A brisk start for the six skippers with 12 to 15 knots. Definitely B rig and sailing a windward and return course north south along the bank, After four races the course was changed to windward and return to the centre channel and we all changed to A rig.
John P sailed very well as the scratch starter, everyone had a turn at winning except Andrew R W who encountered winch problems. Thank you to Russell G for catering and cooking, to Andrew R for scoring and directing the Buoybots and cooking, to Dale S for getting the rescue boat ( was luckily not required). The A fleet scoring system worked flawlessly. John McL has some refining to do on the fence based storage desk/compartment. A good day in pleasant company.
John McLachlan
Fun, Fun, Fun, till Daddy took the IOM away (Beachboys song – or was it “T Bird”)
Fabulous sailing at our trial day last Sunday. The small trial fleet, good to see Jimmy back sailing again, was treated to an excellent day’s racing. The course was set using the BuoyBots (remote controlled rounding marks). We had a RIB on standby for rescues.
Our trial day was testing 3 aspects when considering future events for this venue:
Racing commenced about 11.30am in a very steady NE breeze 5-10 knots. The wind strength increased to around 20 knots by 1pm. At that time the sailboards and kites arrived.
We took a break for lunch and changed to B rigs (those that had a B rig). The was ‘wind shelter’ near the yacht club fence where rigs could be changed without being flogged. We completed the day’s racing with match racing/tuning between Andrew and Peter (only ones with B rigs).
Peter Sherwood said that he was having so much fun, “I am not leaving until the tide goes down”
The sailboarders/kites were very cooperative and sailed well above our course. So now we have proved that sailboarders/kites are not an issue with NE breezes. Previously we trialled June winter westerlies and there was no issue with the sailboards and kites. We have yet to trial the summer, prevailing, South Easterly winds. It is shaping up as a future venue, subject to tides and wind direction.
It is worth noting that the sailboards/kites are not present in light winds.
The BuoyBots were fabulous. Held position and very manoeuvrable in the strong winds and waves. Adjusting the course was a soda and the new return to shore feature saw the BuoyBots drive themselves back to shore (simple flick of a switch) after racing was completed.
Parking was a bummer. Full by midday as the sailboards/kites arrived to enjoy the 20-25knot wind.
I will talk to the council about the use of the access road adjacent the street parking.
Steady winds, up to one metre waves, high elevation – fantastic racing.
Thanks to everyone for helping with the trial.
