On the Water and in the bar.
The stories of the H28's on the Swan River in 2026
Wednesday Sailing 12th of August 2026
Just a short waltz on the water or
The Devil lives in the Canning River
Thank goodness for Tiffany!
We had someone half our age or less bouncing around on the foredeck, so we knew we were in for a good day. Half a dozen H28’s on a Sou Wester of about 9 knots. Superb and for a change we got going well with Alma rounding Sampson second after Mariner. A nice feeling. Do we follow Mariner or eventually tack over to the other side and take the ubiquitous knock? Anna had gone early and was right over the other side with Wynella deciding to do so as well, but Bill on Swiftsure Saga thought he could do better than we were and kept on going after we eventually tacked.
But Mariner kept on going up the northern side. More later. As for us, well perhaps too many tacks, perhaps we didn’t pick the right ley line, but getting to Robins had us dealing with a couple of abrupt wind shifts and one of those put us behind Anna who had done very well by going left early with Wynella trying one of those by guess and by God runs right under the Heathcote Point and getting into the bay so he could come out looking good. As he did. And of course, Swiftsure Saga was sailing very well. So, by the time Robins was reached we were fifth, not second with Mariner well away and Swiftsure Saga close on his transom.
Just wasn’t our day, and as we made our way over to Dolphin East we could see Jim on Napea of Carrick coming along in the rear as he had started well and wasn’t that far behind. Another threat? So trim and trim well with the idea of getting past Wynella if we could. By Como we had achieved our purpose and Anna was next on the list. But we hadn’t counted on two things. The arrival of the sou easter down the Canning and the huge outflow coming down the Canning as well.
It was as if the devil had opened his mouth and blown us off course. A huge knock coupled with the outflow simply killed our forward motion and the smart money said simply go into the west as far as you could. But skippers don’t always want to do that. Eventually we went west, getting out of the current and finding enough breeze to keep us moving. The angle to the turning point was important as we were still sliding sideways on the current, but we made it eventually. Wynella and Anna were still trying to deal with it and while Wynella made it, Anna spent another 5 minutes getting there.
Away to Sampson on a sou wester again and then when to tack for King was the question? We went as far as we thought and then added on a bit more. That knock from the east was still in our minds and King is in that territory. Around we went and off to Print hooray, we all felt a bit better for it. But behind us, Anna was packing up the sails. They’d had enough.
Pass Como after Print and then harden up a little, praying that the sou wester would keep in for a while. We made it to Thelma and then ran along the beach for a minute. But the current was still pushing so we crossed over to the west and then ran down to the line. Not our best effort.
Over the line: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga and Alma
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Wynella.
Retired : Anna and Napea of Carrick.
Just a short waltz on the water or
The Devil lives in the Canning River
Thank goodness for Tiffany!
We had someone half our age or less bouncing around on the foredeck, so we knew we were in for a good day. Half a dozen H28’s on a Sou Wester of about 9 knots. Superb and for a change we got going well with Alma rounding Sampson second after Mariner. A nice feeling. Do we follow Mariner or eventually tack over to the other side and take the ubiquitous knock? Anna had gone early and was right over the other side with Wynella deciding to do so as well, but Bill on Swiftsure Saga thought he could do better than we were and kept on going after we eventually tacked.
But Mariner kept on going up the northern side. More later. As for us, well perhaps too many tacks, perhaps we didn’t pick the right ley line, but getting to Robins had us dealing with a couple of abrupt wind shifts and one of those put us behind Anna who had done very well by going left early with Wynella trying one of those by guess and by God runs right under the Heathcote Point and getting into the bay so he could come out looking good. As he did. And of course, Swiftsure Saga was sailing very well. So, by the time Robins was reached we were fifth, not second with Mariner well away and Swiftsure Saga close on his transom.
Just wasn’t our day, and as we made our way over to Dolphin East we could see Jim on Napea of Carrick coming along in the rear as he had started well and wasn’t that far behind. Another threat? So trim and trim well with the idea of getting past Wynella if we could. By Como we had achieved our purpose and Anna was next on the list. But we hadn’t counted on two things. The arrival of the sou easter down the Canning and the huge outflow coming down the Canning as well.
It was as if the devil had opened his mouth and blown us off course. A huge knock coupled with the outflow simply killed our forward motion and the smart money said simply go into the west as far as you could. But skippers don’t always want to do that. Eventually we went west, getting out of the current and finding enough breeze to keep us moving. The angle to the turning point was important as we were still sliding sideways on the current, but we made it eventually. Wynella and Anna were still trying to deal with it and while Wynella made it, Anna spent another 5 minutes getting there.
Away to Sampson on a sou wester again and then when to tack for King was the question? We went as far as we thought and then added on a bit more. That knock from the east was still in our minds and King is in that territory. Around we went and off to Print hooray, we all felt a bit better for it. But behind us, Anna was packing up the sails. They’d had enough.
Pass Como after Print and then harden up a little, praying that the sou wester would keep in for a while. We made it to Thelma and then ran along the beach for a minute. But the current was still pushing so we crossed over to the west and then ran down to the line. Not our best effort.
Over the line: Mariner, Swiftsure Saga and Alma
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Wynella.
Retired : Anna and Napea of Carrick.
Wednesday Sailing 5th of August 2026
A quick phone call saves the day &
Paddle your own canoe
Sailing on Wynella today as Alma was struggling to get crew. So, like a seasoned boat tart I took a spot on the grand old dame and prepared to do my best. We took the boat out early (still hasn’t got a motor yet) and got used to the idea of a different set of ropes to work. But that’s fine and sailed up and down the river in the company of the Viking (Guy), Glen and Russel.
A course 4 was set for all fleets and apparently it was a pursuit race. But Glen hadn’t checked his emails that morning and had no idea. Of course, they only send this info out to the skippers and not the crew. So, we had no idea of our start time and it was only a hurried phone call full of apologies to the start box that advised us of what our start time would have been. So 5 minutes into the sequence we found out we were off at the fall of 7. And we were at least 3 minutes short of the line. We crossed somewhere around the 9 minute mark. Yes, we were late.
So away we went.
It’s a long ride when its not very breezy and we were going to be struggling to get around the course if the breeze didn’t pick up. Away to Sampson and then the work up the sou wester to Robins. Didn’t matter what we were doing as we knew that if we crossed the creek over to Heathcote, we would knock and indeed we saw a trailer sailor do so and then get stuck on the mud having gone too far in. Momentarily of course as lifting keels do help. We flipped and made our way up a little further and then off into the bay to try and come out at Robins, two tacks unfortunately, but we got around and headed off to Dolphin East again on a reach.
Yes, Swiftsure Saga got past us as they weren’t that far behind us on the fall list and we then started looking back toward Mariner who was off 15. They were gaining but Brian and David were enjoying a beer and a slow sail. Not in a hurry and they weren’t going to catch Swiftsure Saga who were well away. Turn at DE and off to Como on a slightly tighter reach. No passing lanes here unless you were bigger and faster. Then the trip to the outer start line with Helios II politely passing below us and Slippery rolling over the top of us. They both passed us and that was it.
Away to Sampson again and we could see Mariner getting closer. Our next target would be King after Sampson and we needed to go into the West a bit further than we did. When we eventually got over to King, again we had to tack and retack to make the mark as we were too close to the Heathcote bank. Then away to Print, another reach, but by this time Mariner was well away and we were stone motherless. In fact, it was only the sight of the Div 1 boats coming back from up the river that gave me comfort. We wouldn’t be the last boat left on the river. Thelma swung into view and then the last work of the day to the finish line.
