On a day with over 35 degrees, northerlies and strong wind warnings, we sat on the beach contemplating reports of 30 kn from around the bay. There were some who doubted whether it was a good day to sail, especially as we watched the club Sabre get dragged in while the club Laser was the wrong way up.

But Andrew had come from Ballarat to be RO and Lucy had brought Will to sail on the club Laser, (Billy would have come had he not doubted his car’s radiator in the heat), so we sailed. Those to race in Div 1 were John W (who did one race but retired with a sore shoulder) Clive (who did one race but retired cos it wasn’t fun) and Will Townson (who retired from the second race). We are tougher in Div 2 and Sabres sailed by Geoff, Tony, Ollie, Tony, Steve and Lucy (who let the side down by not finishing the second race) were joined by Callum sailing a Laser 4.7 in two races. Actually, as often proves to be the case in a northerly, it looks worse than it is and this held up again and by the end of the second race we were drifting in a shortened race.

In Division 1 Will proved to be formidable winning race 1 by about two minutes up on John who led Clive by about three minutes. Will was the sole Div 1 in race 2 but retired after being OCS.

Things were closer in Division 2 Race 1 where Callum was two minutes ahead in race 1, but Geoff, Ollie and Tony finished within 30 seconds, Geoff 11 seconds up on Ollie who was 14 seconds up on Tony. Lucy a minute and a quarter back with your scribe yet another minute and a quarter back. In race two your scribe thought it might have been Christmas as he started terribly (having been lulling around waiting for John and Clive to turn up when the first flag went up) but cruised from 20 metres behind Lucy to through her lee to 20 metres ahead. At this stage Ollie was encountered who lee bowed your scribe forcing a tack away and complete loss of momentum from which he never recovered. Racing at the front was tight with Geoff 36 seconds ahead of Callum who was 5 seconds up on Tony and was 9 seconds up on Ollie. Your scribe trailed Ollie by a minute and a half after Lucy retired.

Congratulations to Lucy who walked 60 km during the week to celebrate her birthday. Commiserations to Aidan Simmons who is out of action recovering from knee surgery.

Thanks go to Andrew Grant for running the race with Paul Simmons. Llewellen Wishart drove Dennis Jones (having now obtained a licence) with crew of Peter V. Glenn was an additional crash boat on Dave Wane. Anne kept watch and times from the tower and Julie was magnificent making all healthy food.

Coming up:

Saturday 16 March 2024
Junior L2S commences 0900-1100
Senior L2S commences 1130-1330
Club Racing 1400 Lady Nelson Cup commences

Saturday 23 March 2024
Junior L2S commences 0900-1100
Senior L2S commences 1130-1330
Club Racing 1400 Lady Nelson Cup continues