For the final regatta of the season our seven crews enjoyed a cool but sunny day with a challenging 12 knot westerly wind, gusting to over 15 knots at times.
After a briefing from Bruce Davis all boats took to the water and lined up for the start of the first race. On the first beat to the windward mark, a collision occurred between Vin, sailed by John W and Ken, and Black Swan sailed by Helene and Clare, which resulted in Vin withdrawing due to broken jib sheet lead. No other damage was done to either boat.
At the head of the fleet Denis and Ivan in Woody battled for supremacy against Ralph Newman sailed by Sophie and Victoria and Dolly Wallace skippered by Steve B with Skye as his able crew. They finished in this order, with Michael and Ros in Alex Martin close behind. Nola and Eli in Eli D and Black Swan found the conditions difficult and did not finish before the time deadline.
The second race saw Dolly Wallis and Ralph Newman battle for the lead, but in a clever manoeuvre on the final stretch, Dolly Wallis edged her rival out causing her to miss the line cross. Black Swan was in position to take second while Ralph Newman circled back to cross the line, but also failed to hit the mark, leaving the field open for Woody to take second, with Ralph Newman finishing third. Alex Martin scored a consistent fourth, while Eli D just pipped Black Swan for fifth place.
The final race again saw more drama with Ralph Newman breaking her mast in the blustery conditions and having to be towed back to the dock by Charlies Chariot. Dolly Wallis again held off a fast-finishing Woody and Black Swan came a creditable third. Alex Martin maintained her consistency with another fourth, followed by Eli D.
With equal points, the winners of the regatta on a count-back were Steve and Skye, with Denis and Ivan second and Michael and Ros in third place. A creditable result was Sophie and Victoria finishing fourth, given that they did not finish the last race. Helene and Clare were fifth, followed by Nola and Eli.
Despite the gusty conditions and equipment failures, a great day was enjoyed by all who participated. A key part of the success of the day was the professional management of the races by Bruce Davis and his team, the support provided by David Webb and Michael Moore on Charlies Chariot and the welcome sausage sandwiches and hot coffee after the wet morning racing, provided by Helen. Special thanks go to John Weaver for organising another very enjoyable regatta.
