As I saw (and remembered) it – Saturday 21st February by Brad Ginnivan

Last Saturday delivered a nice light to medium 8–10 knots from the east, with the race committee once again setting the top mark under Green Island. With that easterly, the racetrack was always going to be tricky. Eight Etchells took to the course.

With Wicko off doing the sports boats, VC Todd sailed the middle on Waterloo Too while over on Rapscallion Dave H took the week off. This saw Kevin driving and Josh jumping on board at the sharp end. On The Project with Zoe out of action, Gary’s colleague Victor (a young Frenchman over here for a few months) got his first Etchells experience. No better day for an introduction to Etchells racing.

Race 1

Most of the fleet started mid-line or towards the pin. NGHAM won the pin and initially looked in command, appearing able to cross the fleet. They tacked onto port only to be met by one of those passionate KIWI drivers hailing, “Protest, protest!” — close, but no cigar 😊 (I may owe the KIWI a beer ☹).

That opened the door for Rapscallion to head left, and halfway up the first beat they held a commanding lead. Behind them it was incredibly tight between Waterloo Bay, Knot Easy, The Saint, NGHAM, Athena, The Project and Happy Hour.

At the bottom mark, Knot Easy made their move, and by the top mark the margin was down to seconds. Waterloo rounded 3rd, NGHAM 4th, with the rest following in order.

The run proved fascinating. Rapscallion and Knot Easy sailed deep towards Wellington Point at one stage, battling hard for the lead. Meanwhile, Waterloo attacked NGHAM in similar fashion to fight for 3rd and the favoured side. In the end, NGHAM and Rapscallion held firm and won the better pressure.

Results – Race 1
1st – Rapscallion (by 2 seconds)
2nd – Knot Easy
3rd – NGHAM (by 1 second over Waterloo Bay)
Then: Happy Hour, The Saint (mainsail issues), The Project and Athena.

Race 2

With the pin clearly favoured, it was a scramble to win it. NGHAM chased Waterloo right to the gun, left it late and missed the pin. Waterloo returned after being over.

NGHAM headed right and were last around the top mark. Rapscallion once again proved the boat to beat, rounding with another commanding lead. Knot Easy, The Saint, The Project and Athena all had strong first beats.

Down the first run most boats gybed and were forced toward the left-hand mark to protect their air. NGHAM chose the right mark and then worked hard left — a brilliant move that gained four places to round 4th behind Rapscallion, Waterloo and Knot Easy.

At the top the final time charging in hot was The Project who, with little room, attempted to split Knot Easy and NGHAM. After some lively discussion (not from me 😊), The Project completed a 720° penalty turn, allowing The Saint, Happy Hour and Athena to slip through.

From there, positions largely held, with NGHAM sneaking past Knot Easy to secure a well-earned (and slightly lucky) 3rd.

Overall Standings

A day of very close racing, with Rapscallion taking both wins. David Healey may now be happy sitting on the sidelines as the crack crew take charge!

Boat of the Day – Rapscallion

Series points:

• Rapscallion – 1,1

The next three boats tied on 6 points — tight racing all round.

• Waterloo Bay – 4,2
• Knot Easy – 2,4
• NGHAM – 3,3

This Saturday’s forecast looks a bit ugly — 20+ knots and rain ☹ — but as we know, that usually just makes the stories better.

The President.

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