Saturday, 23 November 2024

As I Saw It (and remembered it!)

Saturday dawned sunny and warm after a very soggy week. Again, numbers were light with only 4 boats racing.

Mike Allen stepped in for Miller (I) on Rapscallion as he was off preparing for his 50^th birthday celebrations – Happy Birthday Miller, while Dane, the new owner of the recently arrived Viking stepped on board The Project for the day. We are looking forward to seeing Viking racing in the not-too-distant future. Dana made an appearance on Athena along with Remco who has returned to Brisbane after living and sailing in Melbourne for much of the last year. Patto, who couldn’t put up with being sidelined any longer, jumped back on the helm of Waterloo Too.

Race 1 started in a 12kt S’Easter that tended left all day. With the pin heavily biased all 4 boats started at the pin end with Rapscallion in prime spot on the pin though a 10 degree right shift shortly after the start saw that advantage eroded. By mid beat Waterloo Too had control over Rapscallion and loosely covered them up the remainder of the beat rounding ½ dozen lengths in front. A similar distance back was The Project who had 4-5 lengths on Athena.

The first 2 boats, though the margin stayed pretty much the same between them, extended on the other two with The Project narrowly holding off Athena. The second beat didn’t provide many options and Rapscallion remained a similar distance behind Waterloo Too at the final turn.

The run saw Rapscallion close the gap at which point Waterloo Too initiated a luffing duel which ended with the Rappers kite brushing Waterloo Too resulting in a penalty turn. This allowed a comfortable win to Patto and crew while Rapscallion had to work to hold off The Project by just 9 seconds. Just 20 seconds further back was Athena.

At this point Athena withdrew with a broken backstay leaving just 3 for the second race. In a softening breeze the RC moved the course further left for this one though the pin remained favoured. Shortly after the start Waterloo  Too hooked into a right hand shift out on the right and by the time they came back into the middle of the course they have a significant lead over The Project and Rapscallion. With Waterloo Too well gone Rapscallion trailed The Project by several lengths at the top, their beat not having been helped by a blown out jib window.

By mid run they had passed The Project and rounded the bottom 4-5 lengths in front. With no passing lanes up wind it was just a case of follow the leader. The run saw Rapscallion halve the lead of Waterloo Too but it was too little too late and Waterloo Too took their second gun of the day.

Halftime between races provided some excitement on board The Project when they heard someone in the water yelling for help spied a head bobbing in the water. Zoe took on the role of spotter while the others sailed up to a young skiff sailor who had been separated from his 18’er when it broke its boom and capsized. The young skiffie was hauled onboard where he proudly mentioned it was his first time on an Etchells. They sailed him back to his boat where he offered his thanks before diving off to join his crew mates.

Boat of the day recognition to The Project for their actions outlined above. Well done guys and I’m sure the skiffie (and his family) are very appreciative.

Thanks to Kendell for post race snacks.

See you all next week.

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