? Tighten this, no? Its simply chokes the boat.. harden the headsail luff? Well ok.. twitch this, twitch that. No time for a second beer. Second time around Robins and the run down the hill was quiet again.. this time we were aiming for Como and while Bill was well clear Lockie was hunting John who had slipped past him and got him when a silly SS22 sailor fouled John's rounding at Como and slowed him considerably while taking a penalty from a prior action. Disappointing really as John had sailed well to get the boat into second position.
Glen and Rupert had done well in the scheme of things, but Rupert does need new sails and once he has those then he may improve a lot. This time he had a full crew and some one jumped into the water to clean the hull. Glen however was on a good thing and despite a slow get away, kept up with the fleet and his handicap.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and Anna.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella.
Just some advice: The retro gig booked for Sunday week has been canned for Covid reasons and we are racing on the Saturday. Get your dancing shoes on.
The magician has returned &
No catchum.
The sight of John Wright on the water means that we have another person to harass us and frankly we're not sailing all that well at the moment. Any chance to get away from the pack was stymied right from the start with Swiftsure Saga riding right up our transom and rolling us at Sampson. To add more pain, while we were defending Lockie just took the low path and sailed right through us. 1st around the mark.
All of this is after a fairly violent coming together between Eun na Mara and Morpheus prior to the start of Div 1. Both boats were ok and no one hurt, but there was a bowsprit taken off on Eun na Mara and damage to the rail and cabin top of Morpheus. Not good. The discussion was interesting in apportioning responsibility and some believe that it was not just a simple port -starboard. However time will out.
6 boats on the water and a course one on offer so the run to Samson was a Monty.. any reaching boat would do it. we got away to a good start and we were simply run over by Swiftsure Saga.
Once around Sampson, then the trip to Print had us tacking off early as we were breathing Bills bad air. But even that didnt help and we knocked down to have to tack again to make the mark.. and worse John Wright was on our transom by now. Down to Addison and off to Robins with a series of works that didn't pay dividends. Around the top mark, duck a boat or two and set a pole.
Then follow me down to Addison again with a pole up on a fairly slow day. Slow.. the skipper ordered up a beer as we hit the mark. Slow indeed. Or may be he just needed cheering up. The engine had been playing up, but it was the batteries fault. And the usual story, we were there on the boat working away on it till Ron turned up at 1400 hrs. So around the mark and back up to Robins again...where shall we go? which side do we want to be on? and bingo the magician slips past us. We are now fourth.
Up to the top again and the sound of quiet sailing was evident. "how can I get the boat to go faster"? Tighten this, no? Its simply chokes the boat.. harden the headsail luff? Well ok.. twitch this, twitch that. No time for a second beer. Second time around Robins and the run down the hill was quiet again.. this time we were aiming for Como and while Bill was well clear Lockie was hunting John who had slipped past him and got him when a silly SS22 sailor fouled John's rounding at Como and slowed him considerably while taking a penalty from a prior action. Disappointing really as John had sailed well to get the boat into second position.
Glen and Rupert had done well in the scheme of things, but Rupert does need new sails and once he has those then he may improve a lot. This time he had a full crew and some one jumped into the water to clean the hull. Glen however was on a good thing and despite a slow get away, kept up with the fleet and his handicap.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and Anna.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella.
Just some advice: The retro gig booked for Sunday week has been canned for Covid reasons and we are racing on the Saturday. Get your dancing shoes on.
Wednesday Autumn Sailing 2nd of March
Overpowered &
Last.
Its not too hard to work out what happened today. We strapped on the number one and went sideways all day. Five boats took off on what looked like a moderate day and they sent us up to Martin- Weaver to sort out the boats as we made our way up and down the Canning.
It was a good battle, but Swiftsure Saga dug in his heels and fairly shot off the mark. Quickly down the pens and with enough speed to leave the rest of us behind. Wynella had also taken a good lead and it was the pair of them sitting on the wind on front of us that cruelled the race for us. Good luck got us around Martin, but we had lost a lot of speed and we were not going to get that back. Making Weaver was easy enough and that was probably the easiest gybe we had for the rest of the day as when we made our way down to Sampson under a pole, we looked down the river and you could see the dark water of a big seabreeze cooking up.
A course three had us rounding King before heading off to Robins and by this time Swiftsure Saga was gone with Wynella having a whale of time hanging grimly on to his transom. Well sailed Glen, but our nemesis, Corella, was on our tail and any mistakes would be paid for. Georgina and Rupert had joined us for the afternoon and hopefully he wasn't too over powered as he only had a couple of crew to assist him.
By the time we made King the breeze was in and the ride up to Robins was going to be a rough one, all we could do was strap everything down and hang on. Which we did. Around Robins and away to Print with a fairly large gybe to start with. A pole and a bit of luck to get us down Print and then around we went aiming for Foam and another run up to Robins. Fortunately there was no interference from the Royal Perth fleet as they were too busy dealing with the breeze. Around 3.30 a decent puff came through that almost laid the fleet flat with 30 knots on the BOM site and 34 over the top on the Avenue according to a reliable resource. Suffice to say the bloke on the main was working really hard today.
Around Robins again and this time to Como and a wild ride through the slop down the bottom of the river toward the outer startline. Fortunately we had a bit of luck and no big boats to throw bad air on us. So away to the turning mark, another wild gybe and then off to Sampson again with the wind waves rolling the boats quite heavily. Corella had managed to get past us by this time and we were faced with the grim reality of coming last. This time we had to go to King again and there is a lesson to be learnt here.. give yourself a few more meters on King as we tend to have to pinch to make the mark. Yep, we had tacked between too early after Sampson and wore Wynella's bad air for a fair while, and then tacked a little early. Oh well.
Around King and off to Addison, rolling all the way with a leeward pole skimming the wave tops. In retrospect not a good idea as this is how Swiftsure managed to bust a mast a few years ago. However it was carefully taken down before the gybe (another big one) and we shot off to Como, secure in the knowledge that this was the last gybe before we crossed the line.
It was a busy day on the water and we were pretty tired at the end of it .. photos well not many I was busy.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Corella.
There will be a lack of Saturday sailing for the next three weeks and only Wednesdays available to us. We come back into weekend sailing with the retro race on Sunday the 19th of March
Overpowered &
Last.
Its not too hard to work out what happened today. We strapped on the number one and went sideways all day. Five boats took off on what looked like a moderate day and they sent us up to Martin- Weaver to sort out the boats as we made our way up and down the Canning.
It was a good battle, but Swiftsure Saga dug in his heels and fairly shot off the mark. Quickly down the pens and with enough speed to leave the rest of us behind. Wynella had also taken a good lead and it was the pair of them sitting on the wind on front of us that cruelled the race for us. Good luck got us around Martin, but we had lost a lot of speed and we were not going to get that back. Making Weaver was easy enough and that was probably the easiest gybe we had for the rest of the day as when we made our way down to Sampson under a pole, we looked down the river and you could see the dark water of a big seabreeze cooking up.
A course three had us rounding King before heading off to Robins and by this time Swiftsure Saga was gone with Wynella having a whale of time hanging grimly on to his transom. Well sailed Glen, but our nemesis, Corella, was on our tail and any mistakes would be paid for. Georgina and Rupert had joined us for the afternoon and hopefully he wasn't too over powered as he only had a couple of crew to assist him.
By the time we made King the breeze was in and the ride up to Robins was going to be a rough one, all we could do was strap everything down and hang on. Which we did. Around Robins and away to Print with a fairly large gybe to start with. A pole and a bit of luck to get us down Print and then around we went aiming for Foam and another run up to Robins. Fortunately there was no interference from the Royal Perth fleet as they were too busy dealing with the breeze. Around 3.30 a decent puff came through that almost laid the fleet flat with 30 knots on the BOM site and 34 over the top on the Avenue according to a reliable resource. Suffice to say the bloke on the main was working really hard today.
Around Robins again and this time to Como and a wild ride through the slop down the bottom of the river toward the outer startline. Fortunately we had a bit of luck and no big boats to throw bad air on us. So away to the turning mark, another wild gybe and then off to Sampson again with the wind waves rolling the boats quite heavily. Corella had managed to get past us by this time and we were faced with the grim reality of coming last. This time we had to go to King again and there is a lesson to be learnt here.. give yourself a few more meters on King as we tend to have to pinch to make the mark. Yep, we had tacked between too early after Sampson and wore Wynella's bad air for a fair while, and then tacked a little early. Oh well.
Around King and off to Addison, rolling all the way with a leeward pole skimming the wave tops. In retrospect not a good idea as this is how Swiftsure managed to bust a mast a few years ago. However it was carefully taken down before the gybe (another big one) and we shot off to Como, secure in the knowledge that this was the last gybe before we crossed the line.
It was a busy day on the water and we were pretty tired at the end of it .. photos well not many I was busy.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Corella.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga and Corella.
There will be a lack of Saturday sailing for the next three weeks and only Wednesdays available to us. We come back into weekend sailing with the retro race on Sunday the 19th of March
Saturday Summer Sailing 26th of February
A tale of two breezes &
A genuine question over a beer.
All the guessing about the breeze was based on the performance of the breeze in the last few days. "Lucky if we get a seabreeze," was the common thought and we set up accordingly.
And sure enough the start line was a confusion of south-easterly gusts. A perplexing day to begin and just getting off the start line would be a good start. Then to the windward mark and the turning buoy. That required another set of thoughts as we had started well and then found ourselves hoping for luck, or a change in the breeze to take us up to the buoy.