Then the adventure of sailing into the pen and I was given the one job of the day that mattered. Paddle your own canoe. We didn’t have enough leeway so I was handed the paddle and asked to go for it. We got to the pen in good time.
Over the line and that’s all that mattered.
Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Wynella. Another handicap improver.
A quick phone call saves the day &
Paddle your own canoe
Sailing on Wynella today as Alma was struggling to get crew. So, like a seasoned boat tart I took a spot on the grand old dame and prepared to do my best. We took the boat out early (still hasn’t got a motor yet) and got used to the idea of a different set of ropes to work. But that’s fine and sailed up and down the river in the company of the Viking (Guy), Glen and Russel.
A course 4 was set for all fleets and apparently it was a pursuit race. But Glen hadn’t checked his emails that morning and had no idea. Of course, they only send this info out to the skippers and not the crew. So, we had no idea of our start time and it was only a hurried phone call full of apologies to the start box that advised us of what our start time would have been. So 5 minutes into the sequence we found out we were off at the fall of 7. And we were at least 3 minutes short of the line. We crossed somewhere around the 9 minute mark. Yes, we were late.
So away we went.
It’s a long ride when its not very breezy and we were going to be struggling to get around the course if the breeze didn’t pick up. Away to Sampson and then the work up the sou wester to Robins. Didn’t matter what we were doing as we knew that if we crossed the creek over to Heathcote, we would knock and indeed we saw a trailer sailor do so and then get stuck on the mud having gone too far in. Momentarily of course as lifting keels do help. We flipped and made our way up a little further and then off into the bay to try and come out at Robins, two tacks unfortunately, but we got around and headed off to Dolphin East again on a reach.
Yes, Swiftsure Saga got past us as they weren’t that far behind us on the fall list and we then started looking back toward Mariner who was off 15. They were gaining but Brian and David were enjoying a beer and a slow sail. Not in a hurry and they weren’t going to catch Swiftsure Saga who were well away. Turn at DE and off to Como on a slightly tighter reach. No passing lanes here unless you were bigger and faster. Then the trip to the outer start line with Helios II politely passing below us and Slippery rolling over the top of us. They both passed us and that was it.
Away to Sampson again and we could see Mariner getting closer. Our next target would be King after Sampson and we needed to go into the West a bit further than we did. When we eventually got over to King, again we had to tack and retack to make the mark as we were too close to the Heathcote bank. Then away to Print, another reach, but by this time Mariner was well away and we were stone motherless. In fact, it was only the sight of the Div 1 boats coming back from up the river that gave me comfort. We wouldn’t be the last boat left on the river. Thelma swung into view and then the last work of the day to the finish line.
Then the adventure of sailing into the pen and I was given the one job of the day that mattered. Paddle your own canoe. We didn’t have enough leeway so I was handed the paddle and asked to go for it. We got to the pen in good time.
Over the line and that’s all that mattered.
Swiftsure Saga, Mariner and Wynella. Another handicap improver.
Wednesday Sailing 29th of July ‘26
Dang me; The wind went away &
An honest man.
Sailing on Alma once again with Stewart Pool? from FSC, covering the foredeck and running trim on the starboard side.
It was a lovely afternoon with the Nor easter in evidence and a course two on offer. We shaped up for the run and as we began our run in, the wind simply dropped out. From a possible backwards and forwards till the line was ready to accept us, we were faced with the possibility that we wouldn’t make it and the other four boats were in the same dilemma.
That and a fairly strong current that was moving down the river. Which side of the pin would we end up on. A light gust saved us and while Wynella was a tad early and had to return we got to the line about 10 seconds late after some exertion. Too late. Swiftsure Saga with a very recently cleaned hull was simply away and managed to get past Heathcote Spit while following her, we had to tack over. Ah well.
Wynella shot over to the freeway and picked up a very nice lift and we had John Wright and Anna on our tail as well. John elected to continue along the same line as Bill in Swiftsure Saga and dropped well into the west, almost as far down as Como. We just plugged along and hoped that the knocks wouldn’t be too bad. Wynella reached a reasonable line and flipped over, aiming for Sampson and we found a corner and headed at Sampson as well. But they were well in front by now so we simply accepted third with the hope to keep the boat moving and catch them on the down hill to Hallmark. Jim Spittle and Napea of Carrick was a little undermanned today and was content to mix it with Div 3 as they made their way through the H28 fleet.
It’s a long way on that trip with the breeze out of the north and we were constantly changing our sail structure from a pole to a beam reach. A moment of interest came when we crossed through the RP fleet with them as the windward boats. Nice one. Our trip became entangled with a plastic fantastic helmed by none other than Brian Howells with the Lowry family of Matthew and Mara doing most of the work on the boat. Our problem was that we tried to get above them and committed the major sin of going the wrong side of Nedlands Spit (as they did) and it was clear that we weren’t going to be able to continue unless we unwound our path. So off came the pennant and we continued on our merry path.
Gybe at Hall Mark and continue on up to Armstrong which seems to have been put back into its normal spot. (Hooray) Then a work back up the river to Como and somewhere along the line the pennant made its way onto the backstays again. Probably the effect of the FSC person on the boat. However, the chatter on the radio indicated that the RO was going to shorten up the courses. So, our race was to the finish line from then on.
Turn right at Como, set a pole and head for the line. Sure enough, there were the flags waving bravely on the start box. Through the line, drop the sails and for once we didn’t have to take Wynella home as John Wright had offered to do so. Good on you John.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Anna
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Anna.
Alma retired after the race.
Dang me; The wind went away &
An honest man.
Sailing on Alma once again with Stewart Pool? from FSC, covering the foredeck and running trim on the starboard side.
It was a lovely afternoon with the Nor easter in evidence and a course two on offer. We shaped up for the run and as we began our run in, the wind simply dropped out. From a possible backwards and forwards till the line was ready to accept us, we were faced with the possibility that we wouldn’t make it and the other four boats were in the same dilemma.
That and a fairly strong current that was moving down the river. Which side of the pin would we end up on. A light gust saved us and while Wynella was a tad early and had to return we got to the line about 10 seconds late after some exertion. Too late. Swiftsure Saga with a very recently cleaned hull was simply away and managed to get past Heathcote Spit while following her, we had to tack over. Ah well.
Wynella shot over to the freeway and picked up a very nice lift and we had John Wright and Anna on our tail as well. John elected to continue along the same line as Bill in Swiftsure Saga and dropped well into the west, almost as far down as Como. We just plugged along and hoped that the knocks wouldn’t be too bad. Wynella reached a reasonable line and flipped over, aiming for Sampson and we found a corner and headed at Sampson as well. But they were well in front by now so we simply accepted third with the hope to keep the boat moving and catch them on the down hill to Hallmark. Jim Spittle and Napea of Carrick was a little undermanned today and was content to mix it with Div 3 as they made their way through the H28 fleet.
It’s a long way on that trip with the breeze out of the north and we were constantly changing our sail structure from a pole to a beam reach. A moment of interest came when we crossed through the RP fleet with them as the windward boats. Nice one. Our trip became entangled with a plastic fantastic helmed by none other than Brian Howells with the Lowry family of Matthew and Mara doing most of the work on the boat. Our problem was that we tried to get above them and committed the major sin of going the wrong side of Nedlands Spit (as they did) and it was clear that we weren’t going to be able to continue unless we unwound our path. So off came the pennant and we continued on our merry path.
Gybe at Hall Mark and continue on up to Armstrong which seems to have been put back into its normal spot. (Hooray) Then a work back up the river to Como and somewhere along the line the pennant made its way onto the backstays again. Probably the effect of the FSC person on the boat. However, the chatter on the radio indicated that the RO was going to shorten up the courses. So, our race was to the finish line from then on.
