Race Results – 26 February 2022
Six skiffs opened the Autumn Point Score in a light easterly during Sydney's prolonged rain event, starting off Kurraba Point before a fresh NE change arrived under dark clouds on the first beat.
SFS Race Report Sat 26th February 2022 by Bob Chapman, 28 Feb 2022. Race 16 of the 2021-22 Season, Race One of the Autumn Point Score and Day 5 of Sydney’s (and the east coast) “big wet” constant rain event. Six skiffs were on hand for today’s race, almost afloat in the soggy boat park, and for some reason there was a shortage of crew and interested spectators on the scene. 3 skiffs rigged for light air conditions, the others were a bit more conservative in their rig choice, a difficult decision, there appeared to be very little wind from the east all morning and the serial nature of the rain showers did not help. Some skiffs raced without their preferred number of crew with all skiffs out on the water early and ready to race, probably one advantage in putting on your sailing gear before rigging the boat. The race got underway from a handicap start off Kurraba Point on the no.2 East Course (first time this season) into light easterly breeze and the onset of some very dark rain clouds on the horizon. The tide was running in, but the accumulated storm water was running out (ie fresh water sliding over the top of the salt water). There would be no issues with wayward pleasure craft on the harbour today. Aberdare was first away off 17 mins, then Top Weight (14), Scot and Tangalooma (both on 12), Australia IV (9) and Yendys on scratch. Halfway up the first beat to Shark Island the skiffs encountered the new wind under the approaching dark clouds, it was fresh and from the NE. The breeze got quite fresh, 20 kts in the puffs, some skiffs coped better than others, while those on the left side of the beat gained an advantage to sail a more direct course to the northern end of Shark Island.
Scot with a bit on, working up to Shark Island.
Courtesy Wayne and Michael on the Killo.
Top Weight was first to round Shark Island for the run to Kurraba followed by Aberdare, Australia IV, Scot, Yendys and Tangalooma. Some skiffs set spinnakers and enjoyed a fast ride but sailing well below the course required to make the mark at Kurraba with the breeze now in the NE. The skiffs under spinnaker were forced to drop early and approach the mark under main & jib.
Top Weight prepares to round at Shark Island.
Courtesy Wayne and Michael on the Killo.
Top Weight was first to round at Kurraba for the reach to Clarke Island, with a substantial lead from Australia IV, Aberdare and Yendys. Scot was next skiff to Kurraba, sailing short-handed and a little over-canvassed for the conditions, then attempted a round-turn rather than gybe but the situation got the better of them and they suffered a terminal fill-up. Final skiff to the Kurraba mark was Tangalooma, they were also struggling under big sails and limited crew and decided to retire and return to the club.
Australia IV approaches the Kurraba mark.
Courtesy Wayne and Michael on the Killo.
Australia IV has rounded at Kurraba while Aberdare, Scot and Yendys make their approach. Courtesy Adrienne Jackson. Meanwhile the remaining four skiffs enjoyed a fast main & jib reach to Clark Island. Top Weight continued to lead and was first to round Clark Island for the beat up to Shark Island followed by Australia IV, Yendys and Aberdare. The skiffs encountered fresh and puffy conditions on the beat up to Shark Island with Aberdare doing it tough under big sails while the other 3 skiffs were more suitably rigged for the conditions. Top Weight was first to round at Shark Island for the tight run to the finish off Kurraba Point, followed by Yendys, Australia IV and Aberdare. The 3 leading skiffs set reaching spinnakers for the beginning of this run. Unfortunately, Aberdare had an issue during the gybe after rounding the mark wherein their race ended with a swim and a tow to Lady Martin’s beach. Meanwhile the remaining skiffs carried spinnakers part of the way down the reach and then completed the leg to the finish under main & jib, with Australia IV making a sneaky ringtail set in the process. Top Weight went on to complete the course and record a well-deserved win by 4 mins from Yendys and Australia IV. Well done to all crews and the race support team.
Top Weight crosses the finish line.
Courtesy Adrienne Jackson.
With thanks to our on-water support team of Barley, Stewart, Chuck, Robert and Michael, along with FM Rob and team on WB 379, crew sign-in by Tomoko. No B-B-Q today, it was just a bit too damp. However, a special thankyou to the “anonymous donor” along with Adam, Mia and the Foys Team for their generous gesture in putting on a post-race spread, it went down a treat. We look forward to seeing you down at the Squaddie next week.
Results for Sat 26th February 2022. Race 16
Skiff Top Weight Yendys Australia IV Tangalooma Scot Aberdare The Mistake Britannia Alruth Australia Myra Too
Skiff Aberdare Alruth Australia Australia IV Britannia Myra Too Scot Tangalooma The Mistake Top Weight Yendys
26-Feb-22
Skipper A. Robertson I. McCrossin T. Stewart N. Turbit J. Watt J. Tickner
Season Point Score 27 0 0 43 21 0 38 27 41 13 25
Race Hcap 0:14 0:00 0:09 0:12 0:12 0:17 0:02 0:14 0:15 0:06 0:07
Hcp Start
East Course
Start Time 14:16:00 14:30:00 14:21:00 14:18:00 14:18:00 14:13:00 DNC DNC DNC DNC DNC
Finish Time 16:02:22 16:06:11 16:08:26 RTD DNF DNF
Autumn Point Score 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 0 6 5
Ringtail Point Score 1
8 7
5 2 6
E/NE
10-23 kts
Race Time 1:46:22 1:36:11 1:47:26
H'cap Time 1:32:22 1:36:11 1:38:26
New Hcap 13 0 10 12 12 17 2 14 15 6 7
Ring tail
Seabreeze.com wind data for Sat 26th Feb 2022. -----------------------------