Our challengers in the race today, Wynella and Aloha were all manned up and set for spinnakers, so a decent lead was our first thought as they would catch us quickly under spinnakers. We got away reasonably well and found ourselves with about 100 metres in front of Wynella by the time we passed Foam and we then fell into a doldrum, while they just picked up their skirts and charged towards us. They had a breeze and were going to overhaul us shortly. We finally found a little of what they had and kept our very diminished lead.
Then the seabreeze came in and the reason why we had been sent off on a course one became clear. We were going to be traveling quickly and a big foresail was going make us go sideways. But we had speed and that's what was going to count for us. So aim in the general direction of Brickies A and B and sail hard. There weren't that many boats to worry about in the bottom end of the river so the only question was going to be getting around Brickies. Covering Wynella was the go, so when they tacked we tacked and getting to the mark proved to be a bugger with the huge knocks coming off the top of the ridge. Eventually we had to tack to make the mark, but that was fine. we were first to the mark and by a fair way.
The down wind run wasn't spectacular but we had the company of a bunch of F15's and surprisingly the East Freo rescue boat. Oh sure there was the occasional Div one boat going past, but they were in a hurry. :-) Down to Dolphin West and then to Foam with the pole being taken away as we were on a good reach by then. Then back up to Sanders, the mark in the middle of nowhere. At the same time, the sight of Heathcote towing in a boat with a busted mast was enough. It was frisky today. We went out to a starboard ley line and looked across with Wynella going into the bay beyond Deepwater. Ok, we've found the mark and unfortunately we were going to show it to Wynella as we rounded it. Incidentally Aloha had made up good time .. they were the only one of the three of us who flew a kite. Good on them. They weren't far behind. Around we went.
This time to Como with another "by the lee" starboard pole and John protesting vociferously against a gybe in a strong breeze. " That's how we have broken two masts," he reminded us. So a few minutes we gybed anyway. A few passing boats, namely Vipers and a 14 footer. Pole down and around Como and then aim to get to Deepwater for the third rounding. Easy, we can do this. But we were in a hurry to get there and the breeze was knocking all the way. Instead of reaching Robins in an easy work, we found ourselves way out to the right and having to tack back.
Around Robins eventually and note that Wynella hadn't had much luck either, but we could still see Aloha and they had not fallen away either. Well sailed helmsman Steve. But the next mark was Deepwater and it was all down hill from there. A reach to Dolphin East that had us pole out half way down and then an ease forward as we headed down to Addison, through the fleet of sea scouts who were out on the water today. But before we got to DE, we had an encounter with an RP boat who was under stress with a badly tangled spinnaker and they just pushed us up and out of the way until we could eventually slip around them. Not worth while complaining about them, but I do know the owner of the boat and I'll send him a photo of the boat in distress.
Down to Addison and reach across to Thelma with the boat fairly on her ear and the tiller tucked under Bills jaw, till the main was let down a little. Along the beach and then head for the line.
Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap. Aloha, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga
As was noted, Aloha had flown a kite on all three down wind legs and that contributed materially to their handicap win.
And in the bar afterwards, a question was asked by the owner of Aloha.. " where's all the rest of the H28's" and that question needs to be put to all the skippers.
Is finding enough crew the problem? We do have crew finder. And a number of our old crew are now sailing with other classes. Go figure... they still want to sail.
Have you lost the urge? Well go look in the glovebox of the car, it's been hiding there for a while.
You don't like losing all the time? Well see what has happened to Aloha.. they are getting better all the time.
And you are getting too old and it hurts on a big day. We are all a little sore on a big day, but gosh aint it wonderful when you step off the boat. Survival is a major buzz.
A tale of two breezes &
A genuine question over a beer.
All the guessing about the breeze was based on the performance of the breeze in the last few days. "Lucky if we get a seabreeze," was the common thought and we set up accordingly.
And sure enough the start line was a confusion of south-easterly gusts. A perplexing day to begin and just getting off the start line would be a good start. Then to the windward mark and the turning buoy. That required another set of thoughts as we had started well and then found ourselves hoping for luck, or a change in the breeze to take us up to the buoy.
Our challengers in the race today, Wynella and Aloha were all manned up and set for spinnakers, so a decent lead was our first thought as they would catch us quickly under spinnakers. We got away reasonably well and found ourselves with about 100 metres in front of Wynella by the time we passed Foam and we then fell into a doldrum, while they just picked up their skirts and charged towards us. They had a breeze and were going to overhaul us shortly. We finally found a little of what they had and kept our very diminished lead.
Then the seabreeze came in and the reason why we had been sent off on a course one became clear. We were going to be traveling quickly and a big foresail was going make us go sideways. But we had speed and that's what was going to count for us. So aim in the general direction of Brickies A and B and sail hard. There weren't that many boats to worry about in the bottom end of the river so the only question was going to be getting around Brickies. Covering Wynella was the go, so when they tacked we tacked and getting to the mark proved to be a bugger with the huge knocks coming off the top of the ridge. Eventually we had to tack to make the mark, but that was fine. we were first to the mark and by a fair way.
The down wind run wasn't spectacular but we had the company of a bunch of F15's and surprisingly the East Freo rescue boat. Oh sure there was the occasional Div one boat going past, but they were in a hurry. :-) Down to Dolphin West and then to Foam with the pole being taken away as we were on a good reach by then. Then back up to Sanders, the mark in the middle of nowhere. At the same time, the sight of Heathcote towing in a boat with a busted mast was enough. It was frisky today. We went out to a starboard ley line and looked across with Wynella going into the bay beyond Deepwater. Ok, we've found the mark and unfortunately we were going to show it to Wynella as we rounded it. Incidentally Aloha had made up good time .. they were the only one of the three of us who flew a kite. Good on them. They weren't far behind. Around we went.
This time to Como with another "by the lee" starboard pole and John protesting vociferously against a gybe in a strong breeze. " That's how we have broken two masts," he reminded us. So a few minutes we gybed anyway. A few passing boats, namely Vipers and a 14 footer. Pole down and around Como and then aim to get to Deepwater for the third rounding. Easy, we can do this. But we were in a hurry to get there and the breeze was knocking all the way. Instead of reaching Robins in an easy work, we found ourselves way out to the right and having to tack back.
Around Robins eventually and note that Wynella hadn't had much luck either, but we could still see Aloha and they had not fallen away either. Well sailed helmsman Steve. But the next mark was Deepwater and it was all down hill from there. A reach to Dolphin East that had us pole out half way down and then an ease forward as we headed down to Addison, through the fleet of sea scouts who were out on the water today. But before we got to DE, we had an encounter with an RP boat who was under stress with a badly tangled spinnaker and they just pushed us up and out of the way until we could eventually slip around them. Not worth while complaining about them, but I do know the owner of the boat and I'll send him a photo of the boat in distress.
Down to Addison and reach across to Thelma with the boat fairly on her ear and the tiller tucked under Bills jaw, till the main was let down a little. Along the beach and then head for the line.
Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap. Aloha, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga
As was noted, Aloha had flown a kite on all three down wind legs and that contributed materially to their handicap win.
And in the bar afterwards, a question was asked by the owner of Aloha.. " where's all the rest of the H28's" and that question needs to be put to all the skippers.
Is finding enough crew the problem? We do have crew finder. And a number of our old crew are now sailing with other classes. Go figure... they still want to sail.
Have you lost the urge? Well go look in the glovebox of the car, it's been hiding there for a while.
You don't like losing all the time? Well see what has happened to Aloha.. they are getting better all the time.
And you are getting too old and it hurts on a big day. We are all a little sore on a big day, but gosh aint it wonderful when you step off the boat. Survival is a major buzz.
Wednesday Summer Sailing 23rd of February
No Passing Lanes & Sods Law.
A constant Easterly.
A constant easterly? Yes. constant in its inconsistency with swirls up and down the river, big gusts pushing things along and of all things, we got a course four on a southerly with no more than 12 to 15 knots.
The trip to Martin - Weaver was almost a relief as we all knew what it would entail and some solid trimming was going to be the requirement with a bit of luck included. The original thought was to run down the line on starboard and flip over, but watching Bill and Lockie attempting a start at the pin end on port told us we had to get over to the left hand side of the river before flipping onto port.
Behind us, we watched The Jin and Wynella battling to keep their height to get around Martin as close as possible. In front of us Bill and Lockie had made the mark a lot closer and took the lead as we headed toward the moorings. Time to go said the skipper, so dutifully we flipped and then rode the sou easterly over to Weaver. A tough call, but we got around it in the middle of the fleet.
No passing lanes on this one, but may be the chance of sliding past Lockie on the down hill to Sampson. So we tried and the pole went up and down accordingly. But we had the luck (or a passing puff of breeze) and we managed to break Lockie's overlap before Sampson. Great, from now on it was a reaching course and what better a boat for reaching than Swiftsure Saga. With Kate on the boom calling the gusts we worked our way down to Robins with the Royal Perth fleet passing us by below us. Thank goodness for small mercies.
From Robins to Dolphin East we had no option but to run by the lee and flip the main over in order to get to the mark without losing speed. Worked well too as we were emulating Bill Richards in his habit of swapping the main over in accordance to his needs. Around the mark we went and a tight reach down to Como with the thought that we would have to sail well past Como to make it past Heathcote Dolphin later on. Well we went a little early and scrapped past Como. Crikey we will have to tack again to get past Heathcote Dolphin.
The convincer was a big knock and the sight of a Foundo heading toward us from behind. He would have swamped us. So tack and go as far as we thought we needed. Sure we would knock, but we could make HD easily and head for the Outer Startline. Were we any closer to Swiftsure Saga? No not really, but at this stage he wasn't getting away. The Jin and Wynella were battling it out and co incidentally the full crew on The First Jindarra makes the boat do well. Wynella was getting nothing for free.
