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The first race of the Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club Huskisson Hotel Summer Series was run on Sunday, December 8. A fleet of 13 boats took to the bay in moderate north-east winds. The race was also the season's second round in the club's Tahmoor Rural Round the Bay Series.
With the winds blowing from NE at just over 10 knots, the seven larger division yachts crowded the northern end of the start line as they began racing along a 13.5 nautical mile course. Tranquillity, helmed by Alan Leach, took the lead early. The Navy entry Friendship, skippered by Glenn Armstrong, hauled past Tranquillity as they sailed into the wind and beat the rest of the fleet to the 1st mark.
As the boats raced towards Huskisson Tranquillity was able to take the lead again. Tranquillity then stretched its lead as they crossed the bay towards Longnose Point.
Further back the field Paul Gooey in Out of the Blue was able to pass John Lawrence's Sas Sea as they neared Longnose Point. Sas Sea then got back ahead of Out of the Blue just after they passed Honeymoon Bay.
Alan Leach (Tranquillity) crossed the finish line 1st in 2 hours and 2 minutes, just under 5 minutes ahead of Rick Early (Sojourn 3) who incurred a 5-minute penalty. Once handicaps were applied Alan Leach retained 1st place with Paul Gooey (Out of the Blue) 2nd and John Lawrence (Sas Sea) 3rd.
In Division 2 the fleet of 6 yachts took on a slightly shorter 12 nautical mile course. At the start Pru Harper skippering Sirocco raced away from the rest of the fleet, rounding the 1st mark in the lead, being chased by Peter Cowman's yacht Double Time.
After being left in last place at the start, John Anderson in Laser 3 was able to make the most of his lighter boat's performance in 10 to 12 knot winds. As the fleet headed South towards Huskisson Laser 3 passed all the fleet except Sirocco. Then as the fleet raced east across the bay the winds strengthened, favouring the larger yachts. Double Time, helmed by Peter Cowman, repassed Laser 3 just before they reached Longnose Point. Then as Laser 3 approached the Northern end of the bay, Phil Guy in Summer of 69 got passed.
Pru Harper (Sirocco) crossed the finish line 1st in Division 2 in 2 hours 11 minutes followed by Peter Cowman (Double Time) nine minutes later. Once the Handicaps were applied Pru Harper kept 1st place, Denis Meredith (Wotalife) took 2nd and Trevor Smith (Relentless) came 3rd.
After the race the club held a BBQ and the days winners were presented with Crooked River Wines, the sponsor of the Club Championship. The club's next event will be their special Christmas race day on Saturday, December 14.
The Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club has been operating continuously since 1970. It provides fun social atmosphere with competitive racing and welcomes new members. If you would like to get involved see the club's website www.jbcyc.com.au.