On the Water and in the bar.
The stories of the H28's on the Swan River in 2025
The stories of the H28's on the Swan River in 2025
Wednesday Sailing the 14th of May 2025
Smoke on the Water &
Wynella goes the other way.
The Starters were right. A Course 4 with a very light easterly drifting across the river, in fact there were moments where we didn’t know what was available to us. The first thought was to keep the boat near to the line in case of a drop out and then to see where the wind was going to be when we made that dash to Sampson. The hills were shrouded with smoke from the burn off's happening at this time of the year.
The First Jindarra with Phil at the helm, made it onto the start line with a sparkling set of sailors including the presence of Geoff who has been off the water for a while. Glen was at the helm of Wynella and he was full of cunning today. Bill had taken Craig on board as he had made his way down expecting a ride on Anna, but John W has had a couple of skin lesions taken off his face and wasn’t going to sail today. As for Corella, well Rita is on her way to Fiji and David is enjoying a winters break. We had the company of Vic Court who came down to the club today along with his son David to have lunch, I presume.
A steady start had Mariner doing well but the run to Sampson was a little dodgy with the breeze switching between the beam and a pole with Kate eventually hand poling out the jib to get us to Sampson, before we gybed and watched Swiftsure Saga move past us. Bother, a chase began to develop. However, Phil and Glen weren’t going to hold back and they kept a close watch on us as we progressed toward Robins.
There was a clown in a power boat on the water and while we couldn’t tell exactly where he came from, there was a chance that the boat was from SoPYC. He roared past us on the way to Robins and the fleet cursed as the wake set us rocking and rolling. But he hadn’t finished with us. He turned around a little beyond Robins and then came rocketing back setting the fleet bobbing once again. Hoon is the word you could use.
The river grew still and the crackle of the radio expressed the starters desire to know what was happening from the helm of the safety boat. We sailed on whispers and gasps of the easterly and the crew aboard our boat kept imagining the advent of a seabreeze down the river. Phil on the Jin had his crew up on the foredeck to keep the boats transom out of the water. Maybe it worked, maybe it didn’t. But the fleet had closed up, as had the fleet from div three. The smoke that was up in the hills was starting to roll down on the Easterly and within half an hour, the river was flooded with a haze of smoke. Not thick, but definitely there.
Around Robins and then to Dolphin East with both fleets in a melee that had us all cursing with the resultant actions at the mark getting us to tack away fairly quickly as there was too much interference from the placky boats. But Glen made his move. He slipped away to the north a little and then worked his way up the river towards Sampson. We were dealing with our own problems and the surrounding div three fleet made plenty of them for us. Along the way, the message came out on the radio. A shortened course.
We were ahead of the other two H28s, but our eyes were now riveted on Wynella. The jammy buggers had kept their boat flowing and she was approaching that point where they could tack and stay in the breeze from the freeway. A winning proposition. Sure enough, they tacked at Sampson then took off to the finish line. They crossed in front of us and we finally made it to Como and rounded it to go to the line as well.
Knock and knock again. Much muffled cursing and despite a really big attempt to lift the boat above Heathcote dolphin, we had to double tack. Ah well.
Complete that and then head off to the line again where the Canning knock held sway. We made it, but poor Swiftsure Saga had to tack again before the line. A real handicap improver.
Over the line: Wynella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
Alma is up on the slips having her hull worked on, with Ralph belting around on his crutch while his hip heals. She’s in a fair condition and its only a matter of time that we have Ralph to contend with as well.
I’ve combined Guys photos in with the general run of pix and many thanks for his contribution.
Smoke on the Water &
Wynella goes the other way.
The Starters were right. A Course 4 with a very light easterly drifting across the river, in fact there were moments where we didn’t know what was available to us. The first thought was to keep the boat near to the line in case of a drop out and then to see where the wind was going to be when we made that dash to Sampson. The hills were shrouded with smoke from the burn off's happening at this time of the year.
The First Jindarra with Phil at the helm, made it onto the start line with a sparkling set of sailors including the presence of Geoff who has been off the water for a while. Glen was at the helm of Wynella and he was full of cunning today. Bill had taken Craig on board as he had made his way down expecting a ride on Anna, but John W has had a couple of skin lesions taken off his face and wasn’t going to sail today. As for Corella, well Rita is on her way to Fiji and David is enjoying a winters break. We had the company of Vic Court who came down to the club today along with his son David to have lunch, I presume.
A steady start had Mariner doing well but the run to Sampson was a little dodgy with the breeze switching between the beam and a pole with Kate eventually hand poling out the jib to get us to Sampson, before we gybed and watched Swiftsure Saga move past us. Bother, a chase began to develop. However, Phil and Glen weren’t going to hold back and they kept a close watch on us as we progressed toward Robins.
There was a clown in a power boat on the water and while we couldn’t tell exactly where he came from, there was a chance that the boat was from SoPYC. He roared past us on the way to Robins and the fleet cursed as the wake set us rocking and rolling. But he hadn’t finished with us. He turned around a little beyond Robins and then came rocketing back setting the fleet bobbing once again. Hoon is the word you could use.
The river grew still and the crackle of the radio expressed the starters desire to know what was happening from the helm of the safety boat. We sailed on whispers and gasps of the easterly and the crew aboard our boat kept imagining the advent of a seabreeze down the river. Phil on the Jin had his crew up on the foredeck to keep the boats transom out of the water. Maybe it worked, maybe it didn’t. But the fleet had closed up, as had the fleet from div three. The smoke that was up in the hills was starting to roll down on the Easterly and within half an hour, the river was flooded with a haze of smoke. Not thick, but definitely there.
Around Robins and then to Dolphin East with both fleets in a melee that had us all cursing with the resultant actions at the mark getting us to tack away fairly quickly as there was too much interference from the placky boats. But Glen made his move. He slipped away to the north a little and then worked his way up the river towards Sampson. We were dealing with our own problems and the surrounding div three fleet made plenty of them for us. Along the way, the message came out on the radio. A shortened course.
We were ahead of the other two H28s, but our eyes were now riveted on Wynella. The jammy buggers had kept their boat flowing and she was approaching that point where they could tack and stay in the breeze from the freeway. A winning proposition. Sure enough, they tacked at Sampson then took off to the finish line. They crossed in front of us and we finally made it to Como and rounded it to go to the line as well.
Knock and knock again. Much muffled cursing and despite a really big attempt to lift the boat above Heathcote dolphin, we had to double tack. Ah well.
Complete that and then head off to the line again where the Canning knock held sway. We made it, but poor Swiftsure Saga had to tack again before the line. A real handicap improver.
Over the line: Wynella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Wynella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
Alma is up on the slips having her hull worked on, with Ralph belting around on his crutch while his hip heals. She’s in a fair condition and its only a matter of time that we have Ralph to contend with as well.
I’ve combined Guys photos in with the general run of pix and many thanks for his contribution.
Wednesday Sailing 7th of May 2025
A long way up the breeze &
Winter’s here and the Rita bird is flying to warmer climes.
No doubt about it. Winter is about to hit us and the redoubtable Rita is about to head off to Fiji to spend time on a yacht as she has been doing for the last few years. It also means that David goes in to hibernation for winter, not a bad idea really, but it gives both he and the boat a break from each other. Sail well Rita, enjoy the island life.
As for the resident osprey that has been seen on top of the Cowden’s boat Ballina, he’s been seen munching on his fish recently and today was no exception, but horrors….. he dropped it into the water and then spent the next 10 to 15 minutes trying to get it back. It’s no mean feat, trying to land in a pen covered with mooring lines and the like, even if it was empty at the time. According to Phil Lammonby, he eventually he got his feed back but learned a valuable lesson. Dropping your lunch can be annoying.
Four H28s today with Anna up on the slips for a new propeller and a re-paint with Phil still looking for a crew for the Jindarra. Where are these people? However, ever the optimist, Ernie grabbed him to helm Wynella and away he went. A course 2 was on offer with a light easterly that was to play the devil during the day.
We started towards the city and Lockie went low and fast while the rest of us had to work to get past each other. Good trimming got us to second, but unfortunately deafness intervened and no one could hear the skippers call of 3 boat lengths clear at the mark. The other two boats got through, as he swung wide to avoid a collision and it made the day interesting as we had to chase them down the river to Hall Mark. Again, trimming was imperative with a poled-out jib and a constantly changing breeze.
Eventually with Corella well away in the lead, the three following boats were contesting the broad reach up to Armstrong. For some reason, we managed to get inside Swiftsure Saga and slip past them. But we still had Wynella with Phil on the stick. Nothings easy in an easterly. Down to Como on that long set of tacks that would take us there. Swiftsure Saga tacked off early, with Mariner putting a very loose cover on them. In the meantime, both Wynella and Corella progressed over to the south over toward Applecross. The run down to Como was always going to be a knocking process, so going back again was part of the deal.
Swiftsure Saga made it across a couple of times and then fell foul of a couple of SP boats running up the breeze. That pushed them further behind us and we had to dip the two boats rather than find a gap. Didn’t hurt all that much. At about this time, the crackle of the radio told us that it was a shortened course. Fine….. Como and home.
But Wynella still lay between us and Corella and it was the vagaries of the easterly that delivered. With memories of Phils urgings to “go a little bit further”, we went deep under Heathcote and tacked on a direct line to Como. Wynella hadn’t covered us properly and by the time they looked up, we were barrelling past them with the firm intention of getting around Como first. Second over the line, not too shabby a day.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Wynella.
On handicap: Corella, Wynella and Mariner.
A comment at results did make the point that when you have swapped in a new helm on the boat, you need to advise the OWG as sometimes the new helm has a better (or worse) handicap than the one nominated.