Off to Sampson again, playing the gusts and around the mark and away to King for the trip over to Print. Well we tacked early again and Phil on the main and Kate trimming really had to pick up the boat and carry it to the mark. Yes we lost a deal of speed then and we watched Swiftsure go for a wander far past the mark, so she could come down on to Print with speed. No luxuries for us, pinch past the mark and then saddle up for a ride down to Print on another ( follow me ) reach.
Around the mark and as Swiftsure disappeared into the distance, we turned around and looked back. Yea, David isn't that close. So away to Como and down to Applecross jetty to try to get across to Thelma in one. Nope, not going to happen and as we neared Thelma I looked back and there was Corella pointing right up to Thelma from Como. Sod's law was in action. He was getting the lift from heaven.
Around Thelma eventually and tack over onto port and run for the line. David had picked up 100 meters or so and Swiftsure Saga was streets ahead.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
Briefly: Kate Lammonby took Mariner out on the Retro race on Sunday and is complaining already about her handicap. Well -- a first, a third and a second will do that to you Kate.
And while I was out of action on Saturday, Bill and John took Swiftsure out and whamped the field. Mind you Wynella blew out a jib and Aloha had an average day. Well done Bill and John.
No Passing Lanes & Sods Law.
A constant Easterly.
A constant easterly? Yes. constant in its inconsistency with swirls up and down the river, big gusts pushing things along and of all things, we got a course four on a southerly with no more than 12 to 15 knots.
The trip to Martin - Weaver was almost a relief as we all knew what it would entail and some solid trimming was going to be the requirement with a bit of luck included. The original thought was to run down the line on starboard and flip over, but watching Bill and Lockie attempting a start at the pin end on port told us we had to get over to the left hand side of the river before flipping onto port.
Behind us, we watched The Jin and Wynella battling to keep their height to get around Martin as close as possible. In front of us Bill and Lockie had made the mark a lot closer and took the lead as we headed toward the moorings. Time to go said the skipper, so dutifully we flipped and then rode the sou easterly over to Weaver. A tough call, but we got around it in the middle of the fleet.
No passing lanes on this one, but may be the chance of sliding past Lockie on the down hill to Sampson. So we tried and the pole went up and down accordingly. But we had the luck (or a passing puff of breeze) and we managed to break Lockie's overlap before Sampson. Great, from now on it was a reaching course and what better a boat for reaching than Swiftsure Saga. With Kate on the boom calling the gusts we worked our way down to Robins with the Royal Perth fleet passing us by below us. Thank goodness for small mercies.
From Robins to Dolphin East we had no option but to run by the lee and flip the main over in order to get to the mark without losing speed. Worked well too as we were emulating Bill Richards in his habit of swapping the main over in accordance to his needs. Around the mark we went and a tight reach down to Como with the thought that we would have to sail well past Como to make it past Heathcote Dolphin later on. Well we went a little early and scrapped past Como. Crikey we will have to tack again to get past Heathcote Dolphin.
The convincer was a big knock and the sight of a Foundo heading toward us from behind. He would have swamped us. So tack and go as far as we thought we needed. Sure we would knock, but we could make HD easily and head for the Outer Startline. Were we any closer to Swiftsure Saga? No not really, but at this stage he wasn't getting away. The Jin and Wynella were battling it out and co incidentally the full crew on The First Jindarra makes the boat do well. Wynella was getting nothing for free.
Off to Sampson again, playing the gusts and around the mark and away to King for the trip over to Print. Well we tacked early again and Phil on the main and Kate trimming really had to pick up the boat and carry it to the mark. Yes we lost a deal of speed then and we watched Swiftsure go for a wander far past the mark, so she could come down on to Print with speed. No luxuries for us, pinch past the mark and then saddle up for a ride down to Print on another ( follow me ) reach.
Around the mark and as Swiftsure disappeared into the distance, we turned around and looked back. Yea, David isn't that close. So away to Como and down to Applecross jetty to try to get across to Thelma in one. Nope, not going to happen and as we neared Thelma I looked back and there was Corella pointing right up to Thelma from Como. Sod's law was in action. He was getting the lift from heaven.
Around Thelma eventually and tack over onto port and run for the line. David had picked up 100 meters or so and Swiftsure Saga was streets ahead.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and The First Jindarra.
Briefly: Kate Lammonby took Mariner out on the Retro race on Sunday and is complaining already about her handicap. Well -- a first, a third and a second will do that to you Kate.
And while I was out of action on Saturday, Bill and John took Swiftsure out and whamped the field. Mind you Wynella blew out a jib and Aloha had an average day. Well done Bill and John.
Wednesday Summer Sailing 16th of February
Learning how to scallop &
A clean bottom does the trick.
Bill had taken Swiftsure Saga over to the slips for a hull clean. Aloha had father and son cleaning their hull by diving on it.
Never give the H28's a dash up to Martin- Weaver without expecting at least one to roll over the line early.
And so it occurred. We had 6 boats on the line and sure enough we were early, but everyone else was just as early and Swiftsure Saga found themselves returning while Corella and the First Jindarra were forced to roll over the top of the box end and so joined SSS in a restart. So there we were, midway down the line having dropped down the line to avoid being over and working hard to try to lift the boat up to Martin. With some luck and good trimming, the crew and the skipper got the boat up to the mark and rolled around Martin in first place. The real winner of the dash to Martin however was Swiftsure Saga who not only returned to cross the line again, but managed to get his boat and crew into second place. Truly good sailing.
Then the tussle between The First Jindarra and Wynella began as they were neck to neck for the rest of the day, both boats with similar speeds and both with 1 and 1/2 sized jibs. In the mean time, Lockie and Rita must have been on a handicap improving day. We were on a course four with only a midway strong sou wester and as Lockie said.. it was a reaching course. The day was going to be a day for Bill and Swiftsure Saga.
After Sampson, it was a dash up to Robins and we on Mariner still had the lead, but with Bill all over our transom, it wasn't surprising to see him get up on the first cross. By Robins we had gained a momentary advantage thanks to some enterprising work by Phil Lammonby on the main who was teaching Brian to scallop, that is to say, go up in the puffs and then fall down to pick up speed again. It leaves a series of crescents (scallops) in your wake. What it did do was lift us up to Robins and inside SSS.
Around we went, looking for Dolphin East. A pole or not to pole? It was a reaching course and only on the run to Como after DE did we need a pole and by then Bill and his crew were through us after a technical battle that had us on starboard and Bill further to starboard, but vulnerable. He had to keep clear, but still had us at three boat lengths to the mark when we had to tack to make the mark. Around we went and it was chase Bill all over again. By this time Corella had gained a decent lead on the duelling Wynella and Jindarra and was looking to keep his handicap safe while watching the battle out front.
Down and around the outer startline and then off to Sampson again with a consolation second on offer. But we still had to get around the small lap. Around Sampson and tack early as we were breathing his bad air. Bill went a little later to cover us and picked up a great lift all the way to the mark. Damn and damn again. We took an edgy tack and then struggled to make the mark... well we did so, but killed our speed in the process, only to round the mark and see Bill and the crew well away. Resigning to the fact that Bill was a winner, we then tried hard to improve our speed with good trimming on this reaching course.
Made it to Thelma and then straightened up for the run along the foreshore. We were doing well and Brian began invoking one of the fleets minor gods, J W to see if he could get a lift to the finish line on the other board. We weren't in favour it appears. Tack and tack again.. a finish 45 seconds behind Swiftsure Saga and 10 seconds on handicap.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Aloha (a clean bottom does help)
The way that the fleet spread out, meant that we didn't have many chances to catch photos of all the boats. Sorry team. Still there's lots of other SoPYC boats.
Learning how to scallop &
A clean bottom does the trick.
Bill had taken Swiftsure Saga over to the slips for a hull clean. Aloha had father and son cleaning their hull by diving on it.
Never give the H28's a dash up to Martin- Weaver without expecting at least one to roll over the line early.
And so it occurred. We had 6 boats on the line and sure enough we were early, but everyone else was just as early and Swiftsure Saga found themselves returning while Corella and the First Jindarra were forced to roll over the top of the box end and so joined SSS in a restart. So there we were, midway down the line having dropped down the line to avoid being over and working hard to try to lift the boat up to Martin. With some luck and good trimming, the crew and the skipper got the boat up to the mark and rolled around Martin in first place. The real winner of the dash to Martin however was Swiftsure Saga who not only returned to cross the line again, but managed to get his boat and crew into second place. Truly good sailing.
Then the tussle between The First Jindarra and Wynella began as they were neck to neck for the rest of the day, both boats with similar speeds and both with 1 and 1/2 sized jibs. In the mean time, Lockie and Rita must have been on a handicap improving day. We were on a course four with only a midway strong sou wester and as Lockie said.. it was a reaching course. The day was going to be a day for Bill and Swiftsure Saga.
After Sampson, it was a dash up to Robins and we on Mariner still had the lead, but with Bill all over our transom, it wasn't surprising to see him get up on the first cross. By Robins we had gained a momentary advantage thanks to some enterprising work by Phil Lammonby on the main who was teaching Brian to scallop, that is to say, go up in the puffs and then fall down to pick up speed again. It leaves a series of crescents (scallops) in your wake. What it did do was lift us up to Robins and inside SSS.
Around we went, looking for Dolphin East. A pole or not to pole? It was a reaching course and only on the run to Como after DE did we need a pole and by then Bill and his crew were through us after a technical battle that had us on starboard and Bill further to starboard, but vulnerable. He had to keep clear, but still had us at three boat lengths to the mark when we had to tack to make the mark. Around we went and it was chase Bill all over again. By this time Corella had gained a decent lead on the duelling Wynella and Jindarra and was looking to keep his handicap safe while watching the battle out front.
