RBYC Racing News

Last Week of Racing

Last Saturday 31st May 2008 was unusually quiet due to the winter season being upon us. Race 3 of the Winter Pursuit Series was scheduled a total of 23 boats entered which is a fantastic turnout considering the cold weather! In the end it was Pheonix B1257 Skippered by David Meik who won congratulations! click here for full results

Hearnes Heroes

Out of the mist onto a glassy sea, twelve boats emerged to race the eleventh heat of the current Summer Hearne’s Heroes Pursuit series. The Tower staff were challenged by multiple factors, including no wind instruments in the tower, poor visbility and lack of adequate heating, but being the dedicated bunch that they are, Harry was seen waving a "voodoo" wand on the breakwater in search of scientific evidence for calling the course with the casting vote for Westerley Course #4.

In minimal wind, boats drifted in a graceful ballet around each other as they waited for their allotted start time and then off into the mist in search of #2! After some time, a radio call broadcast from the tower announced that they had no wind inshore and no idea where we were and planned to bring out Tarni in search of us to shorten course at an appropriate mark!

At this stage BOOTS, closely followed by REDLINE was approaching #2 with the rest of the fleet following in very light W breeze and reassured Harry that we were all underway. A strip of windless water separated the approaching boats from the mark, but all managed to negotiate it and continue on in the race.

Y-KNOT took the scenic route via #1 and then returned to join the rest of the fleet at #2, rounding with FLYING CLOUD and INGENUE ,who then retired from racing to undertake spinnaker practice for the forthcoming Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta.

Meanwhile, other boats were moving up through the fleet and after one triangle, Harry shortened course at #6, happy that his charges had made it around the course and produced a result.

At the end of the day, BOOTS clung to their lead and beat PHOENIX over the line by 12 secs with FLYING FOX only another 37 secs behind and REDLINE a further two minutes back. Congratulations to Caro and Merella who have taken on racing BOOTS with a passion and have been on the water every opportunity to race and hone their skills.

Also welcome to newcomers FLYING CLOUD and good to see LIBERTY on the water with the WATERSHED boys aboard.

Don’t forget the earlier start time for the winter racing.

See you on the water.

Rosie

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Saturday 7th June 2008 

0930hrs Alan Robinson Memorial Trophy: Race to Queenscliff

1330hrs Saturday Winter Pursuit (non-aggregate)

Wednesday 11th June 2008

1330hrs Hearns Heroes Fleet Start

Saturday 14th June 2008

1330hrs Saturday Winter Pursuit R4