Thanks to Guy, who was very active with his camera today and I have another bunch of photos to include. I’m a little puzzled about the family who Guy had wandering around the Hill early on the day, but we were happy to adopt them for the day and thanks to Ralph Newton of Alma, who took them down to the start line and discussed what was happening. Get better Ralph.
The first lot of photos are mine, Guy's are next.
A long way up the breeze &
Winter’s here and the Rita bird is flying to warmer climes.
No doubt about it. Winter is about to hit us and the redoubtable Rita is about to head off to Fiji to spend time on a yacht as she has been doing for the last few years. It also means that David goes in to hibernation for winter, not a bad idea really, but it gives both he and the boat a break from each other. Sail well Rita, enjoy the island life.
As for the resident osprey that has been seen on top of the Cowden’s boat Ballina, he’s been seen munching on his fish recently and today was no exception, but horrors….. he dropped it into the water and then spent the next 10 to 15 minutes trying to get it back. It’s no mean feat, trying to land in a pen covered with mooring lines and the like, even if it was empty at the time. According to Phil Lammonby, he eventually he got his feed back but learned a valuable lesson. Dropping your lunch can be annoying.
Four H28s today with Anna up on the slips for a new propeller and a re-paint with Phil still looking for a crew for the Jindarra. Where are these people? However, ever the optimist, Ernie grabbed him to helm Wynella and away he went. A course 2 was on offer with a light easterly that was to play the devil during the day.
We started towards the city and Lockie went low and fast while the rest of us had to work to get past each other. Good trimming got us to second, but unfortunately deafness intervened and no one could hear the skippers call of 3 boat lengths clear at the mark. The other two boats got through, as he swung wide to avoid a collision and it made the day interesting as we had to chase them down the river to Hall Mark. Again, trimming was imperative with a poled-out jib and a constantly changing breeze.
Eventually with Corella well away in the lead, the three following boats were contesting the broad reach up to Armstrong. For some reason, we managed to get inside Swiftsure Saga and slip past them. But we still had Wynella with Phil on the stick. Nothings easy in an easterly. Down to Como on that long set of tacks that would take us there. Swiftsure Saga tacked off early, with Mariner putting a very loose cover on them. In the meantime, both Wynella and Corella progressed over to the south over toward Applecross. The run down to Como was always going to be a knocking process, so going back again was part of the deal.
Swiftsure Saga made it across a couple of times and then fell foul of a couple of SP boats running up the breeze. That pushed them further behind us and we had to dip the two boats rather than find a gap. Didn’t hurt all that much. At about this time, the crackle of the radio told us that it was a shortened course. Fine….. Como and home.
But Wynella still lay between us and Corella and it was the vagaries of the easterly that delivered. With memories of Phils urgings to “go a little bit further”, we went deep under Heathcote and tacked on a direct line to Como. Wynella hadn’t covered us properly and by the time they looked up, we were barrelling past them with the firm intention of getting around Como first. Second over the line, not too shabby a day.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Wynella.
On handicap: Corella, Wynella and Mariner.
A comment at results did make the point that when you have swapped in a new helm on the boat, you need to advise the OWG as sometimes the new helm has a better (or worse) handicap than the one nominated.
Thanks to Guy, who was very active with his camera today and I have another bunch of photos to include. I’m a little puzzled about the family who Guy had wandering around the Hill early on the day, but we were happy to adopt them for the day and thanks to Ralph Newton of Alma, who took them down to the start line and discussed what was happening. Get better Ralph.
The first lot of photos are mine, Guy's are next.
This is a video passed on to me by a person who was on a boat beside Nerrima when a black sports boat came through on the mark. No blame is appointed and its up to you the viewer, to make your own mind up.
Who is in the right?
All for the sake of 10 seconds.
The H28 is approaching the mark on starboard at about 2 knots and is probably within three boat lengths. The other boat is on port and travelling at between 7 to 8 knots and is probably outside the three boat length zone. As the boats progress toward the mark, the H28 skipper claims his rights, the helm on the other boat claims he had rights.
At 6 seconds into the video, the mark they are both going for, comes into view.
At 9 seconds the H28 helm begins to move his boat away from the mark as its clear that the larger boat is going to force their way through.
At 11 seconds someone shouts that they have an inside overlap.
At 13 seconds the black boat has their nose in front.
At 14 seconds the first thump can be heard as the port side of the black boats hull hits the H28 and then another clash at 16-17 seconds as the black hull hits the boat again, forcing the H28 over to port.
At 17 seconds the word Commodore can be heard.
18 seconds onward there is a serious discussion between the two boats culminating in a suggestion of a protest. But interestingly, no protest flag was flown by either boat during the length of the video.
The third boat, another H28, just happened to be in the right place at the right time as an observer.
All for the sake of 10 seconds.
The H28 is approaching the mark on starboard at about 2 knots and is probably within three boat lengths. The other boat is on port and travelling at between 7 to 8 knots and is probably outside the three boat length zone. As the boats progress toward the mark, the H28 skipper claims his rights, the helm on the other boat claims he had rights.
At 6 seconds into the video, the mark they are both going for, comes into view.
At 9 seconds the H28 helm begins to move his boat away from the mark as its clear that the larger boat is going to force their way through.
At 11 seconds someone shouts that they have an inside overlap.
At 13 seconds the black boat has their nose in front.
At 14 seconds the first thump can be heard as the port side of the black boats hull hits the H28 and then another clash at 16-17 seconds as the black hull hits the boat again, forcing the H28 over to port.
At 17 seconds the word Commodore can be heard.
18 seconds onward there is a serious discussion between the two boats culminating in a suggestion of a protest. But interestingly, no protest flag was flown by either boat during the length of the video.
The third boat, another H28, just happened to be in the right place at the right time as an observer.
Wednesday Sailing 30th of April 2025
A Crystal Ball was required &
Pack up and go home.
Everyone needed luck today. Ranging from the starters to the competitors and sometimes the breeze itself.
The starters were looking at a maybe when they set the courses and that maybe was the arrival of a seabreeze. So, with an ambitious call, they sent all the fleets away on a course one after a brief AP called that had us lingering. A freshet of something out of the north was enough to get the racing under way and the argument was raging. The freeway or down the middle. Crystal ball time.
With five in the fleet, Phil Lammonby joined David and Rita as he was a little short of crew for the day and they only had two. Down to the start line and we were wondering whether we would make the line in time, but it didn’t matter as everyone was behind us anyway. We turned at the outer start line and took off in a ghost breeze, straight at Sampson. Correla, Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Wynella all turned right to the freeway.
By Heathcote Dolphin, the skipper was convinced; we were sailing on a nothing but the best indicator was Cover Drive, a hundred meters in front of us. Lifting slightly and on the same ghost breeze. So long as he was doing ok, we’d stay out in the middle. By this time, the freeway riders had grouped up and were sorting out their precedence. John Wright was doing fine and showing his skills in light airs, but he had to pull back Bill on Swiftsure Saga who had leapt to the fore.
Sampson loomed and it was a case of where the breeze was, as we followed Olive Marie up toward Print. Eventually we had to tack over and they were just far enough ahead to let us slip through them and make our way down to Addison. The following fleet were almost neck to neck apart from Corella who was battling to catch up with the other three as he hadn’t recovered from the start.
Then the long haul began as we got around Addison. All the way to Robins with the RP fleet wandering around on the water, as equally befuddled as everyone else. There was nothing on offer and we watched as the speed on the GPS inexorably dropped from 2.5 to 2.3 to 2 knots and further south. We had a beer to wet the skippers throat and continued on. 1600 hrs came and went and the crystal ball was brought out again. The radio chatter had the starters looking up and down the river using Waylen Bay as a pair of eyes and the major indicator was when the yachts began to radio in, retiring from the racing.
Corella retired early (and we learned that they only had enough beer for one each) and the skipper hung on till the inevitable crackle on the radio announced that racing was abandoned for the day. Drop the heady, start the motor, roll the main and stow it with the boat being packed away as we travelled home. Put the cover on and have another beer while we chatted to the rest of the fleet.
There were no results and the mid year AGM was to happen that night. Nothing of great interest was indicated.
As to the Combined Keelboat Division Commodores Trophy on Saturday 26th of April.
26 boats sailed with 4 H28s in the game. Bill Richards did well to keep himself at the front of the H28 pack, though the handicappers did a fine job of keeping us in the middle of the overall fleet. Swiftsure Saga 14th, Wynella 18th, Mariner 19th and Aloha 25th. Thanks to Guy Gibson for the photos (the second lot of photo's)
By the way, it was lovely to see Drew (Andrew Minto's son) joining the fleet for a sail. Hope he can continue to do so.
A Crystal Ball was required &
Pack up and go home.
Everyone needed luck today. Ranging from the starters to the competitors and sometimes the breeze itself.
The starters were looking at a maybe when they set the courses and that maybe was the arrival of a seabreeze. So, with an ambitious call, they sent all the fleets away on a course one after a brief AP called that had us lingering. A freshet of something out of the north was enough to get the racing under way and the argument was raging. The freeway or down the middle. Crystal ball time.
With five in the fleet, Phil Lammonby joined David and Rita as he was a little short of crew for the day and they only had two. Down to the start line and we were wondering whether we would make the line in time, but it didn’t matter as everyone was behind us anyway. We turned at the outer start line and took off in a ghost breeze, straight at Sampson. Correla, Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Wynella all turned right to the freeway.
By Heathcote Dolphin, the skipper was convinced; we were sailing on a nothing but the best indicator was Cover Drive, a hundred meters in front of us. Lifting slightly and on the same ghost breeze. So long as he was doing ok, we’d stay out in the middle. By this time, the freeway riders had grouped up and were sorting out their precedence. John Wright was doing fine and showing his skills in light airs, but he had to pull back Bill on Swiftsure Saga who had leapt to the fore.