Down and around the outer startline and then off to Sampson again with a consolation second on offer. But we still had to get around the small lap. Around Sampson and tack early as we were breathing his bad air. Bill went a little later to cover us and picked up a great lift all the way to the mark. Damn and damn again. We took an edgy tack and then struggled to make the mark... well we did so, but killed our speed in the process, only to round the mark and see Bill and the crew well away. Resigning to the fact that Bill was a winner, we then tried hard to improve our speed with good trimming on this reaching course.
Made it to Thelma and then straightened up for the run along the foreshore. We were doing well and Brian began invoking one of the fleets minor gods, J W to see if he could get a lift to the finish line on the other board. We weren't in favour it appears. Tack and tack again.. a finish 45 seconds behind Swiftsure Saga and 10 seconds on handicap.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Corella
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Aloha (a clean bottom does help)
The way that the fleet spread out, meant that we didn't have many chances to catch photos of all the boats. Sorry team. Still there's lots of other SoPYC boats.
Saturday Summer Sailing 12th of February Championship # 5
Keeping clear of Wynella &
A blowy old day!
The afternoon was a doozy. Three H28s out today and fortunately Swiftsure Saga managed to hang on out the front for the entire race. Wynella was sailing the race of Glens life and Ernie, Phil and Heydon must be congratulated for keeping him on the ball as their boat wasn't any more than about 200 meters off our transom all day. Div one had an invitation race on as well and it was a busy startline.
A booming sou wester was on offer that topped out at 22 on the bottom and 25 on the top with gusts in between. But we suspect the true hero of the day was the one and a half on Wynella's foredeck. Glen had bought it from Bill Richards when he was having a quick clear out of surfeit sails and Bill has regretted it ever since. Its much better than the one he kept. Aloha needs be credited for a good day on the water as they certainly kept up and indeed took a comfortable 2nd on handicap at the end of the day.
So on a course 4 we shot off the start line and worked our way up to Deepwater with not too many incidents, but as we looked over to the next mark (Hallmark), we could see the Freshy start line pumping out Dragons and Bakewell 8's. Up to Deepwater and around without too much trouble and across to Hallmark, led by the Freshy boats position. Around we went with Glen firmly on our transom.
A bit of luck and we were on our way to Armstrong to note that all of Div two was pouring down on the same mark. Find a gap was the name of the game and we did so willingly with a hole opening up at the right time. Then down to Print with a starboard pole and quite firmly by the lee. Only a shift of the breeze into the south saved the day and we were able to make Print in one. Then off to Deepwater again with the thought of crossing the bay to get out of the slop we were in.
We gave a couple of Red Witches a fright as we hammered past their bows and then dipped into the bay to come out on a lifting breeze that took us to Applecross and then to Deepwater. Around we went, having had to avoid a couple of boats; one of them being Wynella who was still sticking to our heels like glue. Then down to Dolphin East with another by the lee run as we had misplaced DE and were heading on the wrong side of the red spits. It's hard to gybe in 24 knots, but it was managed and we found ourselves on the left hand side of the mark and belting down to Addison with a starboard pole again. We had a visit from some Div one boats and some great shots were available to us.
But further on to Addison and then back up to Deepwater again. The long run up the river with the wind driven slop slowing the boats markedly. So into the bay again and we were visited by the Div one boats we had passed on the way down the river. This time, we were in the position to allow Tapestry to pass through and the next boat was far enough behind to allow us to get through. Get into the bay and then make our way up to Deepwater again. Another meeting with a Div one boat brought some great photos of a sports boat under full power. Our prime objective was to stay ahead of Wynella and we knew that one mistake would place us in jeopardy. A near meeting with a div 3 boat who was on port had us crash tacking and they were left floundering in our wake. Up to Deepwater with as few mistakes as possible. So keep our cool, get around the top mark without damage to ourselves or others.
This time we made it to Dolphin East on a clean run and set a pole for Addison. 8 + knots on the down wind run; Oooee! Then off with the pole and a screaming reach to Thelma and only one way to go, off to the finish line. Considering last week and a no show from the finish box, it was a relief to hear the horn sound for us. We were justified.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap: Wynella, Aloha and Swiftsure Saga.
This was the 5th of the championship races and one drop has been allowed.
I have included a few more images than just H28's.. forgive me, it was a fun day on the river.
Keeping clear of Wynella &
A blowy old day!
The afternoon was a doozy. Three H28s out today and fortunately Swiftsure Saga managed to hang on out the front for the entire race. Wynella was sailing the race of Glens life and Ernie, Phil and Heydon must be congratulated for keeping him on the ball as their boat wasn't any more than about 200 meters off our transom all day. Div one had an invitation race on as well and it was a busy startline.
A booming sou wester was on offer that topped out at 22 on the bottom and 25 on the top with gusts in between. But we suspect the true hero of the day was the one and a half on Wynella's foredeck. Glen had bought it from Bill Richards when he was having a quick clear out of surfeit sails and Bill has regretted it ever since. Its much better than the one he kept. Aloha needs be credited for a good day on the water as they certainly kept up and indeed took a comfortable 2nd on handicap at the end of the day.
So on a course 4 we shot off the start line and worked our way up to Deepwater with not too many incidents, but as we looked over to the next mark (Hallmark), we could see the Freshy start line pumping out Dragons and Bakewell 8's. Up to Deepwater and around without too much trouble and across to Hallmark, led by the Freshy boats position. Around we went with Glen firmly on our transom.
A bit of luck and we were on our way to Armstrong to note that all of Div two was pouring down on the same mark. Find a gap was the name of the game and we did so willingly with a hole opening up at the right time. Then down to Print with a starboard pole and quite firmly by the lee. Only a shift of the breeze into the south saved the day and we were able to make Print in one. Then off to Deepwater again with the thought of crossing the bay to get out of the slop we were in.
We gave a couple of Red Witches a fright as we hammered past their bows and then dipped into the bay to come out on a lifting breeze that took us to Applecross and then to Deepwater. Around we went, having had to avoid a couple of boats; one of them being Wynella who was still sticking to our heels like glue. Then down to Dolphin East with another by the lee run as we had misplaced DE and were heading on the wrong side of the red spits. It's hard to gybe in 24 knots, but it was managed and we found ourselves on the left hand side of the mark and belting down to Addison with a starboard pole again. We had a visit from some Div one boats and some great shots were available to us.
But further on to Addison and then back up to Deepwater again. The long run up the river with the wind driven slop slowing the boats markedly. So into the bay again and we were visited by the Div one boats we had passed on the way down the river. This time, we were in the position to allow Tapestry to pass through and the next boat was far enough behind to allow us to get through. Get into the bay and then make our way up to Deepwater again. Another meeting with a Div one boat brought some great photos of a sports boat under full power. Our prime objective was to stay ahead of Wynella and we knew that one mistake would place us in jeopardy. A near meeting with a div 3 boat who was on port had us crash tacking and they were left floundering in our wake. Up to Deepwater with as few mistakes as possible. So keep our cool, get around the top mark without damage to ourselves or others.
This time we made it to Dolphin East on a clean run and set a pole for Addison. 8 + knots on the down wind run; Oooee! Then off with the pole and a screaming reach to Thelma and only one way to go, off to the finish line. Considering last week and a no show from the finish box, it was a relief to hear the horn sound for us. We were justified.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap: Wynella, Aloha and Swiftsure Saga.
This was the 5th of the championship races and one drop has been allowed.
I have included a few more images than just H28's.. forgive me, it was a fun day on the river.
Wednesday Summer Sailing 9th of February 2022
Wynella and the crab pot &
Chasing Swiftsure Saga.
Lockie is still on holidays and there were few other boats prepared to go out today. In fact only 24 boats hit the water in total for the afternoon. Perhaps the strong winds frightened a few off, but our usually strong Div one has at least 3 or four boats away down south having fun in the strong winds on the Busso coast line.
However we were aiming to get a good start on the line with a run up to Martin /Weaver on offer on a Sou wester of 20 to 24 knots or better. Sure it was a course one and we had the bottom of the river to sail on. Lots of waves, slamming into the hull slowing us down repeatedly.
The start was the thing and Swiftsure Saga slipped into the lead right from the start as we left a gap above us while finding our own way to the line. Then he simply trimmed his way to the lead and even with a double tack to make the mark, he was still well away. Around Martin, then down to Weaver and off to Sampson with yes a pole, no a pole decisions being made by both boats until we got into the seabreeze and it was nothing but a reach.
Around Sampson and up to Print with spray bursting around us. The wind was building all the time as we tacked over to Print and then tacked back around it for the run to Addison with the first starboard pole of the afternoon. Wynella was doing fine, not that far away and they had manned up as well with plenty of people on board. We dropped the pole early and held the jib out to keep us flying and then around the mark with plenty of zip and bang as the main slammed over. Keeping the vang at the correct tension was important as too tight and we would blow the thing off on one of the heavy gybes we were making. We noted that the crabbers were out in force with long strings of nets strewn across the river.
Off to Robins and not once but twice did we cover the trip between Addison and Robins. not too many boats in the way fortunately as the Royals were well and gone the first time around and they were well spread out the second time with plenty of holes in the fleet. But hang on.. Wynella had disappeared.
A quick look around told us that she wasn't close by and only as we made our way down the hill to Addison for the second time, did we find her. Well behind us and appearing to be having a hard time. A couple of theories were put forward, but damage or injury were ruled out as she was still progressing on with the race. It was only once we had settled down on the hill after the day on the river that the truth came out. However we still had a race to finish and with the occasional hang of the jib sheets on what ever could snag a sheet as it sailed past, the skipper had plenty to say about the fact. It was a busy day, what can I say.
