On a day with little breeze and a temperature in the thirties we managed to get in one race before the wind died entirely.

Division 1 sailors were John W and Peter E on full rigs and Richard F in his OK. Division 2 had seven sailors, six Sabres and the 420. We welcomed back James Dott in his first race since pre-Christmas sailing on his Sabre ‘Bruce’ (aka ‘Weapon of Choice’) as well as James Dixon for his second race on ‘Death Trap’ (aka ‘Abigail’). Unfortunately James Dixon failed to finish the first race when a bit either broke off or had not been properly put back by someone or a combination of both (depending on who you listened to) and by the time James was back for race 2, it had been abandoned. The 420 also had problems in the light conditions and, while it looked good with the kite up, it had problems going up wind and retired in the first race.

In Division 1, John W came in ahead of Richard F by 45 seconds. Peter E struggled and found himself on the wrong side of the finish line as the wind dropped to nearly breathless. He finished 11 minutes after Richard. In Division 2, Geoff D had a field day and found breeze when nobody else could. He finished 2 minutes up on Ollie who led Tony by 2 minutes and a bit. Your scribe was another 2 minutes behind ahead of the gallant James Dott by 13 minutes. James Dixon and Andrew Grant (with crew Lew Wishart) all retired.

The wind dropped to about zero for race 2 and it was abandoned.

As we packed up, Commodore John Walter received a call from Margaret Whyte telling us that Frank had died during the afternoon, probably as we were sailing. Frank was a stalwart and life member of the Club and secretary before your scribe was a member (about 2004) through to the mid to late 2010’s. He was a lovely person who spoke well of all. Some may not however remember he could also be a fierce competitor who raced to win. He was, I think, also involved in the scouting movement and had sailed for much of his sailing life on Lake Colac. Our thoughts are with Margaret and their family.

Special thanks to Peter V who was the RO, assisted by Ian Ravenscroft. He had to contend with shifts and drops of breeze and wisely abandoned racing after the first race. They were assisted by Glen Terry on Dennis Jones. Julie did her stuff and Anne took times in the tower and watched over the course.

Coming up:

Saturday 22 March 2025.
Learn2Sail is on with basic learners and more advanced running from 0900 to 1200.
We are running simultaneously to allow for a progression from group to group

AND Informal opening of Tiny Towns Development work which has enabled the Club to refurbish (work nearly there) the front of the Club to look better for members and beachgoers.
Provisional Program:
0900 Learn2Sail
1100 Salty B!tches swim to pole
1200 Opening Tiny Towns works
1400 Interclub Regatta at IHYC with Port and St Leonards. Two races.

Support and appreciation of the grant will be great.

Saturday 29 March 2025.
1400 Bengalut Balug series continues
Learn2Sail is on with basic learners and more advanced running from 0900 to 1200.
We are running simultaneously to allow for a progression from group to group.

And in a new and occasional bit:
Your Scribe has decided that he often gets things wrong and he would be wise to write down any hints and learnings soon after a race for review, this is a progression to a ‘professional attitude’ to sailing; and he is prepared to share them with you as a learning experience; so:
Learning 44 Tony told me on Saturday, the forward Taser committee member frequently tells me, everyone says so;
DO NOT PINCH UP TO THE WINDWARD MARK