Sampson loomed and it was a case of where the breeze was, as we followed Olive Marie up toward Print. Eventually we had to tack over and they were just far enough ahead to let us slip through them and make our way down to Addison. The following fleet were almost neck to neck apart from Corella who was battling to catch up with the other three as he hadn’t recovered from the start.
Then the long haul began as we got around Addison. All the way to Robins with the RP fleet wandering around on the water, as equally befuddled as everyone else. There was nothing on offer and we watched as the speed on the GPS inexorably dropped from 2.5 to 2.3 to 2 knots and further south. We had a beer to wet the skippers throat and continued on. 1600 hrs came and went and the crystal ball was brought out again. The radio chatter had the starters looking up and down the river using Waylen Bay as a pair of eyes and the major indicator was when the yachts began to radio in, retiring from the racing.
Corella retired early (and we learned that they only had enough beer for one each) and the skipper hung on till the inevitable crackle on the radio announced that racing was abandoned for the day. Drop the heady, start the motor, roll the main and stow it with the boat being packed away as we travelled home. Put the cover on and have another beer while we chatted to the rest of the fleet.
There were no results and the mid year AGM was to happen that night. Nothing of great interest was indicated.
As to the Combined Keelboat Division Commodores Trophy on Saturday 26th of April.
26 boats sailed with 4 H28s in the game. Bill Richards did well to keep himself at the front of the H28 pack, though the handicappers did a fine job of keeping us in the middle of the overall fleet. Swiftsure Saga 14th, Wynella 18th, Mariner 19th and Aloha 25th. Thanks to Guy Gibson for the photos (the second lot of photo's)
By the way, it was lovely to see Drew (Andrew Minto's son) joining the fleet for a sail. Hope he can continue to do so.
Wednesday Sailing 23rd of April 2025
Phil's still got the knack &
Hit the mark – should have gone home there and then.
A grumpy day with the PFD flag hung out early in the piece. It was a sou wester sort of day but the gusts had us guessing as to what we wanted on the front. Both Wynella and Mariner went for one and halves, the rest went out with number ones.
Phil Lammonby has been working on the First Jindarra for the last few weeks, redoing frames, fixing bilge pumps and generally getting the boat into good shape. He even found the Perspex we cut for Len a few months ago. Today was show time and he had a couple of ringers with him on the day. Otherwise, Mariner, Corella, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were players.
A northerly start had Mariner hit the mark well and higher than most, giving them the chance to aim right at Sampson on a course one. We were able to drop bad air on to those below us, as did Swiftsure Saga who was doing it to Lockie on Corella. Phil meanwhile had taken a low line and was free of the fun and games above him.
Around Sampson and off to Print, Wynella and The Jin tacked off early with the hope of coming back on a better angle. No they didn’t, but it wasn’t a bad try. Around at Print and no one set a pole, with the breeze far enough in the west to let us run without it. All the way to Addison and then the work back up to Robins with Corella and Swiftsure on our marks. Pleasant sailing and the boat was running well, all considered with Kate doing the main and doubling on the foredeck as well. It kept her busy on the downward to Addison.
Some smart work had the foredeck clear and we set for the gybe, knowing we had to shut the door with Corella and Swiftsure Saga on our tail. We hit the mark. Well, the skipper said so, and 90 seconds of madness ensued as we spun around and had to avoid a very large Cole 32 who was looming at us. We missed him as well, but only to see Dave and Bill disappearing into the distance and Phil’s grin as he discovered he had a new play friend nearby.
Up to Robins again where we had to avoid a Foundo who wedged themselves into the column of H28’s and gassed us off the line with a double tack required to make the mark. It was no laughing matter as Phil had the Jin going like a train, even though she was pouring water out at a rate of knots. He’s still got the knack and with a bit of fine tuning as she sailed, they were doing well. We managed to stay in front to Como and then headed for the outer-start line, pretty much resigned to the idea of another lap. Bill and David weren’t that far away and we might catch them.. may be?
To Sampson and go out for a while, probably over standing the mark by a lot. Phil tacked early and lifted all the way to King and rounded the mark in front of us. Much cursing and gnashing of teeth was heard at the back of the boat.
“Where’s Wynella, how far away are they”, was the question in our minds as if they rolled us, we should have gone home when we hit the mark. Down to Print in a hurry and then away to Thelma via Como with the skipper playing ducks and drakes with Phil on the Jin, swerving the boat all over the place to stop us from getting an inside overlap. He did well! No overlap.
Harden up at Thelma and aim at the line, no one was making it, so we took a punt and tacked away to make a better angle. Phil got there first.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra.
Mariner came home last by one second on handicap.
As you may have noticed, I’ve been away for a while, but on the 12th of April the last H28 Championships were sailed with no less than 6 boats starting and Phil Lammonby drove Mariner to a win on the day, just letting David Locke know that the old brigade is back.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Wynella
On handicap: Wynella, Aloha and Mariner.
Well done to Andrew Minto who took Aloha to the Saturday consistency win this year and to David Locke who took out the H28 club Championships.
Phil's still got the knack &
Hit the mark – should have gone home there and then.
A grumpy day with the PFD flag hung out early in the piece. It was a sou wester sort of day but the gusts had us guessing as to what we wanted on the front. Both Wynella and Mariner went for one and halves, the rest went out with number ones.
Phil Lammonby has been working on the First Jindarra for the last few weeks, redoing frames, fixing bilge pumps and generally getting the boat into good shape. He even found the Perspex we cut for Len a few months ago. Today was show time and he had a couple of ringers with him on the day. Otherwise, Mariner, Corella, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were players.
A northerly start had Mariner hit the mark well and higher than most, giving them the chance to aim right at Sampson on a course one. We were able to drop bad air on to those below us, as did Swiftsure Saga who was doing it to Lockie on Corella. Phil meanwhile had taken a low line and was free of the fun and games above him.
Around Sampson and off to Print, Wynella and The Jin tacked off early with the hope of coming back on a better angle. No they didn’t, but it wasn’t a bad try. Around at Print and no one set a pole, with the breeze far enough in the west to let us run without it. All the way to Addison and then the work back up to Robins with Corella and Swiftsure on our marks. Pleasant sailing and the boat was running well, all considered with Kate doing the main and doubling on the foredeck as well. It kept her busy on the downward to Addison.
Some smart work had the foredeck clear and we set for the gybe, knowing we had to shut the door with Corella and Swiftsure Saga on our tail. We hit the mark. Well, the skipper said so, and 90 seconds of madness ensued as we spun around and had to avoid a very large Cole 32 who was looming at us. We missed him as well, but only to see Dave and Bill disappearing into the distance and Phil’s grin as he discovered he had a new play friend nearby.
Up to Robins again where we had to avoid a Foundo who wedged themselves into the column of H28’s and gassed us off the line with a double tack required to make the mark. It was no laughing matter as Phil had the Jin going like a train, even though she was pouring water out at a rate of knots. He’s still got the knack and with a bit of fine tuning as she sailed, they were doing well. We managed to stay in front to Como and then headed for the outer-start line, pretty much resigned to the idea of another lap. Bill and David weren’t that far away and we might catch them.. may be?
To Sampson and go out for a while, probably over standing the mark by a lot. Phil tacked early and lifted all the way to King and rounded the mark in front of us. Much cursing and gnashing of teeth was heard at the back of the boat.
“Where’s Wynella, how far away are they”, was the question in our minds as if they rolled us, we should have gone home when we hit the mark. Down to Print in a hurry and then away to Thelma via Como with the skipper playing ducks and drakes with Phil on the Jin, swerving the boat all over the place to stop us from getting an inside overlap. He did well! No overlap.
Harden up at Thelma and aim at the line, no one was making it, so we took a punt and tacked away to make a better angle. Phil got there first.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and The First Jindarra.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Corella and The First Jindarra.
Mariner came home last by one second on handicap.
As you may have noticed, I’ve been away for a while, but on the 12th of April the last H28 Championships were sailed with no less than 6 boats starting and Phil Lammonby drove Mariner to a win on the day, just letting David Locke know that the old brigade is back.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Wynella
On handicap: Wynella, Aloha and Mariner.
Well done to Andrew Minto who took Aloha to the Saturday consistency win this year and to David Locke who took out the H28 club Championships.
Wednesday Sailing 2nd of April 2025
A cracker of a start. &
I thought you said Thelma.
You don’t often get to watch Kate sail a brilliant race as we did today, it was that or David Locke fell asleep at the helm (highly unlikely).
But on Wynella, I was part of a brilliant start as Ernie Little rolled across the line on time and highest boat on the line. In fact, we were so close that Ernie on hearing the starters horn, though he heard it twice and was about to return. But a glimpse at the starters box, told us we were good.. no flag. So away we went.
It was a knock down drag race to Sampson on a course three with an easterly pushing through. Hard work on anyone’s call, but good trimming and a bit of confidence had the boat humming and while Corella predictably got away well and was first to the mark, much to Ernie’s pleasure we were second with a chance to get back to King in preparation for the run to Robins. Mariner with Kate on the helm, did a fine job and managed to slip past us, but that left three boats on our tail, none of which could be ignored.
So with Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Nerrima following, we watched as Kate then began to take David Locke on. All the way to Robins with a pole, then not a pole then perhaps a pole. Arrrgggh. Stow the pole and get ready to swing around Robins before the pair behind us and then watch Mariner get past Corella as the easterlies swung relentlessly. Sometimes you had it, sometimes you didn’t and Kate took advantage of the variations, then continued to build on it.
At the same time, we had two boats on our tail and it was great racing between the three of us. Ernie managed to keep them at bay for the two rounds of Robins and Print and even on the run down to the outer start line, we held our own. The Royal Fleet and the S80’s were playing on the water around us and unfortunately, we had to duck them as well and that probably cost us a few meters.