However the trip to Como from Robins brought us to the fact that we had a SS27 in front of us and he wasn't going to go away. He was pointing higher and was making it hard for the skip to avoid his bad air. We lost all that we had gained on SSS. Around the outer startline and off to Sampson on the heels of this wretched SS27. We tacked away early after Sampson to try and create separation with the boat and found ourselves doing well enough to work our way up to King and get around, with the SS27 sitting far enough above us to not interfere with the breeze. Beauty we can out run her. Down to Print and around the mark, crash bang and a great reach to Como with even more speed on the second leg to Thelma, 8 knots or better were dialled up on the speedo.
The rest of the race was a given as we watched Swiftsure Saga cross the line 70 seconds in front and well in hand. They hadn't made a mistake. Well sailed the boat. We crossed the line and packed up. Down to the pens, put everything away and up to the hill to hear the story from Wynella.
They had picked up a crab net string and it was firmly wedged between the rudder and the hull. The first question was were there any crabs in the net and who went overboard to cut it free. "Nothing and no one" was the answer. They just sailed around until the crab net finally dislodged itself. Hence the loss of time.
Actually we thought it was a great way to re adjust their handicap.. but you have to be lenient.
Over the line and on handicap; Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Wynella
And a charming little video of Graeme Maesepps home made yacht.
Wynella and the crab pot &
Chasing Swiftsure Saga.
Lockie is still on holidays and there were few other boats prepared to go out today. In fact only 24 boats hit the water in total for the afternoon. Perhaps the strong winds frightened a few off, but our usually strong Div one has at least 3 or four boats away down south having fun in the strong winds on the Busso coast line.
However we were aiming to get a good start on the line with a run up to Martin /Weaver on offer on a Sou wester of 20 to 24 knots or better. Sure it was a course one and we had the bottom of the river to sail on. Lots of waves, slamming into the hull slowing us down repeatedly.
The start was the thing and Swiftsure Saga slipped into the lead right from the start as we left a gap above us while finding our own way to the line. Then he simply trimmed his way to the lead and even with a double tack to make the mark, he was still well away. Around Martin, then down to Weaver and off to Sampson with yes a pole, no a pole decisions being made by both boats until we got into the seabreeze and it was nothing but a reach.
Around Sampson and up to Print with spray bursting around us. The wind was building all the time as we tacked over to Print and then tacked back around it for the run to Addison with the first starboard pole of the afternoon. Wynella was doing fine, not that far away and they had manned up as well with plenty of people on board. We dropped the pole early and held the jib out to keep us flying and then around the mark with plenty of zip and bang as the main slammed over. Keeping the vang at the correct tension was important as too tight and we would blow the thing off on one of the heavy gybes we were making. We noted that the crabbers were out in force with long strings of nets strewn across the river.
Off to Robins and not once but twice did we cover the trip between Addison and Robins. not too many boats in the way fortunately as the Royals were well and gone the first time around and they were well spread out the second time with plenty of holes in the fleet. But hang on.. Wynella had disappeared.
A quick look around told us that she wasn't close by and only as we made our way down the hill to Addison for the second time, did we find her. Well behind us and appearing to be having a hard time. A couple of theories were put forward, but damage or injury were ruled out as she was still progressing on with the race. It was only once we had settled down on the hill after the day on the river that the truth came out. However we still had a race to finish and with the occasional hang of the jib sheets on what ever could snag a sheet as it sailed past, the skipper had plenty to say about the fact. It was a busy day, what can I say.
However the trip to Como from Robins brought us to the fact that we had a SS27 in front of us and he wasn't going to go away. He was pointing higher and was making it hard for the skip to avoid his bad air. We lost all that we had gained on SSS. Around the outer startline and off to Sampson on the heels of this wretched SS27. We tacked away early after Sampson to try and create separation with the boat and found ourselves doing well enough to work our way up to King and get around, with the SS27 sitting far enough above us to not interfere with the breeze. Beauty we can out run her. Down to Print and around the mark, crash bang and a great reach to Como with even more speed on the second leg to Thelma, 8 knots or better were dialled up on the speedo.
The rest of the race was a given as we watched Swiftsure Saga cross the line 70 seconds in front and well in hand. They hadn't made a mistake. Well sailed the boat. We crossed the line and packed up. Down to the pens, put everything away and up to the hill to hear the story from Wynella.
They had picked up a crab net string and it was firmly wedged between the rudder and the hull. The first question was were there any crabs in the net and who went overboard to cut it free. "Nothing and no one" was the answer. They just sailed around until the crab net finally dislodged itself. Hence the loss of time.
Actually we thought it was a great way to re adjust their handicap.. but you have to be lenient.
Over the line and on handicap; Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Wynella
And a charming little video of Graeme Maesepps home made yacht.
Saturday Summer Sailing 5th of February 2022
The Lyn Rue Davey Memorial Trophy.
A solo performance &
Suzanna is back on the slips.
Its extremely disappointing when you front up for the afternoons sailing and not one other boat does. But the consensus was to go for a sail anyway and take the honours of first and fastest, last and wooden spooners. We knew each other well enough to settle into the sail for the afternoon and Bill the skipper had asked for a shorter course if that was possible.
A short note to mention that there were at least four other H28 people around the club that afternoon. Enough to get another boat on the water. No names of course.
So away on a course 4 with a gentle west sou wester that never rose above 14 knots. Out came the camera and a few images were taken in between gybes, tacks and pole runs. Our biggest problem occurred as we made our way down to Addison for the last leg where the Mounts Bay SC had set up a start line right across our line to Addison and insisted in flying an on-station flag. So we deviated around them as there was no pressure as far as we were concerned but the Div three fleet was annoyed as they were involved in close racing for the minor placings.
Into the bar and a beer and chips were ordered. We made no effort to defend the H28 table and it was soon full of other fleets ( hello div 3 )
Results
Over the line & on handicap : Swiftsure Saga.
The starters declared that there was a " No Race" with only one boat and that the Lyn Rue Davey trophy would not be awarded. A pity really, as 4 weeks on stinking hot Saturdays we have tried to keep the H28 fleet on the scorecards. For one, well I question the reason to sail anymore if this is the best that the rest of the fleet can do, though I do recognise the others who have joined us on the water after Christmas.
Apart from the photo of Suzanna up on the slips, the rest of the images are just what I saw on the water.
The Lyn Rue Davey Memorial Trophy.
A solo performance &
Suzanna is back on the slips.
Its extremely disappointing when you front up for the afternoons sailing and not one other boat does. But the consensus was to go for a sail anyway and take the honours of first and fastest, last and wooden spooners. We knew each other well enough to settle into the sail for the afternoon and Bill the skipper had asked for a shorter course if that was possible.
A short note to mention that there were at least four other H28 people around the club that afternoon. Enough to get another boat on the water. No names of course.
So away on a course 4 with a gentle west sou wester that never rose above 14 knots. Out came the camera and a few images were taken in between gybes, tacks and pole runs. Our biggest problem occurred as we made our way down to Addison for the last leg where the Mounts Bay SC had set up a start line right across our line to Addison and insisted in flying an on-station flag. So we deviated around them as there was no pressure as far as we were concerned but the Div three fleet was annoyed as they were involved in close racing for the minor placings.
Into the bar and a beer and chips were ordered. We made no effort to defend the H28 table and it was soon full of other fleets ( hello div 3 )
Results
Over the line & on handicap : Swiftsure Saga.
The starters declared that there was a " No Race" with only one boat and that the Lyn Rue Davey trophy would not be awarded. A pity really, as 4 weeks on stinking hot Saturdays we have tried to keep the H28 fleet on the scorecards. For one, well I question the reason to sail anymore if this is the best that the rest of the fleet can do, though I do recognise the others who have joined us on the water after Christmas.
Apart from the photo of Suzanna up on the slips, the rest of the images are just what I saw on the water.
Wednesday Summer Sailing 2nd of February 2022
Chasing pressure in an Easterly &
A thought from Dave Locke.
Ok, lets get Lockie's idea out of the way right now. It was after sailing and we were camped up on the hill on the new seats. Comfortable enough I guess. David was responding to a remark from Brian Cross who said that he tried really hard but we still ended up as third over the line on the finish. " Well that's where you started didn't you?" His experience is that most of the time in similar boats, that's how you end up. Still has to be proven Dave.. good theory, but....
The fleet got away with a course two and a whistling easterly. Any thing from 14 to 23 knots and we were chasing the pressure gusts all the way on the first downwind leg. We were late on the start and it was clear that we had a battle to try and get through Swiftsure Saga, let alone catch David on Corella. But behind us was a different battle with The First Jindarra and Wynella going for it hammer and tongs.
The reach across to Sampson had Steve and I working hard to make the boat go and we caught up with Corella and Swiftsure Saga to ensure that they hadn't got away. Then came the downwind run and we were looking for pressure all the way down the hill to Hallmark. First on the right, then on the left and then unfortunately on our line with Wynella and The Jin belting down on top of us. We got away from them eventually as we reached Hallmark, throwing the odd gybe in, with a little bit of manoeuvring that left them high and dry. But we still had to catch the other two.
Down to Armstrong and once around the mark, we went out for a while on a beat and then flipped over to work our way up to Como. On the way we managed to put Swiftsure behind us and the tussle between Barry and Glen was still active with the lead changing hands regularly. The chase down to Como did involve several digs as the breeze was switch hitting on us, swinging left and right across the river. We stayed in phase for the most part. Then around Como with a thumping big boat in front of us, sucking up the breeze we needed. But we managed to get above them and got around the outer startline still in front of SSS.
