RBYC Racing News

I hope everyone had a HAPPY EASTER. As there wasn't any racing over the long weekend to report on, we shall look at what's coming up...

Hearne's Heroes - Wednesday March 19 2008
Again, an absolutely lovely afternoon to go sailing. Early Autumn really is special. The wind at the start was SSW, 12 knots, and built to 15 knots during the race. Seas were officially described as "Slight". This time the big question was, would it stay as it is, would it build, or would it drop out? Most people opted for a #2, on the basis that it was unlikely to drop out, and may well build. And as it turned out, most people made the correct decision.

There were 8 boats out there with the notable absentees being Sun Kiss, Gusto, Conrad, Redline and Christina. I hope you all bring a note with a good excuse next week! Really good (and really weak) excuses will be published!

It was nice to see Current Affair out there, let's hope she can be a more frequent starter.

Course 1 (S-1-3-5-6-1-6-5-F) was the starter's selection, and the fleet prepared for a Fleet Start.

As with any fleet start, the real estate agents have it right. Position, position, position. Hot Shot (5 seconds) and Avanti (12 seconds) were the nominal best, but they were towards the middle or bottom half of the line. Adam's Rib (29 seconds after the gun) was on the pin and travelling while the other boats were in 2 clusters, one group in the middle of the line and the remainder of the boats spread out towards the bricks. All boats were travelling south, on starboard tack.

With a good start and clean air, Adam's Rib had the speed to catch the rest of the fleet, and the height to stay above and control them. Ingénue, very early, got sick of losing speed in dirty air and tacked away. The rest of the fleet kept going as long as they had water, and then tacked away, most of them heading out to the other layline and all passing comfortably astern of Adam's Rib. Avanti was the penultimate tacker, and the only one forced to duck behind Adam's Rib.

Around number 1 the first time it was Adam's Rib, with Avanti  and Clipper III close behind. A broad reach took the fleet to number 3, but not broad enough to benefit from a pole, although some boats did try. After gybing around number 3, it was again a broad reach to number 5, and nobody tried to get a pole up.

Around number 5 the first time it was still Adam's Rib, with Avanti  trying hard to keep up. There was just a touch more west in the breeze, and Adam's Rib was able to lay number 6. Avanti was footing a bit, and ended up closer to wall, so she decided to tack out. Adam's Rib hung in along the coast, and benefited from huge lifts, so much so that when she was in a position to tack for the mark, it was only 250 metres away. Avanti, and the boats that went out, did not get a knock, and so assumed that there were no lifts to be gained close to the coast.

After bearing away around number 1, it was a borderline run to number 5, and up went the poles. Those with the bigger headsails found it hard to set them properly without dropping down from the true course, forcing them into an early pole-drop and a reach up to the mark. Adam's Rib had increased her lead over Avanti and Ingénue going to number 1, and again going to number 5.

At the finish it was Adam's Rib taking the gun, 1.5 minutes ahead of Avanti, with Ingénue a further 3.1 minutes behind. Clipper III and Vintage Burgundy were only separated by 6 seconds, and they were followed over the line by Hot Shot, Y Knot (the blue one) and Current Affair.

The final results, after taking handicaps into account, had Adam's Rib winning by over a minute from Clipper III, with Vintage Burgundy 3rd. Complete results are available on the web-site.

See you all out there next week, for a Pursuit Start.

Twilight Extra Races - Wednesday 6pm

The Club is offering to run 2 extra twilight races for those diehards. The only thing is, you need to start earlier. The race will begin at 1800hrs. Tomorrow's race and the last race the following Wednesday are non-aggregates but the standard club voucher prizes will be awarded. Click here for pursuit starting times. There will also be no formal sit down dinners. BYO or buy a bbq pack only.

If you missed it, the winner of both the Summer Twilight Series and the Twilight Season Aggregate was Phil & Andy's 'Under Capricorn'. They walked away with a solid brass bell from Briggs Marine and Line 7 Marine wet weather gear. For Under Capricorn consistancy counted over the 18 races, only achieving 1st place once.

Saturday 29th March 08

SYC are running race 6 of the Range Series starting off at 1400. It is also a charity event - Keeping Cancer at Bay. Click here to view the promo...

Please email us you confirmation of entry for this Saturday's Range race please - sailing@rbyc.org.au

Club racing begins at 1400

Centre Course - 1400 Etchells Easter Series, 2 back to back races

Home Courses (Tower Start) - 1200 Dragons - Cadets in Dragons race

                                            1350 Dragons - Veterans in Dragons race

                                            1355 Jubilees -  Veterans in Jubilees race

                                            1400 Pursuits - Race 6 Summer Aggregate (only 3 more races left to determine the winners of the coffee machines!!)

Rescue Boat Drivers

If you are prepared to help out your club and operate a rescue duck on either Saturday's or Sunday's racing program, register your interest by emailing sailing@rbyc.org.au. Training will be provided through Yachtmaster Sailing School sometime in June.