Mariner was well away by now and Corella could only chase them. Kate was going for a well-deserved first and fastest and with a world champion, Lillo (Graeme Lillingston) trimming for her, she was doing fine. Around the outer start line and head back to Sampson again.. no worries. Just try and keep the pair behind us out of reach. But somewhere along the line between Sampson and King, Anna found a gust that took them past us. Damn……. Just when we were doing fine. However, we held our own and then made it down to Addison and geared up for the run to Como and the outer start line.
We seemed to be drifting higher that everyone else and the question was raised as to where we were going. “Oh, we’ve got to go to Thelma” was the reply. The crew revolted and told the helm where to go, politely of course.
But Swiftsure Saga had slipped through. Oh, the shame of it !!! Ah well, that’s that, but we had had a good race and some fascinating tussles along the way.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Anna
On handicap: Mariner, Corella and Anna
Saturday racing. A course four and a light sou wester.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap: Wynella, Aloha and Swiftsure Saga
It’s getting close to the wire now and Aloha has put in the hard yards.. well-done Andrew.
A cracker of a start. &
I thought you said Thelma.
You don’t often get to watch Kate sail a brilliant race as we did today, it was that or David Locke fell asleep at the helm (highly unlikely).
But on Wynella, I was part of a brilliant start as Ernie Little rolled across the line on time and highest boat on the line. In fact, we were so close that Ernie on hearing the starters horn, though he heard it twice and was about to return. But a glimpse at the starters box, told us we were good.. no flag. So away we went.
It was a knock down drag race to Sampson on a course three with an easterly pushing through. Hard work on anyone’s call, but good trimming and a bit of confidence had the boat humming and while Corella predictably got away well and was first to the mark, much to Ernie’s pleasure we were second with a chance to get back to King in preparation for the run to Robins. Mariner with Kate on the helm, did a fine job and managed to slip past us, but that left three boats on our tail, none of which could be ignored.
So with Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Nerrima following, we watched as Kate then began to take David Locke on. All the way to Robins with a pole, then not a pole then perhaps a pole. Arrrgggh. Stow the pole and get ready to swing around Robins before the pair behind us and then watch Mariner get past Corella as the easterlies swung relentlessly. Sometimes you had it, sometimes you didn’t and Kate took advantage of the variations, then continued to build on it.
At the same time, we had two boats on our tail and it was great racing between the three of us. Ernie managed to keep them at bay for the two rounds of Robins and Print and even on the run down to the outer start line, we held our own. The Royal Fleet and the S80’s were playing on the water around us and unfortunately, we had to duck them as well and that probably cost us a few meters.
Mariner was well away by now and Corella could only chase them. Kate was going for a well-deserved first and fastest and with a world champion, Lillo (Graeme Lillingston) trimming for her, she was doing fine. Around the outer start line and head back to Sampson again.. no worries. Just try and keep the pair behind us out of reach. But somewhere along the line between Sampson and King, Anna found a gust that took them past us. Damn……. Just when we were doing fine. However, we held our own and then made it down to Addison and geared up for the run to Como and the outer start line.
We seemed to be drifting higher that everyone else and the question was raised as to where we were going. “Oh, we’ve got to go to Thelma” was the reply. The crew revolted and told the helm where to go, politely of course.
But Swiftsure Saga had slipped through. Oh, the shame of it !!! Ah well, that’s that, but we had had a good race and some fascinating tussles along the way.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Anna
On handicap: Mariner, Corella and Anna
Saturday racing. A course four and a light sou wester.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Aloha
On handicap: Wynella, Aloha and Swiftsure Saga
It’s getting close to the wire now and Aloha has put in the hard yards.. well-done Andrew.
Wednesday Sailing 26th of March 2025
A view from the back &
An end to the summer season
Back on the water again and sailing with Nerrima on invitation from Mark Wimhurst her skipper while Les Brooker recovers. Kate has taken Mariner to task and stacked the boat with girlfriends and even had hubby Phil on the main renamed to Philomena (well that’s what the Vice called him). The presence of the old fox John Wright was a pleasant surprise with the heat being a concern for all. Wynella sailed with their usual crew and Andy was noted for an extremely husky voice.. get better Andy. Swiftsure Saga lent Corella one of their crew Graeme, to take a new man on board and give him a run.
A nor easter in evidence and perhaps a seabreeze later on. All was well and the usual manoeuvring for the line began with a course one on offer. Sod it… the work up and down to Print and Addison was going to be a stinker with the slightly dodgy breeze we had. As can be expected Corella got away well and the sight of Kate driving Mariner on the other side of the fleet with the invigorated Wynella on her transom had me looking around.. Where were we after the start?
Umm, last.
No matter, keeping in the mix was the thing and despite no radio or GPS we were determined to make it count. After all, we had the redoubtable Geoff on the boat and he’s a legend in tactics isn’t he? So away we went and our rounding at Sampson was positive. Up to Print with a pole, stow it before Print and round the mark hoping to do alright on the work to Addison. Damn it Wynella and Anna went way out to the left while Swiftsure Saga was following Corella and Mariner on a tacking work up to Addison.
We met up with Swiftsure and Anna at the mark and it was quite interesting for a moment as we hustled past the pair momentarily as they negotiated the mark. But as we found out, a faster boat will just slip away and on the trip up to Robins, we saw the fleet begin to diminish in the distance. Lockie and Kate were in their own zones and Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were in a separate battle. We were following Anna.
Up to Robins, around and down to Addison again, the nor easter fluctuating all the time, a puff here and a lull there. It wasn’t easy to deal with and Mark had Geoff sitting on the main, calling the breezes from up top.
We saw Corella momentarily as they headed back up to Robins again and Kate was still there with Lindy Norris and Amanda Watson decorating the boat far better than our motley crew would ever do. Though Lindy was complaining furiously about the heat when she arrived, she could make the winch do what she wanted to.
The betting was on that they would shorten up the race and we started to hunt for the best line for the run to Como and again Geoff ground out the obvious. Keep close to the breeze. But the breeze was changing and as we made our way down to Como, swirls on the water indicated that the sea breeze was trying to make its way in. Ahead of us, Lockie was already crossing the line with Kate on his tail.. but he was well ahead. As for Wynella and Swiftsure Saga, they were at it all the way with Bill on Swiftsure Saga slipping over the line 7 seconds ahead of Ernie. And John on Anna was less than half a minute behind them. Seven minutes later we slipped over the line, congratulating ourselves to have completed the race in one piece.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Corella, Mariner and Wynella.
The end of the Summer season.
Congrats to Swiftsure Saga who took the win on a count back from Corella (four firsts to three firsts) with Anna proving that they could and would do well. The rest of the fleet suffered a little. Wynella broken rudder, Mariner (its hard to be a skipper and a commodore) Nerrima (buggered starter motor). The Jin.. leaky boat, Alma .. in the process of restoration. Aloha – needs a helm.
Saturday Sailing:
Aloha still holds the lead in consistency and if she can keep on sailing should take the season. Swiftsure Saga is doing well, though another retirement would make them very chancy.
The Championships:
In Corella’s hands, only Swiftsure Saga could cause them grief and it’s only if David blinks.
A view from the back &
An end to the summer season
Back on the water again and sailing with Nerrima on invitation from Mark Wimhurst her skipper while Les Brooker recovers. Kate has taken Mariner to task and stacked the boat with girlfriends and even had hubby Phil on the main renamed to Philomena (well that’s what the Vice called him). The presence of the old fox John Wright was a pleasant surprise with the heat being a concern for all. Wynella sailed with their usual crew and Andy was noted for an extremely husky voice.. get better Andy. Swiftsure Saga lent Corella one of their crew Graeme, to take a new man on board and give him a run.
A nor easter in evidence and perhaps a seabreeze later on. All was well and the usual manoeuvring for the line began with a course one on offer. Sod it… the work up and down to Print and Addison was going to be a stinker with the slightly dodgy breeze we had. As can be expected Corella got away well and the sight of Kate driving Mariner on the other side of the fleet with the invigorated Wynella on her transom had me looking around.. Where were we after the start?
Umm, last.
No matter, keeping in the mix was the thing and despite no radio or GPS we were determined to make it count. After all, we had the redoubtable Geoff on the boat and he’s a legend in tactics isn’t he? So away we went and our rounding at Sampson was positive. Up to Print with a pole, stow it before Print and round the mark hoping to do alright on the work to Addison. Damn it Wynella and Anna went way out to the left while Swiftsure Saga was following Corella and Mariner on a tacking work up to Addison.
We met up with Swiftsure and Anna at the mark and it was quite interesting for a moment as we hustled past the pair momentarily as they negotiated the mark. But as we found out, a faster boat will just slip away and on the trip up to Robins, we saw the fleet begin to diminish in the distance. Lockie and Kate were in their own zones and Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were in a separate battle. We were following Anna.
Up to Robins, around and down to Addison again, the nor easter fluctuating all the time, a puff here and a lull there. It wasn’t easy to deal with and Mark had Geoff sitting on the main, calling the breezes from up top.
We saw Corella momentarily as they headed back up to Robins again and Kate was still there with Lindy Norris and Amanda Watson decorating the boat far better than our motley crew would ever do. Though Lindy was complaining furiously about the heat when she arrived, she could make the winch do what she wanted to.
The betting was on that they would shorten up the race and we started to hunt for the best line for the run to Como and again Geoff ground out the obvious. Keep close to the breeze. But the breeze was changing and as we made our way down to Como, swirls on the water indicated that the sea breeze was trying to make its way in. Ahead of us, Lockie was already crossing the line with Kate on his tail.. but he was well ahead. As for Wynella and Swiftsure Saga, they were at it all the way with Bill on Swiftsure Saga slipping over the line 7 seconds ahead of Ernie. And John on Anna was less than half a minute behind them. Seven minutes later we slipped over the line, congratulating ourselves to have completed the race in one piece.