Turn right at Como, set a pole and head for the line. Sure enough, there were the flags waving bravely on the start box. Through the line, drop the sails and for once we didn’t have to take Wynella home as John Wright had offered to do so. Good on you John.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Anna
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Anna.
Alma retired after the race.
Wednesday Sailing 22nd of July
Southward Ho! &
5 minutes would do!
A gorgeous Wednesday afternoon with five boats out on the water of a fleet of 30 on the river. But the RO had plans to make the fleet and their skippers earn their keep. We were going up to Martin – Weaver!
We really should have gone up there for a look as the outflowing tide was an issue that would cause problems later on. However, to the start and after executing two rather well performed gyrations we found ourselves on the line and on time. With only John Wright above us, the aim was to make it all the way past Martin and then head into the moorings to obtain enough height to get past Weaver. If you tacked too early, you were facing another agonising pair of tacks to get past Weaver. With Wynella in the lead, we scrapped past jetty seven and then headed into the moorings.
Wynella tacked early, but our skipper took us in deep. So deep we almost got lost in the boats around us, but we found our way out and made it to Weaver in one shot. Around we went with only John Wright and Anna in front of us. This master sailor had used the wandering easterly (southerly and then northerly) to make it to Martin and was well placed to pinch his way past Weaver to take the lead.
Momentarily as it turned out, as we were able to utilise the following breeze to roll past him and establish a good lead. Behind Anna, Wynella spent a good 5 minutes trying to get past Weaver and finally did so in the company of Swiftsure Saga and Napea of Carrick. By the time we reached Sampson they had taken the breeze and were a good third. Then away to Robins on a long reach. Which we eventually did. But Anna wasn’t letting go and neither was Wynella with the pair of them having a spirited battle on the way up on the second return to Robins after a trip to Print and then to Foam buoy. Around Robins for the second time and then away to Print, then Como and the radio blurted the inevitable. “All SoPYC fleets, the course has been shortened.” So go for the line.
The one rule we learned from last week was, don’t try to pinch your way up to a mark. Over lay the line and head down with speed, taking every lift that’s offered. The variegation of the breeze can wreck your best intentions. Be warned.
Over the line: Alma, Anna and Wynella.
On Handicap: Wynella, Alma and Anna.
Despite being in front of Wynella by nearly 3 mins + 40 seconds, we still needed another 1 minute and 14 seconds to match her. Back to the workshop and try to sail faster.
Southward Ho! &
5 minutes would do!
A gorgeous Wednesday afternoon with five boats out on the water of a fleet of 30 on the river. But the RO had plans to make the fleet and their skippers earn their keep. We were going up to Martin – Weaver!
We really should have gone up there for a look as the outflowing tide was an issue that would cause problems later on. However, to the start and after executing two rather well performed gyrations we found ourselves on the line and on time. With only John Wright above us, the aim was to make it all the way past Martin and then head into the moorings to obtain enough height to get past Weaver. If you tacked too early, you were facing another agonising pair of tacks to get past Weaver. With Wynella in the lead, we scrapped past jetty seven and then headed into the moorings.
Wynella tacked early, but our skipper took us in deep. So deep we almost got lost in the boats around us, but we found our way out and made it to Weaver in one shot. Around we went with only John Wright and Anna in front of us. This master sailor had used the wandering easterly (southerly and then northerly) to make it to Martin and was well placed to pinch his way past Weaver to take the lead.
Momentarily as it turned out, as we were able to utilise the following breeze to roll past him and establish a good lead. Behind Anna, Wynella spent a good 5 minutes trying to get past Weaver and finally did so in the company of Swiftsure Saga and Napea of Carrick. By the time we reached Sampson they had taken the breeze and were a good third. Then away to Robins on a long reach. Which we eventually did. But Anna wasn’t letting go and neither was Wynella with the pair of them having a spirited battle on the way up on the second return to Robins after a trip to Print and then to Foam buoy. Around Robins for the second time and then away to Print, then Como and the radio blurted the inevitable. “All SoPYC fleets, the course has been shortened.” So go for the line.
The one rule we learned from last week was, don’t try to pinch your way up to a mark. Over lay the line and head down with speed, taking every lift that’s offered. The variegation of the breeze can wreck your best intentions. Be warned.
Over the line: Alma, Anna and Wynella.
On Handicap: Wynella, Alma and Anna.
Despite being in front of Wynella by nearly 3 mins + 40 seconds, we still needed another 1 minute and 14 seconds to match her. Back to the workshop and try to sail faster.
Wednesday Sailing 16th of July
Welcome back Napier of Carrick &
Chasing Mariner/ Bridesmaid again.
A nor easter and all the complications that brings as you work your way up to Sampson. The RO had offered a course one to all the fleets and the breeze was quite reasonable to begin with. Half a dozen H28’s on the water and Jim Spittle had made good his promise with Napier of Carrick heading onto the water. A welcome sight.
However, the fleet had different plans and we watched as Div one worked their way up the breeze to Sampson. And the knocks in the breeze were clear. There was going to be constant adjustment all the way up.
We decided to hang on the start line and waited patiently, possibly we should have thrown a whizzy to adjust our position, but fortune favoured the brave and Ralph managed to run the line and then flip over as the bell rang. But we weren’t fast and that left us lingering behind the lead of Mariner, Wynella and Anna. Behind us were Swiftsure Saga and Napier of Carrick.
With nothing to lose we went left and made ready to tack as we got into dangerous territory. Rather than go the whole way over to the freeway, the boat decided to run down the breeze hoping for some luck on the fluctuating nor easter. And luck we found. Our first target was Wynella and we managed to get closer to the leaders with a port side approach to the mark. But it wasn’t until we got around Sampson that we claimed our first victim and sure enough Ernie was lined up in our sights. The run up to Print was a two-sail reach with the pole to leeward and we did very well of it. Back down to Addison and then the first task was a pole to Robins.
We had a bit of luck with the dolphins around us and for some reason they stayed with us for a while. Saw a bit of them, but couldn’t take photos as we were busy in the cockpit. Hopefully Jason got some. During the run we managed to catch up with the div three RP fleet and former premier Richard Court was out on his pretty little gaff rig yacht. Had to take a photo or two to pass on.
Behind us we now had three boats with John Wright in our sights and he is a hard man to deal with on a moderate day. Up to Robins for the first time and we managed to slip past Anna around the top. Simply making sure we were inside him to the mark, smothering his sails with ours. It was enough. Away down to Addison again with Mariner in our sights. But something caught our eye. Swiftsure Saga had gone right and had sailed all the way to the bottom near the Canning and turned left on what turned out to be a very good breeze. In fact enough to get inside Anna at Addison. Well sailed Bill.
Back up to Robins again and this time we were pushing Mariner to the point that they were looking back quite often. I don’t mind that at all. A couple of OK dinghies wandered across our path and they turned out to be denizens of FSC who had migrated up to SoPYC to test the river. They knew Jason on the foredeck and there was a bit of chatter to and fro.
But the game was still on with Mariner and around Robins with the idea of aiming at Como. Another work, but Mariner had gone that extra two hundred meters to the north and was able to run down to the mark freely while we were pinching all the time, losing speed against Mariner. Sometimes it’s worthwhile going those extra few metres as we learned to our chagrin. Not the first time this has happened either.
So, to Como and turn right. Flags flopping on the start box. Yep, its all over Rover. But we couldn’t catch them. Well sailed Mariner. Once again, the bridesmaid boat.
