Race Results 5 April 2025
Final race report of the 2024/25 season covering Autumn Series Heat 7 on 5 April 2025. On a fine day on Sydney Harbour, Yendys won the closing heat by a minute and a half from Top Weight, with Aberdare a further minute back in third, only two and a half minutes covering the podium.
YENDYS WRAPS UP THE SEASON IN A CLOSE FINISH
Only two and half minutes separated the podium for the last race of the season. But once again the mighty Yendys showed that the 24/25 Sailing Season belonged to her despite the handicapper’s best efforts to keep her at bay. On a lovely fine day on Sydney Harbour, Yendys won the final heat in the Autumn Series by a minute and half from Top Weight with Aberdare a minute behind in third place.
Seven skiffs faced the starter for the final race. Back in his proper role as PRO, Wayne “Chucky” Goodfellow officiated from the comfort of the Rippleside (thanks Woody!) and reported that a number of skiffs arrived late to their start time. Skippers need to take note that late starts ruin close competition, are unfair to the crew and to the spectators and may be penalised next season by the handicapper. You have been warned!
Photo thanks to SFS volunteer, and sailor, Tomoko Suga.
As is usual at this time of the year, Chuck wrestled with the problem of setting a course. Before the start in Athol Bight, a SW breeze strengthened from an initial 13 Knots as it went further West. But shortly after setting the No.5 W Course, and getting the fleet away, the breeze went left and settled SSW. Sometimes race officials just can’t win. But at least some fun spinnaker rides were assured.
After the short work up to Kirribilli and down to Shark Island, Aberdare (Michael “Flipper” Carter) had shown good speed to round 2 minutes ahead of Top Weight (Terry Stewart) with Britannia (David Paget) thirty seconds behind in third place. With the fleet nicely bunched up, Ian Smith was following the fleet in his lovely new “Volunteer” and shot a spectacular video showing off the H18s against the background of the Opera House, the Bridge and the iconic Sydney skyline. Do yourself a favour and have a look on the SFS Facebook page — and send it to your mates!
Seconds only separated the fleet when they reached the Kurraba mark. Top Weight had grabbed the lead with Yendys and Aberdare close by. They were followed by Britannia, Australia (Marshall Flanagan), … (Neville Turbit) and Mistake (Jerry Tickner).
As the breeze freshened to around 19 knots, a compelling race ensued between the three leading skiffs. Yendys surged into the lead and with her lovely red and white ringtail doing the job overtook Top Weight to take the chocolates in the final race. Aberdare held on to third with some distance to Australia in fourth place. Britannia held off challenges from Tangalooma and Mistake who finished in that order.
By all reports, the spectators on the Rippleside, with Captain Rob at the helm, had a great day out. Number one supporter and former 18 footer champ, Peter Notley, was sighted, at his usual Scotsmans Hill (Bradleys Head) viewing spot. Our PRO, Chucky Goodfellow, was ably assisted by Ben Powell, delighted to be relieved from the helm of the notoriously unstable Killo for a pleasant change. Barley and Stewart led all the volunteers on the Gemini, Grey and Stewie RIBs without whom racing on our beautiful harbour stage would be impossible. Thanks heaps to you all!
ZOOM IN…. Peter Notley watching on!
Thanks to Stewart Laidler, out every week on his RIB.
Photo thanks to Barley Stewart.
Barley out on the yellow gemini. Photo thanks to Tomoko Suga.
And a special thank you to Ian Smith whose recent contributions to our unique sport, now that he is no longer sailing his beautiful Britannia, have been wonderful tales in the AHSSA Newsletter, as well as great photos and videos for SFS and his terrific web page, www.historicskiffs.org.au. Did you know, by the way that Ian has donated Britannia to the Australian Open Skiff Trust that, thanks also to John “Woody” Winning, also owns and maintains much of the rest of the fleet for you to enjoy? You will be hearing a lot more about how the Trust will be improving the fleet — making sailing as a tax deduction? Love it!
Ian Smith following the fleet. Photo thanks to Barley Stewart.
So, as far as sailing goes, that’s a wrap for another season. We have high hopes for getting another couple of H18s back in the water for next season to bring the fleet up to full size again. In the meantime, we shall be offering lots of opportunities for old and new crews to be formed and for training and tactical sessions to be held over a rum or two on cold winter evenings. Lots of jobs around the shed as well, so lots of reasons to keep in touch with your mates and your Club.
SFS is back in the hands of its sailors and it is your Club in one of the best waterfront locations in Sydney.
Get on board!
Image thanks Barley Stewart
Saturday 24th May — Put it in your diary
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RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT THE SFS WEBSITE
Sydney Flying Squadron Ltd — Australia’s oldest open boat sailing club, 76 McDougall St, Kirribilli NSW 2061. Phone: (02) 9955 8350
This text was read from the scanned original below by optical character recognition. It has not yet been checked by a person, so it may carry mistakes, and any results tables in the original are not reproduced here. The scan is the authority.