Making it to Sampson on another of those reaches that had us working hard again, we spun around the corner and threw up a pole that was holding well enough, but we were on the way to Dolphin East and Bill was going to nail us on the down wind without fail. He took a different angle and was able to roll us after Dolphin East and despite a tacking duel on the way to Como (thanks for the warning skip) we had a chance till we had a winch jam on us and poor Ron copped a blast that was undeserved. He couldn't get the sheet in fast enough and the second time crocked our chances of catching SSS. So after all was sorted out, we simply aimed at Thelma and set our sights on finishing the day in as good a time as possible.
Meanwhile the race between The Jin and Wynella had come to an end and the crew of the Jin weren't going to elaborate, other than they had a couple of problems and decided to retire. The boat wasn't sinking and no one was injured so I'll leave it as an open case.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
A comment that David Locke and crew had sailed really well and were only 4 seconds off getting first and fastest. If the Jin had kept on going, they could have taken the win as they were well placed and had the lowest handicap of all. A pity.
Not too many photos. I was running the main.
The forecast for Saturday is 40 degrees and little breeze. Yuk!
Chasing pressure in an Easterly &
A thought from Dave Locke.
Ok, lets get Lockie's idea out of the way right now. It was after sailing and we were camped up on the hill on the new seats. Comfortable enough I guess. David was responding to a remark from Brian Cross who said that he tried really hard but we still ended up as third over the line on the finish. " Well that's where you started didn't you?" His experience is that most of the time in similar boats, that's how you end up. Still has to be proven Dave.. good theory, but....
The fleet got away with a course two and a whistling easterly. Any thing from 14 to 23 knots and we were chasing the pressure gusts all the way on the first downwind leg. We were late on the start and it was clear that we had a battle to try and get through Swiftsure Saga, let alone catch David on Corella. But behind us was a different battle with The First Jindarra and Wynella going for it hammer and tongs.
The reach across to Sampson had Steve and I working hard to make the boat go and we caught up with Corella and Swiftsure Saga to ensure that they hadn't got away. Then came the downwind run and we were looking for pressure all the way down the hill to Hallmark. First on the right, then on the left and then unfortunately on our line with Wynella and The Jin belting down on top of us. We got away from them eventually as we reached Hallmark, throwing the odd gybe in, with a little bit of manoeuvring that left them high and dry. But we still had to catch the other two.
Down to Armstrong and once around the mark, we went out for a while on a beat and then flipped over to work our way up to Como. On the way we managed to put Swiftsure behind us and the tussle between Barry and Glen was still active with the lead changing hands regularly. The chase down to Como did involve several digs as the breeze was switch hitting on us, swinging left and right across the river. We stayed in phase for the most part. Then around Como with a thumping big boat in front of us, sucking up the breeze we needed. But we managed to get above them and got around the outer startline still in front of SSS.
Making it to Sampson on another of those reaches that had us working hard again, we spun around the corner and threw up a pole that was holding well enough, but we were on the way to Dolphin East and Bill was going to nail us on the down wind without fail. He took a different angle and was able to roll us after Dolphin East and despite a tacking duel on the way to Como (thanks for the warning skip) we had a chance till we had a winch jam on us and poor Ron copped a blast that was undeserved. He couldn't get the sheet in fast enough and the second time crocked our chances of catching SSS. So after all was sorted out, we simply aimed at Thelma and set our sights on finishing the day in as good a time as possible.
Meanwhile the race between The Jin and Wynella had come to an end and the crew of the Jin weren't going to elaborate, other than they had a couple of problems and decided to retire. The boat wasn't sinking and no one was injured so I'll leave it as an open case.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner.
On handicap: Wynella, Corella and Swiftsure Saga.
A comment that David Locke and crew had sailed really well and were only 4 seconds off getting first and fastest. If the Jin had kept on going, they could have taken the win as they were well placed and had the lowest handicap of all. A pity.
Not too many photos. I was running the main.
The forecast for Saturday is 40 degrees and little breeze. Yuk!
Summer Saturday Sailing 29th of January
Mad Dogs and men from the UK. &
Thirsty work on the foredeck.
We were seriously looking around to see who would come out to play today. Three slightly worried sailors stood on the hill wondering whether we would have some one to compete against. Then an Hawaiian shirt was spotted and there was the chance that Aloha would give it a try. But no.. not enough crew, there was no seabreeze and it was too hot.
Bang, in came the seabreeze, Steve Hill rocked up as did another of Aloha's crew and really they had no choice. Get out there or be square. So happily we hoisted sail with a slight adaption to our foresail and off we went to try it out. Well it points well enough and the ability to see under the jib is a bonus, no peeking around the corner - we can see everything. Probably it could be modified slightly but it does well.
We got away well enough with the SS27's away, battling with other clubs in a state heat. But we got to the line ( late ) but Aloha was later still and we kept the lead for the rest of the race. But not without some significant surges from Aloha as they had conned Steve to running the foredeck and hoisting a kite. And he did a good job, though he quietly admitted to doing a sideways hoist, but as it set and was drawing well, they were of a mind to leave it.. naah Steve wouldn't have it, a blot on his foredeck work. So he asked for a drop and a re-hoist. That spinnaker work stood them in good stead as they were significantly quicker down breeze.
So on a course 4 with a steady 10 to 14 knots out of the sou west it was champagne sailing and extremely thirst work for everyone. The three visits to Deepwater and runs down to Addison had us looking out of the boat and watching the fleets around us. A spectacular spinnaker run by some division two boats had us watching them rocking and rolling as they drew down on Dolphin West. Interesting to note that Ballina who was level pegging, just sailed away from the rest over the course of the day. Well done to the Cowden family.
Tapestry (aka Crush) was undergoing the learning process needed to make the boat a working team and despite a foredeck foul up with a kite tangle, they kept up with Farrago. Not a bad job at all.
But eventually all good things must come to an end and we rounded Addison for the last time and headed off to Thelma with the blessings of a breeze on our backs. Cooling us down on the run to the line as we hardened up for the run along the freeway on a breeze that had a bit of the west in it. Easy enough to tack off and then aim at the line for a good finish. Look back to see Aloha drop their kite at Addison and turn to make their way home. Well in front, but was it enough?
The spinnaker work by Steve had done the trick and they had kept in touch ( from the handicap side of things).
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha.
On handicap: Aloha, Swiftsure Saga.
Thank you Aloha for joining us on the water and making it a day to enjoy. A comment from Steve as he slipped up to join us on Herreshoff hill for a chance to drink cold water. Thirsty work up there on the foredeck.. well we knew that! The experiences of the last week or two had taught our foredeck men that you really need to rehydrate before you get up there.
As usual, not too many H28s out there so I got a few other boats out on the water.
Mad Dogs and men from the UK. &
Thirsty work on the foredeck.
We were seriously looking around to see who would come out to play today. Three slightly worried sailors stood on the hill wondering whether we would have some one to compete against. Then an Hawaiian shirt was spotted and there was the chance that Aloha would give it a try. But no.. not enough crew, there was no seabreeze and it was too hot.
Bang, in came the seabreeze, Steve Hill rocked up as did another of Aloha's crew and really they had no choice. Get out there or be square. So happily we hoisted sail with a slight adaption to our foresail and off we went to try it out. Well it points well enough and the ability to see under the jib is a bonus, no peeking around the corner - we can see everything. Probably it could be modified slightly but it does well.
We got away well enough with the SS27's away, battling with other clubs in a state heat. But we got to the line ( late ) but Aloha was later still and we kept the lead for the rest of the race. But not without some significant surges from Aloha as they had conned Steve to running the foredeck and hoisting a kite. And he did a good job, though he quietly admitted to doing a sideways hoist, but as it set and was drawing well, they were of a mind to leave it.. naah Steve wouldn't have it, a blot on his foredeck work. So he asked for a drop and a re-hoist. That spinnaker work stood them in good stead as they were significantly quicker down breeze.
So on a course 4 with a steady 10 to 14 knots out of the sou west it was champagne sailing and extremely thirst work for everyone. The three visits to Deepwater and runs down to Addison had us looking out of the boat and watching the fleets around us. A spectacular spinnaker run by some division two boats had us watching them rocking and rolling as they drew down on Dolphin West. Interesting to note that Ballina who was level pegging, just sailed away from the rest over the course of the day. Well done to the Cowden family.
Tapestry (aka Crush) was undergoing the learning process needed to make the boat a working team and despite a foredeck foul up with a kite tangle, they kept up with Farrago. Not a bad job at all.
But eventually all good things must come to an end and we rounded Addison for the last time and headed off to Thelma with the blessings of a breeze on our backs. Cooling us down on the run to the line as we hardened up for the run along the freeway on a breeze that had a bit of the west in it. Easy enough to tack off and then aim at the line for a good finish. Look back to see Aloha drop their kite at Addison and turn to make their way home. Well in front, but was it enough?
The spinnaker work by Steve had done the trick and they had kept in touch ( from the handicap side of things).
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha.
On handicap: Aloha, Swiftsure Saga.
Thank you Aloha for joining us on the water and making it a day to enjoy. A comment from Steve as he slipped up to join us on Herreshoff hill for a chance to drink cold water. Thirsty work up there on the foredeck.. well we knew that! The experiences of the last week or two had taught our foredeck men that you really need to rehydrate before you get up there.
As usual, not too many H28s out there so I got a few other boats out on the water.
Summer Saturday Sailing 22nd of January 4th Championship.
The Relentless Heat &
Into the Fire.
4 Days over 40 degrees and this was the 5th. Its cruel.
There is literally no relief and the sun is pouring down from a bright and shiny early morn to a scorching dusk. The Easterlies pour the heat from the inland onto the coast and Rottnest island, playground to Perth locals is just as hot as we on the river are. Fair do's indeed. The arrival of the seabreeze, moderate in strength provides some relief, but again its simply recycling the hot air that was pushed out onto the ocean by the easterlies.