Over the line: Mariner, Alma and Anna.
On handicap: Wynella, Alma and Anna.
Times over the line:
Mariner Scratch boat.
Alma 18 seconds off,
Anna 1 min and 59 seconds off,
SSS 3 mins and 25 seconds off,
Wynella 3mins and 28 seconds off,
Napea of Carrick 15 mins and 41 seconds off.
On handicap:
Wynella Scratch boat
Alma 2 mins and 35 seconds off
Anna 2 mins and 45 seconds off
SSS 4 mins and 12 seconds off
Mariner 5 mins and 44 seconds off
Napier of Carrick 14 mins and 31 seconds off.
Welcome back Napier of Carrick &
Chasing Mariner/ Bridesmaid again.
A nor easter and all the complications that brings as you work your way up to Sampson. The RO had offered a course one to all the fleets and the breeze was quite reasonable to begin with. Half a dozen H28’s on the water and Jim Spittle had made good his promise with Napier of Carrick heading onto the water. A welcome sight.
However, the fleet had different plans and we watched as Div one worked their way up the breeze to Sampson. And the knocks in the breeze were clear. There was going to be constant adjustment all the way up.
We decided to hang on the start line and waited patiently, possibly we should have thrown a whizzy to adjust our position, but fortune favoured the brave and Ralph managed to run the line and then flip over as the bell rang. But we weren’t fast and that left us lingering behind the lead of Mariner, Wynella and Anna. Behind us were Swiftsure Saga and Napier of Carrick.
With nothing to lose we went left and made ready to tack as we got into dangerous territory. Rather than go the whole way over to the freeway, the boat decided to run down the breeze hoping for some luck on the fluctuating nor easter. And luck we found. Our first target was Wynella and we managed to get closer to the leaders with a port side approach to the mark. But it wasn’t until we got around Sampson that we claimed our first victim and sure enough Ernie was lined up in our sights. The run up to Print was a two-sail reach with the pole to leeward and we did very well of it. Back down to Addison and then the first task was a pole to Robins.
We had a bit of luck with the dolphins around us and for some reason they stayed with us for a while. Saw a bit of them, but couldn’t take photos as we were busy in the cockpit. Hopefully Jason got some. During the run we managed to catch up with the div three RP fleet and former premier Richard Court was out on his pretty little gaff rig yacht. Had to take a photo or two to pass on.
Behind us we now had three boats with John Wright in our sights and he is a hard man to deal with on a moderate day. Up to Robins for the first time and we managed to slip past Anna around the top. Simply making sure we were inside him to the mark, smothering his sails with ours. It was enough. Away down to Addison again with Mariner in our sights. But something caught our eye. Swiftsure Saga had gone right and had sailed all the way to the bottom near the Canning and turned left on what turned out to be a very good breeze. In fact enough to get inside Anna at Addison. Well sailed Bill.
Back up to Robins again and this time we were pushing Mariner to the point that they were looking back quite often. I don’t mind that at all. A couple of OK dinghies wandered across our path and they turned out to be denizens of FSC who had migrated up to SoPYC to test the river. They knew Jason on the foredeck and there was a bit of chatter to and fro.
But the game was still on with Mariner and around Robins with the idea of aiming at Como. Another work, but Mariner had gone that extra two hundred meters to the north and was able to run down to the mark freely while we were pinching all the time, losing speed against Mariner. Sometimes it’s worthwhile going those extra few metres as we learned to our chagrin. Not the first time this has happened either.
So, to Como and turn right. Flags flopping on the start box. Yep, its all over Rover. But we couldn’t catch them. Well sailed Mariner. Once again, the bridesmaid boat.
Over the line: Mariner, Alma and Anna.
On handicap: Wynella, Alma and Anna.
Times over the line:
Mariner Scratch boat.
Alma 18 seconds off,
Anna 1 min and 59 seconds off,
SSS 3 mins and 25 seconds off,
Wynella 3mins and 28 seconds off,
Napea of Carrick 15 mins and 41 seconds off.
On handicap:
Wynella Scratch boat
Alma 2 mins and 35 seconds off
Anna 2 mins and 45 seconds off
SSS 4 mins and 12 seconds off
Mariner 5 mins and 44 seconds off
Napier of Carrick 14 mins and 31 seconds off.
Wednesday the 8th of July
Stick in the mud. &
Know thy courses!
Sailing on Alma again, thanks Ralph et al. A very light breeze that came in around midday and was purportedly out of the Sou West. There were a number of yachts out today and it was nice to see 5 H28s on the water. Mind you, div 3 had 10 or 11. Wow. But we had Mariner, Alma and Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella who is still suffering under the lack of an engine. More about that later.
The div one start was watched and discussed and a strategy for our start was developed and promptly forgotten as we were stalled at the start and just not quickly away. However, a clean bottom had us moving and smart trimming had the boat into second behind Mariner who was well away already.
The skip decided to tack at Sampson and we bore off to Heathcote hoping to lift above the hill and get into the bay. Just not lifting as well as I’d hope and nope, we were inside the ski boat marks and we simply kissed the mud just prior to tacking. Softly. Out came the spinnaker pole and 10 minutes later we were off the mud under our own steam. No help required. Well done Jason on the front of the boat.
Meanwhile the rest of the fleet just kept on going and we found ourselves just in front of Wynella. So, a long way to go. Up front Mariner had made their way around Robins and promptly set a pole and headed off for Como, so Swiftsure Saga promptly followed suit. Anna read the course and simply set off for Dolphin East. Winner!!! Eventually the first two realised their mistake and headed back to unwind their misfortune but Anna had the lead well and truly. What or who could beat them?
At the same time, we heard K Factor withdrawing as they too had found the mud elsewhere and had to be towed off by a helpful RP safety boat. But the biggest problem was the wind, or lack of it. Down to DE and a pole to Como wondering when we would get there. The lack of any beverages on the boat was discussed and it was decided that something might be left on the boat in the future for such an occurrence.
Eventually we made it to Como, turned right and wondered whether a shortened course flag might be in evidence. The sight of the leader Anna making her way to Sampson dissuaded us of that and we prepared ourselves for the inevitable. Sooner or later the RO would abandon racing and despite hints and suggestions from other boats to the RO, the game was still on.
We rested there a few meters on the other side of the start line, bereft of a breeze and watched Wynella make her tortoise like way to the outer start line and stop there.
Waiting.
Eventually the RO realised that the wind wasn’t going to come back and abandoned the race. We dropped our sails, picked up Wynella and towed them back to the pens. First back into the pens, we liked that and we were first to the bar more or less. A bowl of chips and a couple of announcements and the handing out of the Sand bar trophy. For some reason K Factors work wasn’t recognised to be better than ours and Ralph was called up to take the trophy.
No results. Though Anna should be recognised for their ability to read a course sheet.
As to the frostbite last Sunday which was a resail of the last weekend, (called off with an alleged lack of breeze.) Three H28s took the placings on handicap.
In this order: 1st Swiftsure Saga, 2nd Aloha and 3rd Wynella. Well sailed the H28's
Stick in the mud. &
Know thy courses!
Sailing on Alma again, thanks Ralph et al. A very light breeze that came in around midday and was purportedly out of the Sou West. There were a number of yachts out today and it was nice to see 5 H28s on the water. Mind you, div 3 had 10 or 11. Wow. But we had Mariner, Alma and Anna, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella who is still suffering under the lack of an engine. More about that later.
The div one start was watched and discussed and a strategy for our start was developed and promptly forgotten as we were stalled at the start and just not quickly away. However, a clean bottom had us moving and smart trimming had the boat into second behind Mariner who was well away already.