Over the line: Corella, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Corella, Mariner and Wynella.
The end of the Summer season.
Congrats to Swiftsure Saga who took the win on a count back from Corella (four firsts to three firsts) with Anna proving that they could and would do well. The rest of the fleet suffered a little. Wynella broken rudder, Mariner (its hard to be a skipper and a commodore) Nerrima (buggered starter motor). The Jin.. leaky boat, Alma .. in the process of restoration. Aloha – needs a helm.
Saturday Sailing:
Aloha still holds the lead in consistency and if she can keep on sailing should take the season. Swiftsure Saga is doing well, though another retirement would make them very chancy.
The Championships:
In Corella’s hands, only Swiftsure Saga could cause them grief and it’s only if David blinks.
Wednesday Sailing 12th of March 2025
From the side lines &
An offer.
On a very soft westerly three boats slipped out out onto the water while the fourth, (Nerrima, of which I was part) lay at the jetty with her RH winch in pieces on the seat. Begging didn't get me a ride so I wandered over to the start box and watched Wynella with her brand new rudder and a slick hull charge over the line in third place. Mind you, no-one was quick and Rita driving Corella did well to make the line as did Bill on Swiftsure Saga, But as they disappeared down to Sampson on a course two it was clear that they were going to shorten up the race.
There is a boat up on the hardstand, who may not be there on Friday. I cant make any comments at this stage but when I have it confirmed I'll know for certain. But from what I've heard, its a bloody pity.
The results will speak for themselves, but I'd like to thank Guy Gibson for the photos of the work on Wynella on Monday when they put the rudder on.
Results are in. As thought, it was shortened.
Over the line: Corella, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Wynella, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
As to the boat up on the hard.
Koomela has been written off. It was a hard call by owner Mark Walters but under advice from shipwrights. it was deemed to be "too bloody hard to fix". So he has very generously sold the mast to the H28 Association for an undisclosed sum and the H28s will have a spare mast for when the inevitable happens. See Ernie for details. However, the H28s would like to thank Mark for his kindness and wish him well in the future.
From the side lines &
An offer.
On a very soft westerly three boats slipped out out onto the water while the fourth, (Nerrima, of which I was part) lay at the jetty with her RH winch in pieces on the seat. Begging didn't get me a ride so I wandered over to the start box and watched Wynella with her brand new rudder and a slick hull charge over the line in third place. Mind you, no-one was quick and Rita driving Corella did well to make the line as did Bill on Swiftsure Saga, But as they disappeared down to Sampson on a course two it was clear that they were going to shorten up the race.
There is a boat up on the hardstand, who may not be there on Friday. I cant make any comments at this stage but when I have it confirmed I'll know for certain. But from what I've heard, its a bloody pity.
The results will speak for themselves, but I'd like to thank Guy Gibson for the photos of the work on Wynella on Monday when they put the rudder on.
Results are in. As thought, it was shortened.
Over the line: Corella, Wynella and Swiftsure Saga
On handicap: Wynella, Corella and Swiftsure Saga
As to the boat up on the hard.
Koomela has been written off. It was a hard call by owner Mark Walters but under advice from shipwrights. it was deemed to be "too bloody hard to fix". So he has very generously sold the mast to the H28 Association for an undisclosed sum and the H28s will have a spare mast for when the inevitable happens. See Ernie for details. However, the H28s would like to thank Mark for his kindness and wish him well in the future.
Wednesday Sailing 19th of February 2025
A heavily over subscribed crew list. &
A farewell to Len for the moment.
A number of people down at the Geographe Bay race week, on holidays, going into surgery or just plain busy.
There were three boats on the water today, instead of the usual half a dozen and thank goodness John Wright came down, otherwise it would have been two boats on the water.
The seats on Herreshoff Hill were full, with spare crew (of which I was one) hanging about. Aubrey (the new fella), Mark the pom, both Phil and Kate and the welcome sight of Craig Balmer, back from surgery (and yes it has been a while) Nerrima wasn’t going out with the engine playing up, (where’s Geoff the electrician when you need him?) Mariner isn’t going out, with the skipper busy being a commodore and of course Wynella is still waiting for a rudder.
A soft start with a light sea breeze that built during the day, a course one and the need for a good start. Well Corella got one and that was it. Swiftsure Saga was next, but we had the old fox in pursuit and Anna wouldn’t slow down for anyone. It wasn’t long before Anna was challenging us and by the time we had got to the top at Robins, it was neck to neck. Then of course the down wind to Addison where we picked up a little with a good rounding to boot but he got past us on the second leg to Robins and again we were staring at his boat’s transom. Quite disappointing and of course a slug had come out of the main sail and this was blamed for the poor performance on the day.
So we sailed along, bemoaning the speed of the boat and the choice of sails on the day. Then the unexpected happened. Aubrey was on the foredeck along with Guy and it was a learning experience for him. Make sure you were on the right side of the sheets and get ready to hug the mast on a gybe or a tack. A tack and he was on the wrong side of the jib (and sheets) I was busily bringing the jib and the unexpected reluctance of the sheet to come in had me look up and I waited till Aubrey found his way back inside the jib with a salutary lesson learned.
On we went and the RO decided to give us the full length of the race. So around we went again. The small lap gave us a chance to look at the afternoon and the boat was reviewed as to her performance. A change of sails was thought necessary and the order to pack the jib when we had made it to the pens was given.
Over the line, second last boat on the river and we quietly packed the boat away, while Anna and Corella congratulated each other.
Over the line and on handicap: Corella, Anna and Swiftsure Saga
Saturday’s Sailing. 15th of February
Encouraged by a light days breeze, the fleet managed to get five boats out for the photographer/writer Nick. They received a course 3 which meant a slight variation to the pounding seabreeze course and Jim Spittle managed to get his boat’s hull wet for the first time in a long time. However, she had to retire… the boat wasn’t wet enough it seems. John Wright took Anna out and took first over the line, but wasn’t recognised as he hadn’t registered to race on a Saturday. A pity as he did well. Glen Stanley took Alma out with Ralph’s blessing to make up the fleet.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Alma.
On handicap: Aloha, Swiftsure Saga and Alma.
A farewell for the moment:
Len Randell was feted when he joined the fleet at the start of the season on the First Jindarra, however he has made the decision to cease sailing her. The story is, he may return to Division one, but this is a case of wait and see for this nearly 99 year old. At his age and venerability, it’s his choice.
A heavily over subscribed crew list. &
A farewell to Len for the moment.
A number of people down at the Geographe Bay race week, on holidays, going into surgery or just plain busy.
There were three boats on the water today, instead of the usual half a dozen and thank goodness John Wright came down, otherwise it would have been two boats on the water.
The seats on Herreshoff Hill were full, with spare crew (of which I was one) hanging about. Aubrey (the new fella), Mark the pom, both Phil and Kate and the welcome sight of Craig Balmer, back from surgery (and yes it has been a while) Nerrima wasn’t going out with the engine playing up, (where’s Geoff the electrician when you need him?) Mariner isn’t going out, with the skipper busy being a commodore and of course Wynella is still waiting for a rudder.
A soft start with a light sea breeze that built during the day, a course one and the need for a good start. Well Corella got one and that was it. Swiftsure Saga was next, but we had the old fox in pursuit and Anna wouldn’t slow down for anyone. It wasn’t long before Anna was challenging us and by the time we had got to the top at Robins, it was neck to neck. Then of course the down wind to Addison where we picked up a little with a good rounding to boot but he got past us on the second leg to Robins and again we were staring at his boat’s transom. Quite disappointing and of course a slug had come out of the main sail and this was blamed for the poor performance on the day.
So we sailed along, bemoaning the speed of the boat and the choice of sails on the day. Then the unexpected happened. Aubrey was on the foredeck along with Guy and it was a learning experience for him. Make sure you were on the right side of the sheets and get ready to hug the mast on a gybe or a tack. A tack and he was on the wrong side of the jib (and sheets) I was busily bringing the jib and the unexpected reluctance of the sheet to come in had me look up and I waited till Aubrey found his way back inside the jib with a salutary lesson learned.
On we went and the RO decided to give us the full length of the race. So around we went again. The small lap gave us a chance to look at the afternoon and the boat was reviewed as to her performance. A change of sails was thought necessary and the order to pack the jib when we had made it to the pens was given.
Over the line, second last boat on the river and we quietly packed the boat away, while Anna and Corella congratulated each other.
Over the line and on handicap: Corella, Anna and Swiftsure Saga
Saturday’s Sailing. 15th of February
Encouraged by a light days breeze, the fleet managed to get five boats out for the photographer/writer Nick. They received a course 3 which meant a slight variation to the pounding seabreeze course and Jim Spittle managed to get his boat’s hull wet for the first time in a long time. However, she had to retire… the boat wasn’t wet enough it seems. John Wright took Anna out and took first over the line, but wasn’t recognised as he hadn’t registered to race on a Saturday. A pity as he did well. Glen Stanley took Alma out with Ralph’s blessing to make up the fleet.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Alma.
On handicap: Aloha, Swiftsure Saga and Alma.
A farewell for the moment:
Len Randell was feted when he joined the fleet at the start of the season on the First Jindarra, however he has made the decision to cease sailing her. The story is, he may return to Division one, but this is a case of wait and see for this nearly 99 year old. At his age and venerability, it’s his choice.
Wednesday Sailing 12th of February 2025
Sailing with Len on a fair sou wester &
Short and wet.
Our chairman Ernie had been exhorting everyone to be on the water today to make the fleet look good. Unfortunately, both the elements and other circumstances came into play.
We lost three boats without a blink with Nerrima, Mariner and Corella not even making it out and of course Ralph and Lynne are in New Zealand so Alma didn’t get a run. Four boats made it out and three boats finished the race with The First Jindarra bowing out, having taken up a fair amount of water.
