With NNE winds building on a fine day, the Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club ran two rounds of the Tahmoor Rural Summer Series on Sunday, February 18.
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The day’s competition started with race 4 of the Summer Series and a fleet of 9 boats competed. The race got under way in gusty 12-knot winds with the seven Division 1 yachts completing a 7.5 nautical mile course and the two smaller Division 2 yachts tackling a shorter 5.5 nautical mile circuit.
Mark Tobin, who’d previously campaigned Cougar, with remarkable success in club events, entered his new yacht Cest la Vie. This was the first race for the Jeanneau 44i that will have to complete three races before receiving a handicap and figuring in the series results.
The race start was crowded and hectic as the two Navy entries, Friendship and Franklin, both charged for the starboard end of the start line. After a close call and touchy moment between the two boats, Franklin, to avoid a penalty, opted to complete a 360 degree turn. Friendship, Cest la Vie and Sojourn seized this opportunity to slip past Franklin and the race for Division 1 was on in earnest.
Over the course of this short race, and with the winds building Franklin hauled past its rivals taking Division 1 line honours in 1 hour and 2 minutes. Cest la Vie crossed the finish line less than a minute behind Franklin with Sojourn crossing a close third.
Once the handicaps were applied to Division 1 Franklin, skippered by Rod Targa, retained its 1st place with the other Navy entry Friendship, skippered by Blue Timms 2nd, and Trevor Kenaar (Invincible) 3rd.
In Division 2 the rivalry between Paul Gooey (Matana) and Denis Meredith (Wotalife) continued. While Matana got the best of the start Wotalife ran past them downwind heading South down the bay. As the boats turned West and started reaching across the bay in light winds Matana passed Wotalife and stayed ahead for the rest of the race.
Matana crossed the finish line in 1 hour 13 minutes, less than 20 seconds ahead of Wotalife. Once the handicap was applied, however, the positions were reversed with Denis Meredith (Wotalife) winning the race in Division 2.
Race 2 in the club’s Summer Series was cancelled on January 14th, due to dangerous conditions. So, after Race 4 was completed, Race 2 of the series was run. While Race 2 would use the same course as Race 4, the winds had increased and were gusting well over 20 knots making this a very different race that would test both the crews and yachts.
In this race Franklin got off to a clean start in Division 1 and led the field as they turned and headed downwind. Cest la Vie and Sojourn 3 were chasing Franklin then Sojourn 3 had a main sheet jam and were passed by Friendship.
Franklin crossed the finish line in a time of 57 minutes, followed by Cest la Vie then Friendship. Once handicaps were applied Rod Targa (Franklin) retained 1st place with Blue Timms (Friendship) came 2nd and Rick Early (Sojourn 3) was 3rd.
In Division 2, Denis Meredith (Wotalife) took the lead at the start. With the moderate winds suiting the heavier 5 tonne Wotalife, over the 3 tonne Matana, Wotalife held onto the lead crossing the finish line in 1 hour 9 minutes. Denis also won the race on handicap.
The days races were followed by a BBQ and a few drinks at the clubhouse, and it was great to see some new people come aboard and getting involved in the club’s activities. The club’s next race is on Sunday, March 11, and the club welcomes any existing crews and new members. If you would like to get involved see their website www.jbcyc.com.au.