The skip decided to tack at Sampson and we bore off to Heathcote hoping to lift above the hill and get into the bay. Just not lifting as well as I’d hope and nope, we were inside the ski boat marks and we simply kissed the mud just prior to tacking. Softly. Out came the spinnaker pole and 10 minutes later we were off the mud under our own steam. No help required. Well done Jason on the front of the boat.
Meanwhile the rest of the fleet just kept on going and we found ourselves just in front of Wynella. So, a long way to go. Up front Mariner had made their way around Robins and promptly set a pole and headed off for Como, so Swiftsure Saga promptly followed suit. Anna read the course and simply set off for Dolphin East. Winner!!! Eventually the first two realised their mistake and headed back to unwind their misfortune but Anna had the lead well and truly. What or who could beat them?
At the same time, we heard K Factor withdrawing as they too had found the mud elsewhere and had to be towed off by a helpful RP safety boat. But the biggest problem was the wind, or lack of it. Down to DE and a pole to Como wondering when we would get there. The lack of any beverages on the boat was discussed and it was decided that something might be left on the boat in the future for such an occurrence.
Eventually we made it to Como, turned right and wondered whether a shortened course flag might be in evidence. The sight of the leader Anna making her way to Sampson dissuaded us of that and we prepared ourselves for the inevitable. Sooner or later the RO would abandon racing and despite hints and suggestions from other boats to the RO, the game was still on.
We rested there a few meters on the other side of the start line, bereft of a breeze and watched Wynella make her tortoise like way to the outer start line and stop there.
Waiting.
Eventually the RO realised that the wind wasn’t going to come back and abandoned the race. We dropped our sails, picked up Wynella and towed them back to the pens. First back into the pens, we liked that and we were first to the bar more or less. A bowl of chips and a couple of announcements and the handing out of the Sand bar trophy. For some reason K Factors work wasn’t recognised to be better than ours and Ralph was called up to take the trophy.
No results. Though Anna should be recognised for their ability to read a course sheet.
As to the frostbite last Sunday which was a resail of the last weekend, (called off with an alleged lack of breeze.) Three H28s took the placings on handicap.
In this order: 1st Swiftsure Saga, 2nd Aloha and 3rd Wynella. Well sailed the H28's
Wednesday Sailing 1st of July
General Recall or
Ours to lose.
A winters day, sailing on Alma with the lead put back onto the boat. The first of July and a sou wester that threatened much more.
In fact, the Commodore referred to it in his “come one, come all” in an email inviting us to the 2nd Town Hall meeting. ‘It was going to be a wet blowy day’, he said. Well, it wasn’t. Perhaps 10 to 16 knots and a sou wester that had the starters looking happy. Course 1 for everyone.
Three H28’s hit the line and 66% of the fleet was asked to return to start again. We were saved by the simple fact that we were on port and had to dip Wynella. So away we went. We noted that we didn’t have the height on the port tack which was traced back to a badly set link on the bow so we took the chance on the first down wind to reset it. Probably cost us a few seconds, but we had better height on port afterward. But the race was ours to lose from then on.
Bill didn’t flinch on Swiftsure Saga and simply slogged on behind us, tacking a little later on the ley line, using the boats known skill in climbing up to knock a few metres out of us on every leg and of course doing a lot better down wind. But Alma wasn’t doing badly and our hull speed was a good 5.5 knots on the up winds. Wynella never recovered and simply fell back as we worked our way around the fairly long course. It’s a pity, but it won’t hurt their handicap one bit.
As we slid over the line in first place, we noted that Wynella was probably another 5 minutes away and as the safety boat was already preparing to tow another boat in, we cleared the decks to do a tow for her. A quick chat on the radio had her preparing for the tow and it took them a short while to drop their sails and make ready. We picked her up and slid down to her pen, released her into the hands of waiting Swiftsure Saga crew and then made our way home.
Over the line: Alma, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Alma and Wynella
On reflection: Alma still carries a heavy handicap from other days and perhaps it could be viewed a little more kindly. However, I’m not the skipper and that’s his bag. She comes up today for a bottom clean and a new coat. She’ll be quick next week.
And a comment from the starters. They could have called for a General Recall for the H28’s with all boats returning for a fresh start. Glad they didn't.
And a Vale notice. Another woody has departed the club. Eun na Mara slipped into the water on Tuesday and departed for a mooring elsewhere. Farewell “Bird of the Sea.”
General Recall or
Ours to lose.
A winters day, sailing on Alma with the lead put back onto the boat. The first of July and a sou wester that threatened much more.
In fact, the Commodore referred to it in his “come one, come all” in an email inviting us to the 2nd Town Hall meeting. ‘It was going to be a wet blowy day’, he said. Well, it wasn’t. Perhaps 10 to 16 knots and a sou wester that had the starters looking happy. Course 1 for everyone.
Three H28’s hit the line and 66% of the fleet was asked to return to start again. We were saved by the simple fact that we were on port and had to dip Wynella. So away we went. We noted that we didn’t have the height on the port tack which was traced back to a badly set link on the bow so we took the chance on the first down wind to reset it. Probably cost us a few seconds, but we had better height on port afterward. But the race was ours to lose from then on.
Bill didn’t flinch on Swiftsure Saga and simply slogged on behind us, tacking a little later on the ley line, using the boats known skill in climbing up to knock a few metres out of us on every leg and of course doing a lot better down wind. But Alma wasn’t doing badly and our hull speed was a good 5.5 knots on the up winds. Wynella never recovered and simply fell back as we worked our way around the fairly long course. It’s a pity, but it won’t hurt their handicap one bit.
As we slid over the line in first place, we noted that Wynella was probably another 5 minutes away and as the safety boat was already preparing to tow another boat in, we cleared the decks to do a tow for her. A quick chat on the radio had her preparing for the tow and it took them a short while to drop their sails and make ready. We picked her up and slid down to her pen, released her into the hands of waiting Swiftsure Saga crew and then made our way home.
Over the line: Alma, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella
On handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Alma and Wynella
On reflection: Alma still carries a heavy handicap from other days and perhaps it could be viewed a little more kindly. However, I’m not the skipper and that’s his bag. She comes up today for a bottom clean and a new coat. She’ll be quick next week.
And a comment from the starters. They could have called for a General Recall for the H28’s with all boats returning for a fresh start. Glad they didn't.
And a Vale notice. Another woody has departed the club. Eun na Mara slipped into the water on Tuesday and departed for a mooring elsewhere. Farewell “Bird of the Sea.”
Wednesday Sailing 10th June
Sailing on Alma or
Bobbing along.
An email the previous night alerted me to the fact that there were a couple of spots available and a ride on Alma was mooted.
Meeting with Ralph around 1315 hrs I was shown a large pile of lead covered by canvas to keep the prying eyes off it. Ralph had removed 250 kgs of lead from around the mast and the boat was riding higher as a result. So we got to, setting up the boat and as I was unfamiliar with the boats layout I took the time to get it right, well almost. Welcome Roy, the only one of the crew who could make it and then Clarise a young French backpacker who was joining us for the day.
Out onto the water with another 2 boats joining us, all carrying crew from different boats as the winter holiday season has arrived and people are away. Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were our competitors. We took the boat away to familiarise Clarise with her role as trimmer and then headed back to the line. Unfortunately, Ralph didn’t pull off his standard great start and we were pushing the boat along as best as we could. We nearly caught up with Wynella, but couldn’t break the over lap at Sampson on the course 4 they had given us. All on a nor wester of about 10 knots.
