Race Results 7 December 2024
Rain and a light north westerly for Summer Series Race 1 prompted officials to set a special windward leeward course of two laps around Clark Island, with Britannia first away in under five knots.
SFS Race Report Summer Series Race #1 7 December 2024 WEATHER CONDITIONS CALL FOR A NEW COURSE
Photos thanks to Renata Zanetti and Phil Franklin
There are some days when the weather gods just cannot make up their mind. For Race 1 of the Summer Series, this turned out to be the case with rain and mizzle greeting us during the morning and with not much of a breeze prevailing from any direction. The forecasters were generally in agreement that it was going to be a light day, especially with the rain, and a NW breeze. Strangely, one of the forecasters predicted gusts of 25 knots during the afternoon and that was enough to persuade some skippers to go out with less sail than was needed. The race officials were left with a decision on what course to set. Our Sailing Instructions do not specify a NW course and it was felt that neither a NE or a W course would give enough of a windward leg to make it a contest. By agreement with the Commodore, it was decided that if the breeze stayed in the NW, then we would sail a windward-leeward course starting in Athol and two laps around Clark Island. If the direction was more W, then we would go for the W course. Just before the start, with the breeze light and NW, the Clark Island course was selected.
Britannia led off in less than 5 knots of breeze, followed by Mistake and Tangalooma. Top Weight and Australia joined the chase leaving Yendys to wait another 12 minutes, but setting off in slightly increased breeze. All skiffs started off a wind for a change. This was not unlike the original fleets that always started and finished at Clark island, frequently with a spinnaker start. This time, though, although off a wind, the reach was a little too tight as the breeze went left.
After the first lap, less than 4 minutes separated the first four skiffs. Tangalooma had taken the lead and rounded the Athol mark 2 ½ minutes ahead of Top Weight with Britannia only 1 second behind, but suffering from a shortage of sail area. Australia was pressing a further 1 minute behind in fourth place. Mistake meanwhile had confused the course instructions and had set off on the W course and, with dispensation, was struggling to rejoin the fleet. Yendys, having enjoyed more breeze at the start, then found itself with less than everyone else and finally rounded 6 minutes after Australia.
Photos thanks to Renata Zanetti and Phil Franklin
The weather gods then decided that it was Tangalooma’s turn for special favours. With what seemed like a private breeze, she took off from her pursuers, rounded Clark Island and enjoyed a light 2-3 knots of breeze to finish first over the line. More than half an hour later, with practically no breeze, Top Weight and Australia struggled to the finish. Britannia tried to join the fray, but had no wind, not enough canvas and was battling the ebb tide. A retirement and a tow was called for. Yendys and Mistake finally finished to the roars of their crews, roars of happiness or frustration it was hard to tell, almost 50 minutes behind Tangalooma. Tangalooma had scored a memorable 1+1+1. First over the line, first on handicap and fastest time. It was hard to recall that ever happening before, but well sailed by Neville Turbit and his crew to beat the difficult conditions.
Photos thanks to Renata Zanetti and Phil Franklin
And then the sun came out. A pleasant little SE breeze piped up to prove that you can have 360 degrees of breeze in the one afternoon, and the skiffs headed for home with spinnakers set in the case of some. A crazy day indeed. Thanks to the skippers and their crews and to the fabulous volunteers who make this all possible! And thanks to Woody and the League for the loan of Rippleside again this week while the Killo is out of action waiting on her new gear box.
Photos thanks to Renata Zanetti and Phil Franklin
All photos thanks to Renata Zanetti and Phil Franklin