Winter Series #3&4
It was a bit of a cold grey day, but nineteen skippers gathered around race control with the promise of more unpredictable winter winds on the forecast. Some bailed out early in their jackets and beanies, citing lack of electric heating onboard, while others wandered around in t-shirts and shorts…?
A triangle course was laid in as the early breeze looked promising. As the starting horns went off, so did the wind… so the course was shortened, albeit a little late due to optimism (sorry Lock). Despite travelling at just a couple of knots, a few skippers seem to have a beef with B mark today as some T-bone it, scraped past it or simply stufed the rounding completely (see, no names mentioned :))
A few skippers packed up early and headed for the pub. Always good to know there’s some sensible sailors in the club.
Race 2 wind conditions were looking much better until they weren’t…., and the course was shortened again.
Some highlights were John on a Weta, who almost blitzed the fleet on the downwind run home only to park it in a windless hole a hundred meters short of the finish and graciously allow others to pass by. Efran also completed his second ever race today and it was great to see a few Bic O’pen skiffs out there as well. Two families also competed with Ben in his 420 and 2 kids and Patrick and family launching a spinnaker on their trailer sailor. Great stuff. And Lydia was spotted after the race having a go on dad’s N4.5, so look out C division.
By 3pm, the overcast conditions were so very dark and gloomy, we turned on navigation lights on the rescue boat as a laugh. Very short courses, but very well done to all who participated. Thanks to the two Pauls on race control and Rob for company on the the safety boat. Much appreciated.
Later that day, Tim and Lock were last seen drifting towards the west in their A class cats, as the rest of us packed up and headed for hot showers and ugg boots. They re probably still out there… Some kids just won’t get off the merry-go-round….
Lots of smiles all round despite the gloom. See you next time.