A heavy sou wester had the choice of headsail as a number two a no-brainer. We were 5 up with Amanda in a support role for anyone who needed it. The start was clean enough and we got away on the run up to Martin-Weaver in third place with the boat doing well enough. We made the mark comfortably and the crew acted in concert to get the boat moving quickly.
Ahead of us, John Wright had Anna behaving, and he mentioned afterwards that the boat had swallowed far less water than last week. The planks had taken up nicely. Swiftsure Saga on the other hand was going like a rocket ship with Guy on the foredeck, having jumped from Nerrima as they had signalled that they weren’t going out. Up to Sampson and then away to Print with a very wet tack on the cards as the chop at the top of the river looking more like Margaret River’s Main Break. Aloha was faring well with Glen driving the boat and Ernie, the owner Andrew and Ralph making up the crew. On the First Jindarra, the spray was coming over the top big time and despite the efforts of the crew on the bilge pump, the water in the cabin was building.
Len was driving the boat higher than most, we had more speed and height than Anna and effectively held her out till we were ready to tack and to make Print, around and away with a pole out to starboard which was dropped early to ensure that there were no problems at the mark. Then across the river aiming at Heathcote where a decision was made. The boat was taking too much water and the pump wasn’t getting rid of it. Retire!
A quick call to Race Control and they were informed that we were taking on water and that all bodies were well. Our retirement was accepted and we made it back to the pens, dropping sails as we went. We later discovered that the limber holes in the frames were blocked.
Behind us the other three boats raced on and yes, we might have continued, but the pump defeated us. Swiftsure Saga did very well and Anna, even though they slowed to take on board the visiting photographer – journalist from England, still finished second over the line. Well done to Aloha who worked hard through the race and kept up with the other two.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Aloha.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Anna.
There were number of retirements across the fleet, with most divisions losing at least one boat.
Saturday Racing: 8th of February 2025
A very light sou wester on a course four.
Three boats: Swiftsure Saga, Nerrima and Aloha.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Nerrima
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Nerrima
It needs be explained that Nerrima came into contact with a boat from another clubs fleet that caused them some grief. The incident is under review.
Sailing with Len on a fair sou wester &
Short and wet.
Our chairman Ernie had been exhorting everyone to be on the water today to make the fleet look good. Unfortunately, both the elements and other circumstances came into play.
We lost three boats without a blink with Nerrima, Mariner and Corella not even making it out and of course Ralph and Lynne are in New Zealand so Alma didn’t get a run. Four boats made it out and three boats finished the race with The First Jindarra bowing out, having taken up a fair amount of water.
A heavy sou wester had the choice of headsail as a number two a no-brainer. We were 5 up with Amanda in a support role for anyone who needed it. The start was clean enough and we got away on the run up to Martin-Weaver in third place with the boat doing well enough. We made the mark comfortably and the crew acted in concert to get the boat moving quickly.
Ahead of us, John Wright had Anna behaving, and he mentioned afterwards that the boat had swallowed far less water than last week. The planks had taken up nicely. Swiftsure Saga on the other hand was going like a rocket ship with Guy on the foredeck, having jumped from Nerrima as they had signalled that they weren’t going out. Up to Sampson and then away to Print with a very wet tack on the cards as the chop at the top of the river looking more like Margaret River’s Main Break. Aloha was faring well with Glen driving the boat and Ernie, the owner Andrew and Ralph making up the crew. On the First Jindarra, the spray was coming over the top big time and despite the efforts of the crew on the bilge pump, the water in the cabin was building.
Len was driving the boat higher than most, we had more speed and height than Anna and effectively held her out till we were ready to tack and to make Print, around and away with a pole out to starboard which was dropped early to ensure that there were no problems at the mark. Then across the river aiming at Heathcote where a decision was made. The boat was taking too much water and the pump wasn’t getting rid of it. Retire!
A quick call to Race Control and they were informed that we were taking on water and that all bodies were well. Our retirement was accepted and we made it back to the pens, dropping sails as we went. We later discovered that the limber holes in the frames were blocked.
Behind us the other three boats raced on and yes, we might have continued, but the pump defeated us. Swiftsure Saga did very well and Anna, even though they slowed to take on board the visiting photographer – journalist from England, still finished second over the line. Well done to Aloha who worked hard through the race and kept up with the other two.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Anna and Aloha.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Anna.
There were number of retirements across the fleet, with most divisions losing at least one boat.
Saturday Racing: 8th of February 2025
A very light sou wester on a course four.
Three boats: Swiftsure Saga, Nerrima and Aloha.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Nerrima
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Nerrima
It needs be explained that Nerrima came into contact with a boat from another clubs fleet that caused them some grief. The incident is under review.
Wednesday Sailing 5th of February 2025
The Lyn Rue Davey memorial trophy.
A bite to eat, a cold beer and a floor show &
Chasing Bill.
A building sou wester and an RO who decided to send us away straight to Sampson. All sounds good, but we could have done with the one and a half rather than the number one we had on. However, most of us were similarly kitted out, so it was a case of put up with it.
Five boats today with Aloha and Anna joining us, with the crews rocking up more or less just in time. Many thanks to Guy who wandered around with a camera pre start getting snaps. With Phil up on the farm again we were blessed with Kate who was running the foredeck on Mariner, giving Geoff a chance to run the main and give the skipper hell again. Welcome to a couple of visitors, Ralph and a nephew of Judith Magee who came out for a ride on Aloha with Ernie at the helm.
The start was to be the winner for all and we blew it. We wandered across the line a minute late and tail end Charlie. Our mission was to get past four boats. Yeah – Right!
So, chase them down and make our way to Sampson and round the mark at the tail of the fleet. Bill was in the lead with Nerrima and Aloha doing well and John W had Anna flowing well, but missing time on the water. There were some comments on the hieroglyphics on the foresail of Aloha as the patch work on the elderly sail led some to comment on the meanings of the strange devises on the sail.
We tacked out and made Print in one with the skipper exhorting the main to ‘lift me a little higher’, that got us good and close to the mob up the front. Then after Addison we decided to push our luck with a series of tacks that kept us in phase and driving up to Robins, but staying over on the eastern side kept us out of the slop that was pumping down the river. Fast was the call. A number of crosses told us that we were about to roll past Aloha and Anna and making the top at Robins with a squeaky rounding (well done Kate, she let the jib loose and we used the main to drive us past the mark). We had two boats behind us and our target was Nerrima.
Down to Addsion again, a little by the lee perhaps and the combination of a couple of Div two boats and a tidy put away of the jib had us around and the two div two boats took Nerrima away with them. We whipped around the mark chortling to ourselves. Aim for Robins again, this time we had to deal with a bunch of RP boats, but tack and aim for the top again. A clean rounding and at the same time we could see Anna making their way home. Hopefully they were ok. Down to Como this time and as it was close to four, we looked at the start box... no flags, so around we go again.
Short and sweet with the boat positively howling on the open reaches. 7 + knots and the trimming had me out on the edge of the boat running a well filled headsail. Alternatively, I was doing the same for Kate, but we just couldn’t catch Bill on Swiftsure Saga. During all this, Aloha put out a retirement call and a request for a tow in. They had the jib halyard part company with the jib and the sail fell to the deck. They may have also lost their propeller in another incident. We watched Swiftsure Saga hit the line and then finished the race in the same manner. Nerrima made their way over the line a minute or so later.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Nerrima
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Nerrima
Winner of the Lyn Rue Davey trophy.. Swiftsure Saga
The floor show arrived as Nerrima, who had suffered a motor failure, was towed back to the pen. A royal stuff up and I’ll only comment that the helm wasn’t at the right end of the boat. But it kept all the boats on jetty four and three entertained. The manner of taking the boat in under control was discussed and it was agreed that it could have been done better.
The 5th H28 Championship on the 1st of Feb. Sailed in a SSW beginning on 15 knots.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Nerrima.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha, Corella and Nerrima.
At this stage of the day Corella has a solid grip on the Championship, but Aloha is doing fine on consistency and should do well.
The Lyn Rue Davey memorial trophy.
A bite to eat, a cold beer and a floor show &
Chasing Bill.
A building sou wester and an RO who decided to send us away straight to Sampson. All sounds good, but we could have done with the one and a half rather than the number one we had on. However, most of us were similarly kitted out, so it was a case of put up with it.
Five boats today with Aloha and Anna joining us, with the crews rocking up more or less just in time. Many thanks to Guy who wandered around with a camera pre start getting snaps. With Phil up on the farm again we were blessed with Kate who was running the foredeck on Mariner, giving Geoff a chance to run the main and give the skipper hell again. Welcome to a couple of visitors, Ralph and a nephew of Judith Magee who came out for a ride on Aloha with Ernie at the helm.
The start was to be the winner for all and we blew it. We wandered across the line a minute late and tail end Charlie. Our mission was to get past four boats. Yeah – Right!
So, chase them down and make our way to Sampson and round the mark at the tail of the fleet. Bill was in the lead with Nerrima and Aloha doing well and John W had Anna flowing well, but missing time on the water. There were some comments on the hieroglyphics on the foresail of Aloha as the patch work on the elderly sail led some to comment on the meanings of the strange devises on the sail.
We tacked out and made Print in one with the skipper exhorting the main to ‘lift me a little higher’, that got us good and close to the mob up the front. Then after Addison we decided to push our luck with a series of tacks that kept us in phase and driving up to Robins, but staying over on the eastern side kept us out of the slop that was pumping down the river. Fast was the call. A number of crosses told us that we were about to roll past Aloha and Anna and making the top at Robins with a squeaky rounding (well done Kate, she let the jib loose and we used the main to drive us past the mark). We had two boats behind us and our target was Nerrima.
