FOLLOWING several weeks of heavy weather sailing, Saturday’s outside course had SIBYC sailors trying to remember how to rig and sail in some light breeze, with a five knot northerly blowing out on the Basin.
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With regular committee boat Sparrowfest (Phil Q.) away on other duties, Silver and Ken (Lowana) stepped up and volunteered for committee boat duties for the day.
The handicap start countdown began on time at 1pm with the first boats away at 10 minutes past, the visiting ‘Ting Around, and Steve on White Dove.
Ten minutes later, HooRoo (Andy and Lou) set off in pursuit, closely followed by Bay Blues (John, Steve and Cliffy) and last away were Pass The Port (Paul and Lynne), with Southern Cross (Greg, Lynne and Captain Billy) a minute later.
The light and variable breeze saw the boats trying to hunt down the best wind speed and direction, and those boats that stuck to the east of the basin had a better time than those that went more towards the north-west.
‘Ting Around led the way round the top mark with the following boats still in start order.
The first downwind leg saw the back markers close the gap, with Pass The Port starting to work its way through the fleet.
A little light rain did not dampen the spirits, nor unfortunately bring any more wind.
The larger boats revelled in the lighter conditions, and at last being able to use all of their sail area at full power, continued to make progress on the smaller boats.
With the breeze not increasing and vital supplies running low, the stand-in committee boat took the wise decision to shorten the race at the Palm Beach top mark.
Pass The Port had worked its way to the front of the pack with Southern Cross hot on their heels and a good tactical battle to the finish line with Pass The Port taking out a creditable and deserved line and handicap honours win with Southern Cross in second place.
Well done to the visitors in ‘Ting Around for holding on to third spot.
Fourth was HooRoo and last over the line Bay Blues.
Two of the regulars that were missing from the race were Greg and Rhonda Brown on Fly Navy Too.
This was because they travelled south to Eden to fly the SIBYC flag in the Twofold Bay Regatta.
Managing a first and second place in the two races on Saturday and with Sunday’s racing being abandoned due to strong winds, they managed to take first place in their division.
Thanks and well done to Silver and Ken for the flag work and time keeping.
No weekend race next week.
The next race is a Basin Chase on March 1.
Finally, to keep you brains ticking over this week:
What goes into water red and comes out black, and goes into water black and comes out red?
Answer next week.
HooRoo, Andy and Lou.