Saturday, 12 October 2024

As I Saw It (and remembered it!)

With the 2 previous Saturdays racing having been cancelled due to excessive wind, Huey finally came to the party providing a perfect 10 kt nor’easter. With St Helena Cup dragging some crews away and others with other commitments and injuries we only had 4 Etchells hit the water.

We welcomed our fleet captain Marty to the water for the first time this season. With Miller out this week Rapscallion welcomed Al Cowen back on board while Athena saw new Etchells sailors Mark and Jason jump on board.

With only 4 boats on the line it was easy starting and a left shift just prior to the gun created a large pin end bias which saw Rapscallion and The Saint at that end jump out to a early lead over The Project and Athena. They played the left while The Project went right. A right hand shift allowed The Project back into the fight and they narrowly crossed both Rapscallion and The Saint just before the top of the beat. Unfortunately the power of the right  prevailed on the starboard layline and they had to dip both The Saint and Rapscallion. Rounding the top mark, The Saint had a boat length lead from Rapscallion with The Project a couple further back.

The Saint and Rapscallion were neck and neck on the run simultaneously rounding alternative marks at the bottom. A course change adjusted for the right shift from the previous beat. Off the bottom Rapscallion picked up a small shift on the right which saw them cross and put a loose cover on The Saint for the rest of the beat and lead easily at the top. The Project rounded in 3th with Athena as ‘tail end Charlie’.

The run didn’t provide any further passing opportunities giving Rapscallion a comfortable win. Jason on Athena picked up a hand injury during the race and was off loaded onto a race committee boat meaning they would compete 3 handed and under weight in the 2^nd race.

Race 2 was postponed slightly while the course was adjusted. After the start Rapscallion, The Project and Athena favoured the right while The Saint found something on the left and by mid beat had crossed the fleet. Rapscallion misjudged a port/starboard with The Project necessitating a pirouette pushing them back into 3^rd at the top.

The Saint led by 30 seconds or so the at the bottom gate with Rapscallion having squeezed past The Project. They tried to take it to The Saint on the final beat of the day but Marty made sure he repaid the favour from the first race not allowing them any opportunity to close up. This little battle allowed The Project to close on Rapscallion and round the top mark in second a couple of lengths ahead. With The Saint clear ahead Gary spent all run looking over his shoulder trying to keep the Rappers at bay. An attack just before the final turning mark at the bottom slowed The Project and a surge inside and gybe on the mark saw Rapscallion sneak through to finish 2 seconds ahead.

The day rounded out with the usual beers and story telling on the hardstand. Thanks to Sue (Rapscallion) for the post race snacks. A special mention to Sophie from The Saint for her first Etchells bullet.

Boat of the day goes to The Saint (on count back) from Rapscallion.

See you all next week.

(The author accepts no responsibilities for any inaccuracies, distortions of the truth or outright lies.)

The Swan River Etchells Fleet is pleased to announce an incentive to participate in the 2026 Australian Etchells Championship and to be a valid voting member for the upcoming election of class Governors.

For all Australian owners that pay their Australian membership by the due date of 15 October 2024, entry to the 2026 Australian Etchells Championship in Perth in February 2026 will be free, yes FREE.

The Swan River Etchells Fleet is excited to be the host of the national championship.  We will take over the Swan River for the event and our class will be on full display to the Perth public from all angle of the compass. An exciting format.

We encourage all Etchells owners to pay their Australian membership and come race in Perth.