Down to Addsion again, a little by the lee perhaps and the combination of a couple of Div two boats and a tidy put away of the jib had us around and the two div two boats took Nerrima away with them. We whipped around the mark chortling to ourselves. Aim for Robins again, this time we had to deal with a bunch of RP boats, but tack and aim for the top again. A clean rounding and at the same time we could see Anna making their way home. Hopefully they were ok. Down to Como this time and as it was close to four, we looked at the start box... no flags, so around we go again.
Short and sweet with the boat positively howling on the open reaches. 7 + knots and the trimming had me out on the edge of the boat running a well filled headsail. Alternatively, I was doing the same for Kate, but we just couldn’t catch Bill on Swiftsure Saga. During all this, Aloha put out a retirement call and a request for a tow in. They had the jib halyard part company with the jib and the sail fell to the deck. They may have also lost their propeller in another incident. We watched Swiftsure Saga hit the line and then finished the race in the same manner. Nerrima made their way over the line a minute or so later.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Nerrima
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Nerrima
Winner of the Lyn Rue Davey trophy.. Swiftsure Saga
The floor show arrived as Nerrima, who had suffered a motor failure, was towed back to the pen. A royal stuff up and I’ll only comment that the helm wasn’t at the right end of the boat. But it kept all the boats on jetty four and three entertained. The manner of taking the boat in under control was discussed and it was agreed that it could have been done better.
The 5th H28 Championship on the 1st of Feb. Sailed in a SSW beginning on 15 knots.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga, Aloha and Nerrima.
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Aloha, Corella and Nerrima.
At this stage of the day Corella has a solid grip on the Championship, but Aloha is doing fine on consistency and should do well.
Wednesday Sailing 29th of January 2025
A surprise seabreeze &
A drag race to Sampson.
39.5 degrees on the water and a fluctuating easterly had us all wondering whether we had enough beer and water on board. The numbers were down as well with four in our fleet and a total of 22 over all the boats sailing. Certainly, the Geographe Bay racing coming up next month has got a few people taking it easy, but I think the heat was enough to stop a number of the big boats in div one and two from competing.
Then a line appeared, coming up the river…. The seabreeze was in. Plenty of it as well. The RO, Lynne Newton took one look at it and threw an AP up in the middle of the div one start sequence. Stop, re adjust the flags and we went from a course four to a course one. Just like that.
Away we went with the decision to stay low leaving us competing with Corella and Swiftsure while Mark on Nerrima chose to start a bit higher on the line. A freshly scrubbed and painted hull gave Lockie the edge on the run and no matter what, we were going to be in strife. We made it to Sampson with skipper calling no overlap to Bill on Swiftsure Saga, but we went wide nonetheless and then tacked as soon as we could. Bill, David and Mark went right, we went out to a port ley and then set off to get back in front of Bill if we could.
Good trimming made it happen and a couple of tacks later we were around and setting a pole. Corella was a bit cheeky and didn’t bother doing a pole, just taking a deep angle and running out then gybing back to hit Addison, still well in front. Oh well, no catching him then.
With the breeze well set, we took off down the river and found ourselves looking at Applecross jetty and then dropping down till we were almost opposite Frenchmans before we tacked out again. Bill had the same problem and we managed to stay in front on the cross the first time but he slipped through on the second cross near Robins. Around the mark with David well in front and Mark and Nerrima sailing a lot more freely this time, perhaps the better breeze was to his liking.
A pole to Addison and we managed to keep up with Bill for a while, but he managed to slip away while the skipper called for a beer for consolation. A moments reflection and a chance to discuss the race. Stow the empties and then back up to Robins with a couple of the bigger boats slipping past for a photo op. No, we weren’t catching Bill either and Lockie was even further away. Around and down to Como with the skipper wondering whether we might find a shortened course flag in sight as we rounded the mark. Sure enough, the message was fluttering from the start box masts and we heard Corella pick up the win. Oh well, we got it last week.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner
On handicap: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Nerrima.
Yep: Tail end Charlie. Won’t hurt the handicap at all.
There was a bit of fun earlier in the day when the boys on Swiftsure Saga replaced the two inner stays on SSS. One had gone pop the previous week and it was a case of having a new set made and put in place. Erich was sent up the mast.. welcome to the club Erich, thankfully you were doing it in the pen.
The start boat was still out of action this week.. apparently it was a dud battery but it seems to have become a bit worse that that. More to find out.
No Saturday Sailing. A long weekend.
A surprise seabreeze &
A drag race to Sampson.
39.5 degrees on the water and a fluctuating easterly had us all wondering whether we had enough beer and water on board. The numbers were down as well with four in our fleet and a total of 22 over all the boats sailing. Certainly, the Geographe Bay racing coming up next month has got a few people taking it easy, but I think the heat was enough to stop a number of the big boats in div one and two from competing.
Then a line appeared, coming up the river…. The seabreeze was in. Plenty of it as well. The RO, Lynne Newton took one look at it and threw an AP up in the middle of the div one start sequence. Stop, re adjust the flags and we went from a course four to a course one. Just like that.
Away we went with the decision to stay low leaving us competing with Corella and Swiftsure while Mark on Nerrima chose to start a bit higher on the line. A freshly scrubbed and painted hull gave Lockie the edge on the run and no matter what, we were going to be in strife. We made it to Sampson with skipper calling no overlap to Bill on Swiftsure Saga, but we went wide nonetheless and then tacked as soon as we could. Bill, David and Mark went right, we went out to a port ley and then set off to get back in front of Bill if we could.
Good trimming made it happen and a couple of tacks later we were around and setting a pole. Corella was a bit cheeky and didn’t bother doing a pole, just taking a deep angle and running out then gybing back to hit Addison, still well in front. Oh well, no catching him then.
With the breeze well set, we took off down the river and found ourselves looking at Applecross jetty and then dropping down till we were almost opposite Frenchmans before we tacked out again. Bill had the same problem and we managed to stay in front on the cross the first time but he slipped through on the second cross near Robins. Around the mark with David well in front and Mark and Nerrima sailing a lot more freely this time, perhaps the better breeze was to his liking.
A pole to Addison and we managed to keep up with Bill for a while, but he managed to slip away while the skipper called for a beer for consolation. A moments reflection and a chance to discuss the race. Stow the empties and then back up to Robins with a couple of the bigger boats slipping past for a photo op. No, we weren’t catching Bill either and Lockie was even further away. Around and down to Como with the skipper wondering whether we might find a shortened course flag in sight as we rounded the mark. Sure enough, the message was fluttering from the start box masts and we heard Corella pick up the win. Oh well, we got it last week.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Mariner
On handicap: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Nerrima.
Yep: Tail end Charlie. Won’t hurt the handicap at all.
There was a bit of fun earlier in the day when the boys on Swiftsure Saga replaced the two inner stays on SSS. One had gone pop the previous week and it was a case of having a new set made and put in place. Erich was sent up the mast.. welcome to the club Erich, thankfully you were doing it in the pen.
The start boat was still out of action this week.. apparently it was a dud battery but it seems to have become a bit worse that that. More to find out.
No Saturday Sailing. A long weekend.
Wednesday Sailing 22nd of January 2025
Will I, wont we. &
A tow back home.
On another day, forecast to be a stinker with nothing available in the way of a breeze, only four boats rocked up. Bill on Swiftsure Saga has blown the RH inner on the mast and isn’t sailing till its fixed. Must have happened between Saturday and Wednesday… he finished the race on Saturday.
I’d originally said no, (too hot) but dropped down to the club anyway on a different matter. As I did, the Sou westerlies were in and peaking at 30 knots OMG. Where did that come from? As a result, Len on the Jin made a choice and didn’t go. I decided to go as it was cooling down and shot home to pick up my kit.
Back onto the boat and three H28s set onto the water. Corella, Mariner and Nerrima. All were well staffed and it was to be a good race with a course 4 and the breeze down at 14 knots on the top. A lot of south in it as well and the Canning influence was to play a part in the race.
A fair start had Corella and Mariner playing together on the run to Martin with Corella marginally in the lead. But inexplicably they began to drop away and ended up deep into the moorings while our boat (and skipper) managed to stay up at the urging of Geoff on the foredeck. We left them behind from then on. Around Martin we went and it was to be a follow the leader sort of day.
Down to Sampson on a will I wont we run with a pole being thrown up to get us there. Then simply point the boat at Robins and watch the speedo. Corella wasn’t able to catch us, thanks to a quick scrub of the hull and it was the trimming that made the difference. There were no passing lanes today and the game was the same once we had rounded Robins and headed off to Dolphin East.
There was a slight problem with the breeze as it was becoming fickle, but so long as we stayed in front, then it was fine. Away to Como and then battle the Canning shifts as we aimed to get over the start line and around and away to Sampson again. I managed to sneak a quick photo in of Nerrima as Mark dealt with his own crisis (a leaky boat) But he managed to keep the crew on the boat and they were doing well enough with Guy who’s graduated to running the main.
Around the small triangle and various gybes thrown around and we made our way through a bunch of RP boats while avoiding some of the Foundation 36’s of our fleet. None of them phased us and we made our way across to Print and rolled around it, aiming at Como almost on the breeze, but ever so slightly cracked. To Thelma, tacking to cover Lockie who had had a chance to find a passing lane. Not enough to help him and we shot down to Thelma with a renewed purpose. Around and a reach to the finish line. Couldn’t stop the skipper from smiling as we passed the line. As Ron said, it’s a good win when it’s a first and fastest and it’s been a while.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Nerrima
On handicap: The same.
Of course, the big event of the day occurred when Waylen Bay, the club rescue boat broke down and Rita and Dave had to go and bring her back.. there’s a story in that. Hopefully they dropped a pick, so it didn’t drift onto a beach somewhere.
