Your scribe was not back at Indented Head in time to see the first start on Saturday. But apparently it was worth seeing. In a breeze of 15-20 kn but dropping through the afternoon all boats managed the first race start brilliantly by completely forgetting that the tide was going in the same direction that they were. All boats were over the line save, I am told, Lucy who was sailing back to the start from the wrong side. A general recall was in order. In the second start all got away save Peter C, who was adjudged OCS. (Don’t ask me; I wasn’t there).

Division 1 sailors were Peter C (not the new one, but the old one who it turns out is younger than the new one), Aidan and Callum S and John W all sailing Laser R’s. They were joined by Danny R and Richie H from St Leonard’s sailing Aero 7’s. Division 2 had Andrew D, Geoff D, Tony C and Lucy in Sabres and Harry C on a 4.7 with a positively brand new sail. There was some very close racing on the day.

In Div 2 race 1 Andrew D again led, but apparently had to come from behind to pass Geoff D who may have lost a bit of time. Harry C ended up second over the line a minute down on Andrew. Geoff and Lucy were equal third two minutes behind Harry with Tony 10 seconds behind them. In race 2 Andrew again led Harry, but by a mere 16 seconds, Lucy was 50 seconds back but 15 seconds up on Geoff. Tony was 45 seconds back from Geoff. Sailors mentioned that Harry is scary fast going downhill.

Division 1 race 1 Danny from St Leonard’s led Aidan S by about 50 seconds with Callum a further 50 seconds back. Richie from St Leonard’s was fourth in 1 minute behind Callum with John W 3 minutes back. Peter C, as referred to above would have been ahead of John save for a little OCS, as mentioned above. In race 2 div 1 Peter C got away cleanly but could not pace it with Aidan who was 30 seconds ahead of Danny R who led Callum by 21 seconds. Peter C was next 90 seconds back but ahead of Richie by a minute who pipped John W on the post and led by 5 seconds.

Thanks to Peter E who set the course in tandem with Glen on Ozone and ran the race and called the recalls (It wasn’t me). Again we had the services of Tractor John as the safety boat on his jet ski with added safety sled. It would be appreciated if sailors drew lots with the loser tipping and hopefully injuring themselves so John can try the gear out.
In the absence of our normal watch keeper Anne, Peter C (the newer but older one) stepped up, with thanks, to keep watch and take times.

Coming up:

Saturday 2 May 2026.
Day 1.​Sail Bellarine Regatta
Sunday 3 May 2026.
Day 2.​Sail Bellarine Regatta

(We will be setting up on Friday so volunteers will be welcome on the three days)

With no sailing over the winter your scribe had a bit of spare time which he put to use by borrowing a couple of books from the Club so he could learn to navigate. Here are some of the things he learnt:
Purpose:
The purpose of navigation is to move the boat safely and quickly from one place to another. To ‘move’ a boat means that it’s position in relation to sea and coastline is changing constantly, so must be checked regularly to monitor progress. The movement must be made safely in clear water to avoid danger to the boat and its crew, whilst, on the other hand, this movement must be made quickly to reach the destination without undue delay. The purpose of boat navigation thus becomes one of:
• Knowing the boat’s position at any time.
• Avoiding danger.
• Making a quick ‘passage’ to the intended destination
This purpose remains true whether the passage is an ocean voyage, harbour trip or a run along the coast.

(Thanks for your indulgence and support over the season as this will be the last newsletter until next season).