Far wiser crews simply gave up on sailing and only two H28's made their way out on this, a championship day. All that and my camera for some divine reason decided to lose its charge and died very early in the day.
As we waved good by to the start boat on a course one with a seabreeze of moderate strength, we knew it was going to be a long afternoon as our nominated foredeckie Mark was slurping through his water supplies bigtime. First of all, we had to get to Brickies A and B and as we worked our way up the breeze it was clear that we needed more grunt from the wind. We were sailing well, but we didn't have that speed that a 20 knot sou wester gives us. Our only thought was the down wind runs under a spinnaker and Mark was going to earn his living out front.
Yep, they were well away by the time we hit the top mark and it was only under a spinnaker that we would stand a chance to catch them and we did so regaining valuable meters. All the way to Dolphin West with a bunch of Freshy boats arguing the toss as to which mark they were going. Fortunately they chose Armstrong and steered away from us. So down to D. W. and ease the spinnaker forward and proceed to Foam. A little edgy at times, but we did ok. Down with the spinnaker and then off to Sanders. Bloody hell, we were doing ok, but Mariner picked the right line and got inside us ending up much closer to the mark.
Around they went and the next leg was to Como, another long spinnaker run. By this time our resources were a little stretched and the fridge at the front of the boat was full of cold water. Mark had drained his bottles and was invited to help himself. The bottle vanished in a couple of gulps and we set off to get around Como still sailing pretty much by the lee all the way down and around the mark. Then away to Deepwater via Robins and a slightly stiffer seabreeze that helped us catch up a fair bit. But we had to get to Deepwater and the constant heat was as draining on us as well as Mark. I was pushing it to get the rather stiff traveller system up and down the slide and as for getting the main in hard as the breeze picked up.. well its more a case of two on the ropes rather than one.
Deepwater behind us and a pole to Dolphin East that changed to a spinnaker half way down. Why, because they did. So to Addison after DE and another couple of bottles of water for Mark. He was knackered. Well done to Eric who had charge of the jib and was really pushing it hard. But he, like I, had a 1/2 gallon container of water to keep him recharged. Once we had dropped the spinnaker, we then took off to Thelma, yes we were behind, but we hadn't lost them completely. So around Thelma and head for home. The end to a very hot day.
Putting the cover on the boat we headed inside and then waited for ever as the results eventually were presented. Ok, we were a little under 4 minutes behind.. not bad considering the length of the race of 12.5 nautical miles, but the cost of the race on our bodies and those around us was clear. Herreshoff Hill was littered with sailors of all denominations and we weren't begrudging of the shade. Enjoy.
Over the line: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga.
As mentioned my camera died early in the piece. Just a few snaps.
The Relentless Heat &
Into the Fire.
4 Days over 40 degrees and this was the 5th. Its cruel.
There is literally no relief and the sun is pouring down from a bright and shiny early morn to a scorching dusk. The Easterlies pour the heat from the inland onto the coast and Rottnest island, playground to Perth locals is just as hot as we on the river are. Fair do's indeed. The arrival of the seabreeze, moderate in strength provides some relief, but again its simply recycling the hot air that was pushed out onto the ocean by the easterlies.
Far wiser crews simply gave up on sailing and only two H28's made their way out on this, a championship day. All that and my camera for some divine reason decided to lose its charge and died very early in the day.
As we waved good by to the start boat on a course one with a seabreeze of moderate strength, we knew it was going to be a long afternoon as our nominated foredeckie Mark was slurping through his water supplies bigtime. First of all, we had to get to Brickies A and B and as we worked our way up the breeze it was clear that we needed more grunt from the wind. We were sailing well, but we didn't have that speed that a 20 knot sou wester gives us. Our only thought was the down wind runs under a spinnaker and Mark was going to earn his living out front.
Yep, they were well away by the time we hit the top mark and it was only under a spinnaker that we would stand a chance to catch them and we did so regaining valuable meters. All the way to Dolphin West with a bunch of Freshy boats arguing the toss as to which mark they were going. Fortunately they chose Armstrong and steered away from us. So down to D. W. and ease the spinnaker forward and proceed to Foam. A little edgy at times, but we did ok. Down with the spinnaker and then off to Sanders. Bloody hell, we were doing ok, but Mariner picked the right line and got inside us ending up much closer to the mark.
Around they went and the next leg was to Como, another long spinnaker run. By this time our resources were a little stretched and the fridge at the front of the boat was full of cold water. Mark had drained his bottles and was invited to help himself. The bottle vanished in a couple of gulps and we set off to get around Como still sailing pretty much by the lee all the way down and around the mark. Then away to Deepwater via Robins and a slightly stiffer seabreeze that helped us catch up a fair bit. But we had to get to Deepwater and the constant heat was as draining on us as well as Mark. I was pushing it to get the rather stiff traveller system up and down the slide and as for getting the main in hard as the breeze picked up.. well its more a case of two on the ropes rather than one.
Deepwater behind us and a pole to Dolphin East that changed to a spinnaker half way down. Why, because they did. So to Addison after DE and another couple of bottles of water for Mark. He was knackered. Well done to Eric who had charge of the jib and was really pushing it hard. But he, like I, had a 1/2 gallon container of water to keep him recharged. Once we had dropped the spinnaker, we then took off to Thelma, yes we were behind, but we hadn't lost them completely. So around Thelma and head for home. The end to a very hot day.
Putting the cover on the boat we headed inside and then waited for ever as the results eventually were presented. Ok, we were a little under 4 minutes behind.. not bad considering the length of the race of 12.5 nautical miles, but the cost of the race on our bodies and those around us was clear. Herreshoff Hill was littered with sailors of all denominations and we weren't begrudging of the shade. Enjoy.
Over the line: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga.
On handicap: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga.
As mentioned my camera died early in the piece. Just a few snaps.
Wednesday Summer Sailing 19th of January 2022
Close racing &
Out of the Frying Pan!
The previous Saturday we were out on a blustery day and we were soaked to the bone in salt water. This time I upended a bottle of water over my head to try and cool down. Again I was soaked and when the water finally dried off, the heat began to take over despite the cooling seabreeze that came in. Sitting in the sun wasn't pleasant and the leeside of the boat in the shade was fine. Another bottle... fine!
Five boats took off today and it was a competitive mob. The First Jindarra ( Fully crewed ), Corella (newly painted) Wynella, just off the slip. Swiftsure Saga ( still experimenting with sails) and the crew on Mariner. A course 4 was on offer with a seabreeze that was beginning to make itself felt and this time they let us loose northward. Hooray we can get past the Royal fleet this time.
Hanging on the breeze before the start line, we rolled over onto port tack and pointed at the box end pin. The Jin decided to barge their way in and Barry was presented with a red flag. That's a 360 please. And then the dash to Sampson began. Fortunately we had good speed and despite the Jin's precipitous actions, we were able to roll her down the reach to Sampson and made it to the mark first with the rest of the fleet in close order behind us. Hit the corner and make the following boat wallow as we choked them and then forged up the breeze. Sure enough Swiftsure peeled off as did Corella while Wynella and The Jin dropped a little lower than us, trying to get clean air.
We tacked shortly after, while the Jin did their penalty turn and Wynella followed us across. We ended up in a magnificent lift that took us all the way into the bay above Frenchmans and then tacked to have a look for Robins with a fair chance of laying the mark in a tack or two. The big surprize was the return of the Jin from the North. She got our lift and then some. We got past her though and at Robins it was a good outcome with the rest of the fleet behind us battling over who got to the mark first. It was close racing. Then a reach across to Dolphin East and a pole to Como while Corella and the Jin decided who was to first around the mark at Como. Bill and Glen were having their own stoush behind them and the racing was tight.
Down to the outer startline buoy and around, with Corella successfully avoiding some big boats at the mark, but they were to cause trouble. We had our own fast boats to deal with and it meant that we tacked immediately after the mark at Sampson instead of going on a little, but in the end it wasn't a problem and and an unfortunate fracas with Cover Drive (who had all the rights) took Corella way out to the left before they could tack, effectively ending their challenge on us. We had had our own problems with a hung up sheet, fortunately resolved before the turn at King and from then it was a reach to Print, then down to Como and a clear run to Thelma and the dash to the finish.
However it wasn't to be a win for us as the rest of the fleet had done well. 2 minutes and 45 seconds covered all 5 finishers and on handicap it was only 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner.
Barry, Glen may have saved the bottle of white from Leeuwin Estate that you won, but then again, he may not have!
The Frying Pan? Saturday is another absolute stinker and 40 degrees is the bare minimum. Plenty of cold water and non al beer required I think.
Close racing &
Out of the Frying Pan!
The previous Saturday we were out on a blustery day and we were soaked to the bone in salt water. This time I upended a bottle of water over my head to try and cool down. Again I was soaked and when the water finally dried off, the heat began to take over despite the cooling seabreeze that came in. Sitting in the sun wasn't pleasant and the leeside of the boat in the shade was fine. Another bottle... fine!
Five boats took off today and it was a competitive mob. The First Jindarra ( Fully crewed ), Corella (newly painted) Wynella, just off the slip. Swiftsure Saga ( still experimenting with sails) and the crew on Mariner. A course 4 was on offer with a seabreeze that was beginning to make itself felt and this time they let us loose northward. Hooray we can get past the Royal fleet this time.
Hanging on the breeze before the start line, we rolled over onto port tack and pointed at the box end pin. The Jin decided to barge their way in and Barry was presented with a red flag. That's a 360 please. And then the dash to Sampson began. Fortunately we had good speed and despite the Jin's precipitous actions, we were able to roll her down the reach to Sampson and made it to the mark first with the rest of the fleet in close order behind us. Hit the corner and make the following boat wallow as we choked them and then forged up the breeze. Sure enough Swiftsure peeled off as did Corella while Wynella and The Jin dropped a little lower than us, trying to get clean air.