Saturday the 18th of January the club championship #4
Sailed on a frisky afternoon with a sou wester of 16 knots.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Nerrima
On Handicap: Aloha, Swiftsure Saga and Corella
Geoff Reason has taken the Saturday helm on Nerrima while Les Brooker is horsd’combat and Mark Wimhurst has the helm on Wednesdays.
Talking about Les, they’ve put his op back 2 weeks. So he went out to lunch.
Will I, wont we. &
A tow back home.
On another day, forecast to be a stinker with nothing available in the way of a breeze, only four boats rocked up. Bill on Swiftsure Saga has blown the RH inner on the mast and isn’t sailing till its fixed. Must have happened between Saturday and Wednesday… he finished the race on Saturday.
I’d originally said no, (too hot) but dropped down to the club anyway on a different matter. As I did, the Sou westerlies were in and peaking at 30 knots OMG. Where did that come from? As a result, Len on the Jin made a choice and didn’t go. I decided to go as it was cooling down and shot home to pick up my kit.
Back onto the boat and three H28s set onto the water. Corella, Mariner and Nerrima. All were well staffed and it was to be a good race with a course 4 and the breeze down at 14 knots on the top. A lot of south in it as well and the Canning influence was to play a part in the race.
A fair start had Corella and Mariner playing together on the run to Martin with Corella marginally in the lead. But inexplicably they began to drop away and ended up deep into the moorings while our boat (and skipper) managed to stay up at the urging of Geoff on the foredeck. We left them behind from then on. Around Martin we went and it was to be a follow the leader sort of day.
Down to Sampson on a will I wont we run with a pole being thrown up to get us there. Then simply point the boat at Robins and watch the speedo. Corella wasn’t able to catch us, thanks to a quick scrub of the hull and it was the trimming that made the difference. There were no passing lanes today and the game was the same once we had rounded Robins and headed off to Dolphin East.
There was a slight problem with the breeze as it was becoming fickle, but so long as we stayed in front, then it was fine. Away to Como and then battle the Canning shifts as we aimed to get over the start line and around and away to Sampson again. I managed to sneak a quick photo in of Nerrima as Mark dealt with his own crisis (a leaky boat) But he managed to keep the crew on the boat and they were doing well enough with Guy who’s graduated to running the main.
Around the small triangle and various gybes thrown around and we made our way through a bunch of RP boats while avoiding some of the Foundation 36’s of our fleet. None of them phased us and we made our way across to Print and rolled around it, aiming at Como almost on the breeze, but ever so slightly cracked. To Thelma, tacking to cover Lockie who had had a chance to find a passing lane. Not enough to help him and we shot down to Thelma with a renewed purpose. Around and a reach to the finish line. Couldn’t stop the skipper from smiling as we passed the line. As Ron said, it’s a good win when it’s a first and fastest and it’s been a while.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Nerrima
On handicap: The same.
Of course, the big event of the day occurred when Waylen Bay, the club rescue boat broke down and Rita and Dave had to go and bring her back.. there’s a story in that. Hopefully they dropped a pick, so it didn’t drift onto a beach somewhere.
Saturday the 18th of January the club championship #4
Sailed on a frisky afternoon with a sou wester of 16 knots.
Over the line: Corella, Swiftsure Saga and Nerrima
On Handicap: Aloha, Swiftsure Saga and Corella
Geoff Reason has taken the Saturday helm on Nerrima while Les Brooker is horsd’combat and Mark Wimhurst has the helm on Wednesdays.
Talking about Les, they’ve put his op back 2 weeks. So he went out to lunch.
Wednesday Sailing 15th
of January 2025
A day for Mr Randell. &
A lesson learned.
Half a dozen H28s moved out of the pens this afternoon with the promise of a bit of a breeze out of the Sou-West. Two of the more competitive sorts had cleaned their hulls and some of us thought about it.
Wynella is still without a rudder as the shipwright went on holidays over Christmas and despite all thoughts of haste, the work has yet to begin on the rudder. At the moment, Aloha is playing host to the crew of Wynella with a number of them ready to keep the boat (any boat) on the go. Alma is getting a new deck I believe and is stripped of her gear in preparation for the event. Well done, Ralph. And Nerima… had a spare bilge pump put in and Les was quite pleased about that, but I don’t think the sparky will be paid as he forgot to hook the pump up. More about that later.
A southerly start with the boats lining up above the line preparing to swoop down. We had come in from a fair way out and then hung on our sails till the time came. We watched as Bill and Dave slipped past Mariner and set the early pace up to Martin. Our job was to get above the bad air, which we eventually did and made it around in 3rd place. Then it was a case of set to chase the pair in front while the rest of the fleet sorted themselves out. And it didn’t take long to see Len Randell begin to push Nerrima.
Up to Sampson with Lockie warding off attempts from his former crew member to get past him. They turned at Sampson and it was then a look up the breeze to see how close to the mark we could get. Not bad, but the lead boats were already well away.. clean bottoms help apparently. Around Print and a pole to Addison with the first cross over to Heathcote before heading down the river. The fun and games began as to who would pick the right path. Bill on Swiftsure had decided to tack away and probably did well of it as he came back a bit closer to Corella.
We however, had tucked ourselves in deep to the channel and then bounced out to see how we would fare, only to see Les retiring smartly with the stern quite low. It was later that we heard about the problem with the bilge pump.
Away we went, further up to Robins where Bill was closer than ever, but Len had already made his way past us with a good cross from out in the middle where he had picked up a lot of time. Around and away we went with a pole that was quite by the lee. Didn’t have to gybe but it was a dodgy run with Geoff on the boom to keep it there. Len on the other hand had an involuntary gybe that nearly took his foredeckie out, wedging him between the shroud and the boom. OOOPs!
But he was in the lead despite our attempt to get in under his transom at Addison, so we faced the ordeal of chasing Len for the next lap.
Up front, Bill had succeeded in getting past Lockie and I have to presume they were both wearing number ones where we had a one and a half. I guess Len must have had a number one as well.
Looking back Aloha was doing well enough, but a new crew and with Steve Hill at the helm they were happy enough to keep rolling along. So up to Robins again with the added fillip of the RP boats coming across on starboard. They pushed Len about a little and it may have cost him the win on handicap. However up and around then down to Como where we turned right and aimed at the line. We learnt to our pleasure that the course had been shortened and it was a honk from the horn that told us that Swiftsure had led the fleet home.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella, The First Jindarra
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra, Corella
Poor Len.. second by 7 seconds….. those RP boats cost him his first win for the season.
Just briefly:
Les Brooker is going into hospital for a major op and will not be sailing for the rest of the season. Mark Wimhurst is taking the helm for Wednesdays. Geoff Reason will be taking the helm on Saturdays. We all wish Les well.
A day for Mr Randell. &
A lesson learned.
Half a dozen H28s moved out of the pens this afternoon with the promise of a bit of a breeze out of the Sou-West. Two of the more competitive sorts had cleaned their hulls and some of us thought about it.
Wynella is still without a rudder as the shipwright went on holidays over Christmas and despite all thoughts of haste, the work has yet to begin on the rudder. At the moment, Aloha is playing host to the crew of Wynella with a number of them ready to keep the boat (any boat) on the go. Alma is getting a new deck I believe and is stripped of her gear in preparation for the event. Well done, Ralph. And Nerima… had a spare bilge pump put in and Les was quite pleased about that, but I don’t think the sparky will be paid as he forgot to hook the pump up. More about that later.
A southerly start with the boats lining up above the line preparing to swoop down. We had come in from a fair way out and then hung on our sails till the time came. We watched as Bill and Dave slipped past Mariner and set the early pace up to Martin. Our job was to get above the bad air, which we eventually did and made it around in 3rd place. Then it was a case of set to chase the pair in front while the rest of the fleet sorted themselves out. And it didn’t take long to see Len Randell begin to push Nerrima.
Up to Sampson with Lockie warding off attempts from his former crew member to get past him. They turned at Sampson and it was then a look up the breeze to see how close to the mark we could get. Not bad, but the lead boats were already well away.. clean bottoms help apparently. Around Print and a pole to Addison with the first cross over to Heathcote before heading down the river. The fun and games began as to who would pick the right path. Bill on Swiftsure had decided to tack away and probably did well of it as he came back a bit closer to Corella.
We however, had tucked ourselves in deep to the channel and then bounced out to see how we would fare, only to see Les retiring smartly with the stern quite low. It was later that we heard about the problem with the bilge pump.
Away we went, further up to Robins where Bill was closer than ever, but Len had already made his way past us with a good cross from out in the middle where he had picked up a lot of time. Around and away we went with a pole that was quite by the lee. Didn’t have to gybe but it was a dodgy run with Geoff on the boom to keep it there. Len on the other hand had an involuntary gybe that nearly took his foredeckie out, wedging him between the shroud and the boom. OOOPs!
But he was in the lead despite our attempt to get in under his transom at Addison, so we faced the ordeal of chasing Len for the next lap.
Up front, Bill had succeeded in getting past Lockie and I have to presume they were both wearing number ones where we had a one and a half. I guess Len must have had a number one as well.
Looking back Aloha was doing well enough, but a new crew and with Steve Hill at the helm they were happy enough to keep rolling along. So up to Robins again with the added fillip of the RP boats coming across on starboard. They pushed Len about a little and it may have cost him the win on handicap. However up and around then down to Como where we turned right and aimed at the line. We learnt to our pleasure that the course had been shortened and it was a honk from the horn that told us that Swiftsure had led the fleet home.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Corella, The First Jindarra
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra, Corella
Poor Len.. second by 7 seconds….. those RP boats cost him his first win for the season.
Just briefly:
Les Brooker is going into hospital for a major op and will not be sailing for the rest of the season. Mark Wimhurst is taking the helm for Wednesdays. Geoff Reason will be taking the helm on Saturdays. We all wish Les well.