Did I say bobbing along? Well take 250 kgs of lead out and it’s a different boat going up the wind. Yes, it was affected by every ripple that came along and it was only on the down wind that the boat surged ahead. Old tales of Loyal Weaver and Soraya when she was under his stewardship had Loyal do something similar and the result was as given above. Tender on the up wind and good on the downwind.
The course was a reaching course and despite our best attempts to get past Wynella, Glen kept us at bay all the way up to Robins and decided to take us up beyond the ley line. What a bother. However, we managed to slip past him momentarily on the way to Dolphin East but as none of us had the mark defined, we were wandering down below the mark. Another tack and we lost ground on that one, amid the onslaught of the Royal Perth Fleet. While Swiftsure Saga kept on their merry way with an ever-increasing lead, the two of us led a merry dance on the water. Down to Como with a poled-out jib that was increasingly shy as we progressed up the river. Gybe and head toward the outer start line. Drop the damn thing eventually by the time we got to the outer line and then deal with the fun and games at the mark.
Down to Sampson with Clarise becoming more accustomed to her work on the winches and getting the genoa in rapidly. The next adventure was to get over to King and we managed to put Wynella behind us on this board when a SS 27 wedged themselves between us and Wynella effectively killing them. Many thanks were offered. So, from King to Print and then away to Como with Thelma firmly in our eyes. All reaching runs and it was a simple progression to the finish line.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Alma and Wynella
On Handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Alma
Alas. Ralphs handicap is much greater than the rest of the fleet, so his chance of pulling off even a second is remote. A pity as he’s fun to sail with.
And last of all. A photo of Clarise, our French visitor who sailed on Alma.
Now for some news. Soraya (Phil Lammonby) met a watery end in the last storms that blew through and she ended up on the rocks near the East Fremantle YC. She was written off and the bits and pieces were offered to the H28 group before she was dismantled.
Manta (Geoff and Alison Barr @ FSC) is reportedly up for sale.
By the way, there has been only one sailing day in the last few weeks. The breeze has been missing.
Sailing on Alma or
Bobbing along.
An email the previous night alerted me to the fact that there were a couple of spots available and a ride on Alma was mooted.
Meeting with Ralph around 1315 hrs I was shown a large pile of lead covered by canvas to keep the prying eyes off it. Ralph had removed 250 kgs of lead from around the mast and the boat was riding higher as a result. So we got to, setting up the boat and as I was unfamiliar with the boats layout I took the time to get it right, well almost. Welcome Roy, the only one of the crew who could make it and then Clarise a young French backpacker who was joining us for the day.
Out onto the water with another 2 boats joining us, all carrying crew from different boats as the winter holiday season has arrived and people are away. Wynella and Swiftsure Saga were our competitors. We took the boat away to familiarise Clarise with her role as trimmer and then headed back to the line. Unfortunately, Ralph didn’t pull off his standard great start and we were pushing the boat along as best as we could. We nearly caught up with Wynella, but couldn’t break the over lap at Sampson on the course 4 they had given us. All on a nor wester of about 10 knots.
Did I say bobbing along? Well take 250 kgs of lead out and it’s a different boat going up the wind. Yes, it was affected by every ripple that came along and it was only on the down wind that the boat surged ahead. Old tales of Loyal Weaver and Soraya when she was under his stewardship had Loyal do something similar and the result was as given above. Tender on the up wind and good on the downwind.
The course was a reaching course and despite our best attempts to get past Wynella, Glen kept us at bay all the way up to Robins and decided to take us up beyond the ley line. What a bother. However, we managed to slip past him momentarily on the way to Dolphin East but as none of us had the mark defined, we were wandering down below the mark. Another tack and we lost ground on that one, amid the onslaught of the Royal Perth Fleet. While Swiftsure Saga kept on their merry way with an ever-increasing lead, the two of us led a merry dance on the water. Down to Como with a poled-out jib that was increasingly shy as we progressed up the river. Gybe and head toward the outer start line. Drop the damn thing eventually by the time we got to the outer line and then deal with the fun and games at the mark.
Down to Sampson with Clarise becoming more accustomed to her work on the winches and getting the genoa in rapidly. The next adventure was to get over to King and we managed to put Wynella behind us on this board when a SS 27 wedged themselves between us and Wynella effectively killing them. Many thanks were offered. So, from King to Print and then away to Como with Thelma firmly in our eyes. All reaching runs and it was a simple progression to the finish line.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Alma and Wynella
On Handicap: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Alma
Alas. Ralphs handicap is much greater than the rest of the fleet, so his chance of pulling off even a second is remote. A pity as he’s fun to sail with.
And last of all. A photo of Clarise, our French visitor who sailed on Alma.
Now for some news. Soraya (Phil Lammonby) met a watery end in the last storms that blew through and she ended up on the rocks near the East Fremantle YC. She was written off and the bits and pieces were offered to the H28 group before she was dismantled.
Manta (Geoff and Alison Barr @ FSC) is reportedly up for sale.
By the way, there has been only one sailing day in the last few weeks. The breeze has been missing.
Wednesday Sailing 6th of May
A Smoky Day and
A Matter of Choices.
Sailing on Nerrima for the day, I found myself running the main and enjoying the company of Greg and Christina as well as Les Brooker. The smoke was already falling down around the river as we formed up for a pursuit race with 34 boats no less and 6 H28’s in the pack. Better than closing day?
Enjoying a very low handicap (2) we were lingering around the start line, trying to keep our boat ready for the bolt for the line, but there were a number of other boats trying to do exactly the same. Of course we were hung up by one of the miscreants and got to the line some 40 seconds late. Then had to deal with a breeze that was in two minds and we were slapped by what felt like a seabreeze. That slowed us down again.
Of course, Wynella, who had a handicap less than ours, had hit the line on time and we had to get the boat running after her. Which we did. But it was a dash around the river on a course 2 with a long run out to Hall Mark and thence to Armstrong before bending back to Como all in an 8 to 10 knot breeze. Slowly wearing down Wynella, we got to Hall Mark and found ourselves not too far away. So on to Armstrong and from a poled out position to a broad reach as we began to look for the mark in the distance. No, not the conical buoy but the triangular mark further up. That cost us 20 or 30 metres with the fleet behind closing up a little.
Then tack immediately at Armstrong or go out a little. We went out and tacked right after Wynella to keep them honest. Alma, Anna and Swiftsure Saga followed suit but Mariner with Brian and David Locke chose to tack on the spot and were clearly aiming on lifting the boat up to the mark at Como. Which they did, but we had our own battle with Wynella, eventually rolling them, but not without a spirited tussle that had them closing right up to us.
At Como, we turned and lead the lead pack to the outer start-line and then away to Sampson and the dash to Dolphin East. Again, a pole or not, but Les called for a broad reach and we settled down to searching for D-E amongst the smoke haze. The inner and outer dolphins were identified and we looked for the stick that would tell us that we were on the mark. Found it and then we knew we had trouble as Alma and Mariner were steadily closing on us.
Around we went and looked for Foam Spit where we knew we would find Print close by. A steady procession sent us on to Como which was well to starboard, but we had to make a choice. Go at the mark or go deep. We went deep while Alma and Mariner went early. Which in retrospect was the right choice. They had rights on us when we tacked for Thelma and from then on, it was follow the lead boat. The smoke haze was lifting as the sea breeze struggled in and while it didn’t cause any trouble on the water, at least the smoke was clearing.
Third over the line with Mariner making good choices and Alma doing a damn fine job to nail us in the last two marks. Well sailed all of them.