We tacked shortly after, while the Jin did their penalty turn and Wynella followed us across. We ended up in a magnificent lift that took us all the way into the bay above Frenchmans and then tacked to have a look for Robins with a fair chance of laying the mark in a tack or two. The big surprize was the return of the Jin from the North. She got our lift and then some. We got past her though and at Robins it was a good outcome with the rest of the fleet behind us battling over who got to the mark first. It was close racing. Then a reach across to Dolphin East and a pole to Como while Corella and the Jin decided who was to first around the mark at Como. Bill and Glen were having their own stoush behind them and the racing was tight.
Down to the outer startline buoy and around, with Corella successfully avoiding some big boats at the mark, but they were to cause trouble. We had our own fast boats to deal with and it meant that we tacked immediately after the mark at Sampson instead of going on a little, but in the end it wasn't a problem and and an unfortunate fracas with Cover Drive (who had all the rights) took Corella way out to the left before they could tack, effectively ending their challenge on us. We had had our own problems with a hung up sheet, fortunately resolved before the turn at King and from then it was a reach to Print, then down to Como and a clear run to Thelma and the dash to the finish.
However it wasn't to be a win for us as the rest of the fleet had done well. 2 minutes and 45 seconds covered all 5 finishers and on handicap it was only 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: The First Jindarra, Wynella and Mariner.
Barry, Glen may have saved the bottle of white from Leeuwin Estate that you won, but then again, he may not have!
The Frying Pan? Saturday is another absolute stinker and 40 degrees is the bare minimum. Plenty of cold water and non al beer required I think.
Saturday Summer Sailing 15th of January 2022.
Blowing fit to burst &
Then there was one.
The afternoon bode to be a great sailing day and there were certainly bodies around. But Brian was working on Mariner for the Retro on Sunday; Lockie had just put the last coat of paint on Corella so he wasn't going anywhere, Wynella was up on the slips with a new coat of antifoul being laid on and anyway Russell had just had a pacemaker put in and he was a non starter.
So who did we have left?
Potentially all the other boats, but Alma hasn't sailed for a while, Napea of Carrick would probably go out on the Retro, Nerrima - well no one has seen Les for a while and Carina & Karoleeya sit forlornly in their pens with no love or care afforded them. Ah, Perhaps Rupert might.. but he's trying to earn a living the poor fellow and he's in hospitality; ergo Saturdays are working days. Well that took Georgina out of the game. Who's left?
Just then Steve Hills rocked up and looked around to see if Aloha was being set up. Not yet. So he introduced a new chum to us who was to find out about sailing on H28's and then prepared to depart as there was no sign of the Minto family. The skipper was happy to take him for a run and invited him to join us and just then the Minto's arrived so they moved down to the jetty and started setting up. As did we.
We hustled down to the start line to see another 40 or so boats moving around and we prepared ourselves for a busy afternoon as the breeze was already pumping. With a number one and a half on we were not overly canvased but the main was going to be a brute and a real test for my formerly suspect back. We had negotiated a course four with the starters as none of us wanted to slog our way up to Brickie A and B and that was enough for us as the first upward leg has us wearing the spray as it folded over the bow and curved back on to us.
Upward we drove to Deepwater and we noted one or two SS27's about as they too had Deepwater as a mark. Running across to the mark, we saw Lady Claire (a SS27 with a chequered career with H28's) struggling ( pinching) to make the mark. They got to the mark painfully slowly and then rolled around the mark, blowing down on the spit and snagging the backstay on the pile. Twang.. instant busted backstay and a buggered mast. He headed off down the breeze as we reported him to the club via radio. No harm to the crew and only his wallet will feel the pain.
Across to Hallmark and then up to Armstrong we went, with Aloha doing well behind us. Sure they need that new main, but its coming and they will be a real pain in backside when it does. Around Armstrong and a slightly wild run down to Print, close to a Freshy startline, ducking and weaving through the fleets swirling around in the choppy water. Away from Print and up to Deepwater again, this time to bury our bow in the wind waves again. We were all soaked by now and it was a good idea that the skipper suggested that we all put on the life jackets, they kept us a bit warmer. Into the bay and then up the breeze with huge knocks and lifts from the breeze as it spun off the edge of the point where Applecross Spit stood. Around this time we heard Aloha retiring on the radio. Fair enough, the crew and skipper had decided that it was boat busting weather.
Around the top mark again and this time down to Dolphin East. We had not even thought of a pole as sending some one up onto the bow was a dangerous occupation so a gybe was also viewed with suspicion. Bugger it.. Granny tack .. and we pulled out of it nicely enough. We ran with the breeze up our transom all the way to Addison occasionally by the lee, but safe enough. Then repeat the previous lap.. all the way to Deepwater, getting very wet in the process and then Dolphin East, granny tack and on to Addison again. Thence to Thelma on another howling reach and a tack to the line.
First, fastest, second, third and last.
Apparently this is the start of the other half of the summer season, so we took the pre Christmas racing from Wynella and our start of the season was a good effort. What a day. All of us were drenched to the skin and rather grateful that we had survived an afternoon with a base of 20 knots with recorded gusts to 27 knots. There were a number of retirements other than Aloha, but I do have take my hat off to the Red Witches sailed by the scouts. They did extremely well.
A note to all.
It appears that Adissa is up for sale. She is an Albany based H28 that according to the advertisement has been regularly slipped and cared for over the last 10 years ? I have known of her for about 14 years and I believe that they are asking for $19,000. Though that may be negotiable. The problem you would then face is to get her up here. A photograph is enclosed.
Not many photos today. I was busy.
Blowing fit to burst &
Then there was one.
The afternoon bode to be a great sailing day and there were certainly bodies around. But Brian was working on Mariner for the Retro on Sunday; Lockie had just put the last coat of paint on Corella so he wasn't going anywhere, Wynella was up on the slips with a new coat of antifoul being laid on and anyway Russell had just had a pacemaker put in and he was a non starter.
So who did we have left?
Potentially all the other boats, but Alma hasn't sailed for a while, Napea of Carrick would probably go out on the Retro, Nerrima - well no one has seen Les for a while and Carina & Karoleeya sit forlornly in their pens with no love or care afforded them. Ah, Perhaps Rupert might.. but he's trying to earn a living the poor fellow and he's in hospitality; ergo Saturdays are working days. Well that took Georgina out of the game. Who's left?
Just then Steve Hills rocked up and looked around to see if Aloha was being set up. Not yet. So he introduced a new chum to us who was to find out about sailing on H28's and then prepared to depart as there was no sign of the Minto family. The skipper was happy to take him for a run and invited him to join us and just then the Minto's arrived so they moved down to the jetty and started setting up. As did we.
We hustled down to the start line to see another 40 or so boats moving around and we prepared ourselves for a busy afternoon as the breeze was already pumping. With a number one and a half on we were not overly canvased but the main was going to be a brute and a real test for my formerly suspect back. We had negotiated a course four with the starters as none of us wanted to slog our way up to Brickie A and B and that was enough for us as the first upward leg has us wearing the spray as it folded over the bow and curved back on to us.
Upward we drove to Deepwater and we noted one or two SS27's about as they too had Deepwater as a mark. Running across to the mark, we saw Lady Claire (a SS27 with a chequered career with H28's) struggling ( pinching) to make the mark. They got to the mark painfully slowly and then rolled around the mark, blowing down on the spit and snagging the backstay on the pile. Twang.. instant busted backstay and a buggered mast. He headed off down the breeze as we reported him to the club via radio. No harm to the crew and only his wallet will feel the pain.
Across to Hallmark and then up to Armstrong we went, with Aloha doing well behind us. Sure they need that new main, but its coming and they will be a real pain in backside when it does. Around Armstrong and a slightly wild run down to Print, close to a Freshy startline, ducking and weaving through the fleets swirling around in the choppy water. Away from Print and up to Deepwater again, this time to bury our bow in the wind waves again. We were all soaked by now and it was a good idea that the skipper suggested that we all put on the life jackets, they kept us a bit warmer. Into the bay and then up the breeze with huge knocks and lifts from the breeze as it spun off the edge of the point where Applecross Spit stood. Around this time we heard Aloha retiring on the radio. Fair enough, the crew and skipper had decided that it was boat busting weather.
Around the top mark again and this time down to Dolphin East. We had not even thought of a pole as sending some one up onto the bow was a dangerous occupation so a gybe was also viewed with suspicion. Bugger it.. Granny tack .. and we pulled out of it nicely enough. We ran with the breeze up our transom all the way to Addison occasionally by the lee, but safe enough. Then repeat the previous lap.. all the way to Deepwater, getting very wet in the process and then Dolphin East, granny tack and on to Addison again. Thence to Thelma on another howling reach and a tack to the line.
First, fastest, second, third and last.
Apparently this is the start of the other half of the summer season, so we took the pre Christmas racing from Wynella and our start of the season was a good effort. What a day. All of us were drenched to the skin and rather grateful that we had survived an afternoon with a base of 20 knots with recorded gusts to 27 knots. There were a number of retirements other than Aloha, but I do have take my hat off to the Red Witches sailed by the scouts. They did extremely well.
A note to all.
It appears that Adissa is up for sale. She is an Albany based H28 that according to the advertisement has been regularly slipped and cared for over the last 10 years ? I have known of her for about 14 years and I believe that they are asking for $19,000. Though that may be negotiable. The problem you would then face is to get her up here. A photograph is enclosed.
Not many photos today. I was busy.