Race Results 30 November 2024
Only four skiffs faced the starter for Spring Series Heat 7, with Yendys again fastest, while the club hosted the 12 footer NSW Championships and borrowed the Rippleside as start boat with the Killo under repair.
SFS Race Report 30 November 2024 Spring Series Heat 7 HISTORICS, 12 FOOTER NSW CHAMPIONSHIPS and a THUNDERSTORM Perhaps it is the time of the year. But it was very disappointing to see only four boats face the starter for Saturday’s race. A combination of vital boat repairs and crew shortages were no doubt to blame. But so too was a need to co-ordinate better among skippers to combine short crews when that occurs. The Commodore is addressing the problem.
SFS Commodore, Terry Stewart, taking command of things. Photo thanks to Bazza Watson.
Despite the gloomy weather, the Park looked a treat with the 18s rigging next to a dozen 12 foot skiffs who were being hosted by the Squaddie for the second half of their NSW Titles. These are high tech boats these days and are crewed by very experienced skiff sailors who occasionally make their way into both the modern and historic 18s. We certainly enjoy having them at the Sydney Flying Squadron.
Top Weight. Photo thanks to Bazza Watson
Yendys (fastest on the day...again). Photo thanks to Bazza Watson
For the second week in a row, our start boat, the Killo, was out of action as we awaited parts for the gearbox that was damaged when Killo overran old mooring lines when a pile collapsed. Arrangements were made with the Double Bay A18s for the Rippleside to be available to handle the handicap start for the H18s and the ISAF start for the 12s. We are very grateful for the cooperation from John Winning and the A18s for this support for our sailors.
Our Race officers on Rippleside. Photos thanks to Renata Zanetti.
Another weekend on the No.1 NE course, saw Tangalooma first away, followed by Australia and Top Weight. Yendys (desperately in need of some stiff competition) was scratch boat conceding between 12 and 18 minutes to the rest of the fleet. The breeze was fluctuating as is usual at this time of the year and averaging between 15 to 18 knots, with some holes of less than 10 knots.
15 minutes after Yendys started, the 12s made a perfect and spectacular start with almost the entire fleet crossing the line with only seconds to spare. For the first lap, the 18s maintained their starting order. Tangalooma was sailing well and by the gybe at Shark Island had maintained a tiny gap to Australia who was threatening to close that by the next mark. Top Weight was also closing and Yendys seemed to have a slow spinnaker drop, having taken a wider than usual turn at Shark Island.
Photo thanks to Renata Zanetti
At the bottom mark at Clark Island, Tangalooma led Australia by a minute. Top Weight had made up good ground until near the mark, in the drop, a spinnaker sheet lassoed one of the Laser marks causing her to overstay the mark and lose around 3 minutes (and the race more than likely) while sorting that out.
Photos thanks to Renata Zanetti
Around the Chowder Bay mark, Tangalooma and Australia were dead level but another gybe at Shark Island saw Australia , under a masthead kite between the Islands, take the chocolates from Tangalooma. Top Weight took third place, a further 3 minutes behind. Yendys meanwhile had stormed home under a peak head kite 2 minutes back, but with fastest time by nearly 8 minutes from Top Weight.
One boat or two? Australia and Tangles at the Chowder Mark. Photo thanks to Renata Zanetti
The starters were left to finish the 12s, which saw Nick Press and “Noddy” Hay score a close victory and a mortgage on the NSW Title. The 12s are heading off to NZ for the Interdominions at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (well known to 18 footer old salts) in Auckland January 4-11 and we wish them great success.
Photos of the 12 footers taken by legendary Race officer, SFS life member, Chuck!
Thanks to SFS Vice Commodore, Marshall Flanagan for the club posters that he provided for the cherubs last week and the 12 footers this week.
Thanks to all our volunteers, we can’t do it without you!!
Past SFS Treasurer, Al (Robbo) Robertson keeping the crews fed. Photo with thanks to Bazza Watson.
Vale to lovely Valerie Rees, wife of SFS Life Member, and past SFS Commodore, Billy Loader.
Our thoughts are with Bill and their families and friends at this sad time.
SOME IMAGES FROM SUNDAY
Above: Before the race on Sunday. Below: During the race on Sunday
Image from the BOM at 2:46 pm on Sunday