Over the line and on handicap: Mariner, Alma & Nerima with Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Anna following along.
A very enjoyable afternoon, if a little smoky and we were left to consider the choices made during the race.
A Smoky Day and
A Matter of Choices.
Sailing on Nerrima for the day, I found myself running the main and enjoying the company of Greg and Christina as well as Les Brooker. The smoke was already falling down around the river as we formed up for a pursuit race with 34 boats no less and 6 H28’s in the pack. Better than closing day?
Enjoying a very low handicap (2) we were lingering around the start line, trying to keep our boat ready for the bolt for the line, but there were a number of other boats trying to do exactly the same. Of course we were hung up by one of the miscreants and got to the line some 40 seconds late. Then had to deal with a breeze that was in two minds and we were slapped by what felt like a seabreeze. That slowed us down again.
Of course, Wynella, who had a handicap less than ours, had hit the line on time and we had to get the boat running after her. Which we did. But it was a dash around the river on a course 2 with a long run out to Hall Mark and thence to Armstrong before bending back to Como all in an 8 to 10 knot breeze. Slowly wearing down Wynella, we got to Hall Mark and found ourselves not too far away. So on to Armstrong and from a poled out position to a broad reach as we began to look for the mark in the distance. No, not the conical buoy but the triangular mark further up. That cost us 20 or 30 metres with the fleet behind closing up a little.
Then tack immediately at Armstrong or go out a little. We went out and tacked right after Wynella to keep them honest. Alma, Anna and Swiftsure Saga followed suit but Mariner with Brian and David Locke chose to tack on the spot and were clearly aiming on lifting the boat up to the mark at Como. Which they did, but we had our own battle with Wynella, eventually rolling them, but not without a spirited tussle that had them closing right up to us.
At Como, we turned and lead the lead pack to the outer start-line and then away to Sampson and the dash to Dolphin East. Again, a pole or not, but Les called for a broad reach and we settled down to searching for D-E amongst the smoke haze. The inner and outer dolphins were identified and we looked for the stick that would tell us that we were on the mark. Found it and then we knew we had trouble as Alma and Mariner were steadily closing on us.
Around we went and looked for Foam Spit where we knew we would find Print close by. A steady procession sent us on to Como which was well to starboard, but we had to make a choice. Go at the mark or go deep. We went deep while Alma and Mariner went early. Which in retrospect was the right choice. They had rights on us when we tacked for Thelma and from then on, it was follow the lead boat. The smoke haze was lifting as the sea breeze struggled in and while it didn’t cause any trouble on the water, at least the smoke was clearing.
Third over the line with Mariner making good choices and Alma doing a damn fine job to nail us in the last two marks. Well sailed all of them.
Over the line and on handicap: Mariner, Alma & Nerima with Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Anna following along.
A very enjoyable afternoon, if a little smoky and we were left to consider the choices made during the race.
Wednesday Sailing. The 15th of April 2026
Smoke gets in your eyes!
Another call from Les on Nerrima, he’s got people missing again as Simon is wandering around with the S80’s doing the Legends race and Greg is somewhere else. But all is not lost with Ernie Little deciding that he would join us to keep the numbers up as they had enough on Wynella with Guy re-joining the boat.
That bumped me down to port side trimmer, but I was happy enough with that and as we looked around, we noted that we only had 3 starters today with Ralph, Lockie, John and Brian all off the track today. Maybe they knew something we didn’t? Perhaps the fact the river was covered in smoke from the burn offs had something to do with it.
The motor started confidently and away we went onto the water, mind you I need to give the boat a more confident push next time, as we mucked about for a few minutes and eventually went out backwards. But all was well and we got the sails up and then pottered around with the boat doing fine. Now if only the breeze would come in.
As our time approached, we headed off to the line and then joined the other two, nervously running down the line ready to swing the tiller over and join the fray. Damn it. Swiftsure took off like a skinned cat and was already well away on the course 4 with about 5 to 8 knots out of the sou west. Ah well, the race was between Wynella and Nerrima and we knew that their handicap was lower than ours anyway.
Down to Sampson and then bend away to Robins with the breeze helping us up the river, we took a lucky move to the left and found a breeze that kept us competitive with the pair on our right starting to slow and as we made our way down the river, we thought we might have a chance.
As we reached the apogee of our trip down the river, we were crossed by Swiftsure Saga as they headed to Robins, but Wynella was a different kettle of fish and we managed to get around her and to the mark first, however in the consequential drag race to Dolphin East we lost our way and Wynella slipped into the lead. And so it went with the pole out and causing grief as the length of the spinnaker pole (in my opinion) is too long and we had a difficulty getting the jib to set. However, that’s neither here or there and the scarcity of a breeze was the major factor. Ernie was as usual, doing a fantastic job running all over the boat like a demented blowfly and setting the jib like a seasoned foredecky.
But to no avail as the breeze just wasn’t any help to us and the sight of Wynella’s transom was not inspiring to say the least. Around Dolphin East and away to Como with the clock ticking loudly. The betting was already on as Como hauled into view and you could see in the distance flags fluttering from the start box. Ah well!
Then to the finish line. Nothing was easy as the wandering breeze made it impossible to make the line in one hit. No, we tacked and tacked again and watched Wynella shave past Heathcote Dolphin with centimetres to spare. But that saved them one tack and it all counts up. Finally Swiftsure Saga crossed the line and were rewarded by a toot from the box and Wynella was second nearly 2 minutes later. Nerrima was third another minute or so after Wynella. It was still a good day out.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella & Nerrima.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga & Nerrima.
Many thanks to Guy Gibson for his photos as I didn’t pack a camera today.
I’m away next week to Margaret River for the pro. You may find a few photos on my other website in a week’s time.
Smoke gets in your eyes!
Another call from Les on Nerrima, he’s got people missing again as Simon is wandering around with the S80’s doing the Legends race and Greg is somewhere else. But all is not lost with Ernie Little deciding that he would join us to keep the numbers up as they had enough on Wynella with Guy re-joining the boat.
That bumped me down to port side trimmer, but I was happy enough with that and as we looked around, we noted that we only had 3 starters today with Ralph, Lockie, John and Brian all off the track today. Maybe they knew something we didn’t? Perhaps the fact the river was covered in smoke from the burn offs had something to do with it.
The motor started confidently and away we went onto the water, mind you I need to give the boat a more confident push next time, as we mucked about for a few minutes and eventually went out backwards. But all was well and we got the sails up and then pottered around with the boat doing fine. Now if only the breeze would come in.
As our time approached, we headed off to the line and then joined the other two, nervously running down the line ready to swing the tiller over and join the fray. Damn it. Swiftsure took off like a skinned cat and was already well away on the course 4 with about 5 to 8 knots out of the sou west. Ah well, the race was between Wynella and Nerrima and we knew that their handicap was lower than ours anyway.
Down to Sampson and then bend away to Robins with the breeze helping us up the river, we took a lucky move to the left and found a breeze that kept us competitive with the pair on our right starting to slow and as we made our way down the river, we thought we might have a chance.
As we reached the apogee of our trip down the river, we were crossed by Swiftsure Saga as they headed to Robins, but Wynella was a different kettle of fish and we managed to get around her and to the mark first, however in the consequential drag race to Dolphin East we lost our way and Wynella slipped into the lead. And so it went with the pole out and causing grief as the length of the spinnaker pole (in my opinion) is too long and we had a difficulty getting the jib to set. However, that’s neither here or there and the scarcity of a breeze was the major factor. Ernie was as usual, doing a fantastic job running all over the boat like a demented blowfly and setting the jib like a seasoned foredecky.
