Race Results 19 October 2024
Five boats contested the second Spring Series heat on the southeast course, with Australia rounding Shark Island one second ahead of Tangalooma and the leading four tussling closely down to Kurraba.
SFS Race Report 19 October 2024 Spring Series Ht 2 SECOND RACE OF THE 2024-2025 SEASON
Five boats lined up to contest the second heat of the Spring Series in puffy sou’easter that was softening and backing easterly at Kurraba where the start had been set for the No. 3 South East course. By start time the decision was that the south east course would remain as set and so Tangalooma, the limit boat, led the fleet away on the work to Clark Island.
From Clark Island, it can be a tight shy run to Taylor Bay and an opportunity for the scratch boats to make inroads. But with the breeze remaining steady at 10-12 knots, the fleet rounded in starting order. With the choice of going east, or tacking early towards the south and then coming back closer to the Island, the fleet spread out with Australia doing best and rounding Shark Island first, just 1 second inside Tangalooma. They were followed 2 minutes 20 seconds behind by Top Weight with Alruth a further 2 minutes behind. Yendys trailed the fleet with a lot to do if she were to catch the leaders. On the three-quarter shy run down to the Kurraba mark, there were signs that the breeze was strengthening and veering towards the south. Most boats set masthead spinnakers (or on the case of one skiff, a masthead kite from the peak) with all of the first four boats very close and tussling for the lead. Spinnakers were dropped early at Kurraba and Australia rounded in the lead just 4 seconds ahead of Tangalooma. Top Weight and Alruth rounded a minute later with Yendys closing under its peak head kite, but with a lot still to do.
With the breeze now SSE and up around 15 knots, skippers need to decide whether to tack early at Kurraba or head south and delay the tack when into the ebb tide near Fort Denison. Heading in to close to Garden Island can be a problem though with holes in the breeze that can mean slow progress. So it was, with the boats heading out into the middle of the channel doing the best. The best of those was Alruth who, by the rounding at Clark Island had caught Australia. They were followed by Tangalooma and Top Weight who rounded together a minute behind. Yendys, still trailing, was just over a further 2 minutes back.
All photos courtesy of Barley Stewart!
On the run home, the breeze was now a true southerly blowing 12 -15 knots with stronger gusts. Alruth had been well sailed all day and having passed the leaders on the run crossed the line first almost a minute ahead of Australia. Tangalooma finished a close third with Top Weight just missing out on the podium in fourth place. Yendys, under her big spinnaker, had to flag her kite to the finish, but made up time to finish only 30 seconds behind Top Weight. So, credit to the handicappers with the fleet finishing within 2 minutes of one another. Back at the clubhouse and with the boats away and warm showers reviving spirits, it was a great joy to be back on our deck (note “our deck”) for the presentation and good fellowship that brings us all together each Saturday. And it’s on again next week. See you at the Squaddie!