But to no avail as the breeze just wasn’t any help to us and the sight of Wynella’s transom was not inspiring to say the least. Around Dolphin East and away to Como with the clock ticking loudly. The betting was already on as Como hauled into view and you could see in the distance flags fluttering from the start box. Ah well!
Then to the finish line. Nothing was easy as the wandering breeze made it impossible to make the line in one hit. No, we tacked and tacked again and watched Wynella shave past Heathcote Dolphin with centimetres to spare. But that saved them one tack and it all counts up. Finally Swiftsure Saga crossed the line and were rewarded by a toot from the box and Wynella was second nearly 2 minutes later. Nerrima was third another minute or so after Wynella. It was still a good day out.
Over the line: Swiftsure Saga, Wynella & Nerrima.
On handicap: Wynella, Swiftsure Saga & Nerrima.
Many thanks to Guy Gibson for his photos as I didn’t pack a camera today.
I’m away next week to Margaret River for the pro. You may find a few photos on my other website in a week’s time.
Wednesday the 18th of February 2026
Yes, its been a while and may be a bit fragmentary for a period yet.
I received a call to join Nerrima for a cameo run on the mainsheet with a couple of regulars (Greg and Christina) doing the trim and the legend himself Les Brooker on the helm. We had a full deck of boats joining the H28 fleet and 7 boats were aspiring to make their mark on the river.
A run outside to see what the breeze was doing with the seabreeze making its way in to cool the river off. It was light to begin with at around 10 knots, but the starters had no reason not to offer a course one and thankfully they didn't send us up the Canning as that might have made one or two of us blink.
"Which end" said Les; clear air or join the crowd on the pin end. We has Alma and Wynella on our tail and the other four, Corella, Mariner, Swiftsure Saga and Anna playing the crowd at the pin. Not too bad a start though for pure speed it was Lockie and Brian just getting away, but we were doing fine and led the rest into Sampson, ready for the run up to Print. We rounded well and Les tucked himself in behind Lockie with Brian taking the lead. Kept going too, as we had good height and the boat felt fine.
Ready for the tack over to Print with Alma coming in from way out on the left as he had elected to tack off to avoid the bad air from the fleet. A little bit of tacking and dodging and around we went with a comfortable gybe that set us up for a pole on starboard. Up it went and I will state that Nerima's spinnaker pole is longer than usual. Hard to manoeuvre around.
However, it got us down there, but we couldn't keep Alma out and he managed to get inside us on the mark. Bugger. Down to fourth. Then the work up to Robins with the usual ducking and dodging of boats and the timing of a dip that managed to get us past Wynella on the wrong side. Well sailed Glen. But it was a tester of a run and most of the boats stayed out in the middle and dived across to Robins late in the peace. But we managed to get back our place and arrived at the top in fourth again.
We made Robins comfortably with most of the boats not too far away, but our task was simple.. point the boat at Addison and enjoy the ride. A starboard pole of course and no one managed to get near us, though by the time we got to Addison, the fleet had tightened up and there was a bit of argy-bargy which had one yacht moving off to do a spinny to clear the protest flag being waved at them. Back up to Robins and we noted that Swiftsure Saga had decided to go right into Heathcote, either it was going to be a winner or not. As we went around the mark, the three in front were setting their line for Como and we had the pleasure of the Div. One fleet passing through us on their second lap. Got a couple of decent photos too.
By now, we had a decent breeze with 15 knots on the bottom and topping out around 21 knots. Fun and the boat was responding well. But what was that waving from the start box.. a shortened course.. but for who? The Div. Three boats were beginning to fold up their sails and as we watched Mariner approaching the finish line another hooter sounded. Yup, that's us over and done. Well actually no.
The engine refused to fire up and with the jib down, I was asked to take the helm while the regulars tried the various fixes they knew of. Eventually the result was clear, we needed a tow in. The rescue boat was called for and shortly we had a line on and they took us home with a bit of jiggery pokery to get the boat down to where we live. Many thanks to them for their help and the rest of the H28 people as we made our way down the pens.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Alma
On handicap: Alma, Mariner and Wynella
Well done Ralph, that was the first win for the summer season. And many thanks to Conor Nicholas senior coach, who stepped into the role of sail admin to get the results up as well.
Some of the photos today were supplied by Guy Gibson from the bow of Wynella. Keep it up please!
Yes, its been a while and may be a bit fragmentary for a period yet.
I received a call to join Nerrima for a cameo run on the mainsheet with a couple of regulars (Greg and Christina) doing the trim and the legend himself Les Brooker on the helm. We had a full deck of boats joining the H28 fleet and 7 boats were aspiring to make their mark on the river.
A run outside to see what the breeze was doing with the seabreeze making its way in to cool the river off. It was light to begin with at around 10 knots, but the starters had no reason not to offer a course one and thankfully they didn't send us up the Canning as that might have made one or two of us blink.
"Which end" said Les; clear air or join the crowd on the pin end. We has Alma and Wynella on our tail and the other four, Corella, Mariner, Swiftsure Saga and Anna playing the crowd at the pin. Not too bad a start though for pure speed it was Lockie and Brian just getting away, but we were doing fine and led the rest into Sampson, ready for the run up to Print. We rounded well and Les tucked himself in behind Lockie with Brian taking the lead. Kept going too, as we had good height and the boat felt fine.
Ready for the tack over to Print with Alma coming in from way out on the left as he had elected to tack off to avoid the bad air from the fleet. A little bit of tacking and dodging and around we went with a comfortable gybe that set us up for a pole on starboard. Up it went and I will state that Nerima's spinnaker pole is longer than usual. Hard to manoeuvre around.
However, it got us down there, but we couldn't keep Alma out and he managed to get inside us on the mark. Bugger. Down to fourth. Then the work up to Robins with the usual ducking and dodging of boats and the timing of a dip that managed to get us past Wynella on the wrong side. Well sailed Glen. But it was a tester of a run and most of the boats stayed out in the middle and dived across to Robins late in the peace. But we managed to get back our place and arrived at the top in fourth again.
We made Robins comfortably with most of the boats not too far away, but our task was simple.. point the boat at Addison and enjoy the ride. A starboard pole of course and no one managed to get near us, though by the time we got to Addison, the fleet had tightened up and there was a bit of argy-bargy which had one yacht moving off to do a spinny to clear the protest flag being waved at them. Back up to Robins and we noted that Swiftsure Saga had decided to go right into Heathcote, either it was going to be a winner or not. As we went around the mark, the three in front were setting their line for Como and we had the pleasure of the Div. One fleet passing through us on their second lap. Got a couple of decent photos too.
By now, we had a decent breeze with 15 knots on the bottom and topping out around 21 knots. Fun and the boat was responding well. But what was that waving from the start box.. a shortened course.. but for who? The Div. Three boats were beginning to fold up their sails and as we watched Mariner approaching the finish line another hooter sounded. Yup, that's us over and done. Well actually no.
The engine refused to fire up and with the jib down, I was asked to take the helm while the regulars tried the various fixes they knew of. Eventually the result was clear, we needed a tow in. The rescue boat was called for and shortly we had a line on and they took us home with a bit of jiggery pokery to get the boat down to where we live. Many thanks to them for their help and the rest of the H28 people as we made our way down the pens.
Over the line: Mariner, Corella and Alma
On handicap: Alma, Mariner and Wynella
Well done Ralph, that was the first win for the summer season. And many thanks to Conor Nicholas senior coach, who stepped into the role of sail admin to get the results up as well.
Some of the photos today were supplied by Guy Gibson from the bow of Wynella. Keep it up please!